We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Tom Pratt following his departure from Hyde United.
Forward Tom Pratt has joined Guiseley AFC from Hyde United where, over six seasons, he had become a cult figure due to the 100 per cent effort he puts into his game, writes Rachel O’Connor.
Manchester-born Pratt, 27, has played most of his career in the Manchester area having started out with Bury.
Of his first venture over the Pennines to play for a Yorkshire club Pratt said: “I have had six great years at Hyde United and they are a great club but it is time for a new challenge for me.
“I have known the Guiseley manager Paul Phillips for years and he has spoken to me before about a move but I have never taken the plunge until now. He has convinced me that Guiseley is a good fit for me. It is a good deal for me and I am looking forward to being in a team that should be challenging for promotion.”
He added: “I am looking forward to pre-season, well as much as any player looks forward to pre-season! It looks like Phillo and his management team will have the squad sorted fairly soon so hopefully we can get a flying start with training and then be ready when the league starts.”
Pratt is looking forward to forging a bond with the Guiseley fans similar to that which he had at Hyde. He explained: “I had a good link with the fans at Hyde and I am hoping to settle in and have the same at Nethermoor. I love spending time with fans after the game.”
The player can play on either wing, just behind the main striker or in centre midfield expressing himself to be happy to play anywhere he is asked to play.
He has set himself a target of scoring in double figures and getting promotion but mainly to enjoy his football adding “there is no point otherwise.”
Pratt will be linking up with a familiar face in fellow new signing Liam Tongue, having played with him at Hyde.
He made his professional debut for Bury on April 13th, 2013, in a 1-0 defeat to Oldham Athletic.
The player later went on loan to Mossley before leaving Bury having mutually terminated his contract on January 4th, 2014.
The 5ft 10 ins player then joined Ashton United on June 23rd, 2014, prior to a move to Trafford in June 2017.
Later that year he moved to Hyde United and has been there ever since, establishing himself as a first team regular and scoring 47 goals in 178 appearances and claiming the top scorer award in most of his seasons at Hyde.
Away from playing he enjoys watching his seven year-old son play for Hyde’s juniors and taking himself out for a round of golf.