SWINDON Town striker Harry Parsons has signed a 'new and improved' contract at the County Ground, the club has announced.

Parsons signed his first professional contract in June after graduating from the club's academy, but according to a story in The Athletic, the deal was declared null and void due to former CEO Steve Anderson leaving before July 1 - the date in which the two-year contract was set to begin.

The 18-year-old was then reportedly asked to fill out trialist forms which allowed him to continue training and playing for Town in the first four pre-season friendlies.

The above was necessary because - until July 21 - there was no one left at the County Ground who had the authority to sign off any significant paperwork.

With a new owner and a handful of senior board members now in place, the striker has agreed a legitimate contract on better terms with his home-town club.

Town say the new deal "reflects Harry’s progression within the first-team group and is a reward for his fantastic recent development."

The 18-year-old attacker made his first-team debut in the EFL Trophy at Bristol Rovers back in 2019 before making his EFL debut as a second-half substitute in the 4-2 defeat away to Crewe Alexandra in December 2020.

In a statement on Town's website, Parsons said: "I am extremely delighted to sign a new deal with the club. It is my boyhood team and I am looking forward to continuing to work hard and get that started this season."

Meanwhile, director of football Ben Chorley said: "Harry's been with us since age of seven, and both himself and his family are part of the fabric of the club.  "After having dialogue with his parents earlier this week, the owner, the head coach and myself felt it was only right to reward Harry for his hard work and commitment to the club.

"I would also like to place on record my thanks to Macca (Alan McLoughlin) and the rest of the academy staff who have played an integral part in Harry’s development up to this point."