BURTON Albion have agreed a deal to sign Charles Vernam from Grimsby Town.
The 23-year-old has agreed a two-year deal to join the Brewers and becomes Jake Buxton’s second new signing as manager.
Vernam started his youth career at Scunthorpe United, before joining the Derby County Academy in 2013. He signed his first professional contract with The Rams two years later, where he also experienced football abroad out on loan at Icelandic side ÍBV.
After loan spells at both Coventry and Grimsby, Vernam secured a two-year deal with The Mariners in July 2018.
After a brief spell out on loan at National League side Chorley, it was well documented that Vernam played a big part in the revival of Grimsby’s fortunes last season under Ian Holloway. The youngster netted 10 times in 36 appearances during the 2019/20 campaign, including a hat-trick in the 3-2 away win over Colchester United. He also picked up two Sky Bet League Two accolades during February, winning both the Goal of the Month and PFA fans’ player of the month awards.
Vernam expressed he is delighted to be joining the Brewers and is now itching to showcase his talents in League One. He said: “It’s a really positive step for me in my career and I’m grateful to Burton Albion for giving me this opportunity.
“I know the manager (Jake Buxton) well from my time at Derby County, so I understand both the type of character and player that he wants to have around the club. I am happy that he believes I fit in both categories.
“I had a really positive end to my time at Grimsby and I felt that I was playing some of the best football of my career. I am now looking forward to taking that into the coming season.
“I can’t wait to get back out on the pitch wearing a Burton shirt and I want to repay the faith that the manager and club have shown in me.”
Buxton had pinpointed Vernam as a key target and expressed that he is delighted to have the deal done and dusted. He said: “Charles was someone that we identified early doors and is another target that we’re very happy we’ve been able to bring to the club.
“I’ve worked with him in the past and he always impressed me at a young age. I started to notice him again after he had a short loan spell at Chorley in the National League, in which he returned to Grimsby in League Two and did fantastic under Ian Holloway last season.
“He’s another attacking option who can play through the middle or down the sides. He carries the ball well and has intent to take people on and get shots off on goal.
“As I will say to all the players, it’s going to be up to Charles to secure his place this season. He’s hungry to be successful at this level and if he can carry on from where he left off last season, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t score goals for Burton Albion.”