Brentford defender Josh Clarke has signed a new contract, extending his stay at Griffin Park for a further two years. The 22-year-old would have been out of contract tomorrow, Thursday 30 June, but has signed a new deal. The two-year contract will see the speedy right back, who can also play further forward, remain a Brentford player until the summer of 2018.

Josh has been with The Bees since 2011. He was given a scholarship after being spotted playing what was effectively park football and turned professional in 2013. Josh made his league debut in April 2014, having previously played in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and Capital One Cup. He played 11 Sky Bet Championship games for Brentford last season, making 12 appearances in all competitions.

Josh played a further ten during a loan spell at Barnet last season, also scoring three goals, his first in professional football. He has also had loans at League Two Dagenham and Redbridge and Stevenage during his time with The Bees and non-league sides Maidenhead United, Carshalton Athletic and Braintree Town. He has played a total of 15 Brentford matches, 12 of them in the league.

Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “I’m pleased that a new contract for Josh has been sorted. He finished last season really well and his role now is to carry that on. He has to continue developing, learning and to continue the work ethic that has seen him rewarded with a new contract.”