Norwich City goalkeeper Jon McCracken has signed a new contract, keeping him at the club through to the summer of 2024.
“Obviously I’m delighted,” he told canaries.co.uk. “As soon as there was any talk, I was keen to get it done. I’m buzzing to get it and hopefully it will be another good two and a half years.
“It’s coming up to six seasons (since joining the club). I’ve been through the ranks with the Under-18s, Under-23s and the first-team.
“I’m loving it, it’s great and it’s good to see the many lads before me who have made it as professionals. Hopefully I can follow them and keep up that path into the first-team squad.”
During his time at the club, McCracken has worked with a number of coaches and physios, particularly during a long-term injury he suffered during 2019/20.
“The club gives you loads of help behind the scenes with the physios, who are top,” he said. “It’s a great Category One academy.
“It’s hard being out for a season, but the club help you with every aspect. Credit to them for giving you the support that you need.
“I’m forever grateful to all the coaches I’ve had throughout my journey here. A lot have come and gone but it’s been great. It’s a really close family at the club. Everyone knows everyone.”
Ed Wootten, first-team goalkeeping coach, is someone McCracken works with closely every day, and Wootten takes a lot of pride in McCracken's progress.
“I’m delighted for Jon because he’s worked extremely hard over the last 12-24 months to earn a new contract," he said. "He’s had some injury problems in the past, which he’s managed to overcome, and he’s now put himself into a position where he’s an extremely strong goalkeeper who’s been in and around our squad since pre-season.
“He’s not only impressed the staff, but the manager as well. He’s very much in our thoughts to push forwards and be part of our squad, so I’m really pleased for him.
“His long-term goal will be to either push into our squad or get out on loan next season and get some game time there. In the short term, it will be to continue to push to be involved in our squad and to keep his standards as high as they can be and keep improving so that when he does get an opportunity, he’s able to take it."
For now, McCracken has his sights firmly set on contributing in any way he can to keeping Norwich City in the Premier League.
“When the gaffer and Shakey came in, results picked up and then there were a few tough games against great opponents who, on their day, most teams would struggle against to beat,” he reflected.
“Coming into the crunch time of the season, hopefully the boys can get the results we need to stay in the league. That’s the objective everyone wants.
“Personally, to get games is important, it’s massive, whether it’s for the 23s or going on loan in the summer and seeing what happens.”