Huddersfield Town explain why Ben Hamer has been allowed to leave on a free transfer

Huddersfield Town have said they have allowed Ben Hamer to leave on a free transfer now rather than harm his chances of getting a move in the summer.
FREE TRANSFER: Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Ben HamerFREE TRANSFER: Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Ben Hamer
FREE TRANSFER: Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Ben Hamer

The former Leicester City goalkeeper has moved to Championship rivals Swansea City.

Last month Ryan Schofield outset Hamer as first-choice goalkeeper, and with his contract up at the end of the season, he was due to be released at the end of the season.

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Head of football operations Leigh Bromby has argued that keeping him on as second-choice might have damaged the 33-year-old's chances of finding a new club as a free agent in an increasingly difficult market for out-of-contract players.

“Ryan Schofield’s performances since breaking into the team would have resulted in a reduction in Ben’s future playing time, and we wanted to give Ben a chance to secure a contract with his running out at the end of the current season,” he explained. “With this in mind, this transfer made complete sense.”

Bromby praised Hamer as “a fantastic character who has done well for us this season” but he signed when Huddersfield were a Premier League side in July 2018, and the club's finances are in a very different place now. As well as almost eliminating matchday revenue at every club, the Covid-19 pandemic also saw the Terriers' parachute payment cut last season.

Moving Hamer on at that stage should free up funds for new signings with Carel Eiting's loan from Ajax expected to be cancelled after he underwent knee surgery and the loss of experienced centre-backs Richard Stearman and Christopher Schindler through injury. Tommy Elphick has only played 14 games for the club after cruciate knee ligament damage early in his first season, 2019-20.

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Hamer spent the last campaign on loan at Derby County, but began life under Carlos Corberan as the club's No 1. However a Covid-related absence followed by a groin strain allowed Schofield to take his chance, and he has been unable to reclaim his place. He leaves having made only 25 appearances for the club.

Joel Periera, on loan from Manchester United, will provide back-up to Schofield.

The Terriers have also appointed Ian Birtley as their new commercial director.

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