Gainsborough Trinity have moved quickly to retain the spine of last season’s squad, with Lewis Butroid, Aaron Simpson, Harrison Beeden and Ashley Jackson all committing to the Holy Blues for the 2026/27 campaign.
After narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season, Russ Wilcox has wasted little time in ensuring continuity ahead of another push in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. The quartet represent experience, leadership and consistency, with all four playing key roles during a season that also brought strong cup runs and growing optimism around the Northolme.
Perhaps the most eye-catching retention is local midfielder Lewis Butroid, who is now closing in on 150 appearances for his hometown club. The 27-year-old enjoyed another productive campaign in 2025/26, scoring ten times in all competitions, including five league goals, while continuing to provide creativity from midfield.
Butroid has now delivered back-to-back seasons of double figures for both goals and assists, underlining his importance to Wilcox’s side. His versatility has long been valued, but his growing influence within the dressing room has become just as significant.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Butroid admitted remaining with Trinity was never really in doubt.
“It was a pretty easy decision to stay, I love it here and we are in a really good place to achieve something special.
“We have a really ambitious group and hopefully more of the lads follow in signing up for next season.”
The midfielder also spoke about his pride at representing his hometown club while balancing family life, with another child on the way this summer.
Alongside Butroid, full-back Aaron Simpson has also agreed to stay at the Northolme after another consistent campaign. The 29-year-old is now targeting 100 appearances for Trinity, having already amassed 85 outings since arriving after impressing during pre-season two years ago.
Simpson has become one of the side’s most dependable performers, offering balance on the right-hand side with his defensive reliability and willingness to get forward. His delivery and composure in possession have made him an important outlet, particularly during Trinity’s stronger runs of form last season.
“I’m just really happy to get it done. It was a no brainer for me personally, it’s been a great two seasons with the boys and I’m looking forward to getting back to work.”
Defensively, Wilcox has also secured another major piece of business by retaining centre-back Harrison Beeden. The 23-year-old proved to be one of the club’s most influential players last season, making 44 appearances and helping Trinity keep 15 league clean sheets.
Beeden’s season was briefly interrupted after suffering a broken nose at Guiseley on Boxing Day, but he quickly returned following surgery and remained a key figure throughout the second half of the campaign. Whether alongside Will Lancaster earlier in the season or Jack Leckie later on, the former Whitby Town and Lancaster City defender provided consistency at the heart of the back line.
He also contributed three goals, highlighting the aerial presence that has become a hallmark of Wilcox teams at both ends of the pitch.
“We had a successful season last year with the two great cup runs, but we did just miss out on the play-offs. It gives us a great building block going forward to next season.”
Rounding off the quartet is experienced defender Ashley Jackson, who has now surpassed 130 appearances for the club since initially joining on loan from Scarborough Athletic.
Jackson has become one of the most recognisable and popular figures within the squad, combining experience with leadership and personality. At 31, his role extends beyond the pitch, with Trinity clearly valuing his influence around the dressing room as much as his performances on it.
The left-sided defender made it clear that continuing with Gainsborough was an easy decision.
“As soon as I saw the call from Russ I knew what my answer was going to be.
“The hunger and desire is still there and I want to make sure that we get over the line this year after just missing out this year.”
For Trinity, these four renewals feel significant. Rather than rebuilding from scratch, Wilcox is keeping together the foundations of a side that competed strongly throughout 2025/26. With proven performers already secured, attention can now turn towards adding further quality as the Holy Blues look to turn promise into a genuine promotion challenge next season.
Comments Welcome!