The under-21s defender has been with the old gold since the age of 11, rising through the ranks at Compton Park with his boyhood club.
Tipton was the heartbeat of the under-18s defence, before making the step up to James Collins’ 21s squad – at both age groups, he has adorned the armband and led by example, on and off the pitch.
The central defender, who can also play in midfield, has excelled since signing his first professional contract as a first-year scholar in December 2020 and academy manager for football, Jon Hunter-Barrett, says an extension of his contract is no less than what Tipton deserves.
“It’s always great to reward a player who’s been at the football club since 11 – he’s a player that’s definitely earnt it,” Hunter-Barrett said.
“He’s a strong personality and can also handle the ball. He’s been a really good leader as captain for the under-21s side.
“I’ve seen those leadership qualities since he was 11. His biggest strength is his leadership and what he actually brings to the dressing room and on the pitch. He’s committed to improving and learning.”
As with several others looking to make their mark in the academy, Tipton has been provided with first-team opportunities and exposure in recent months, which Hunter-Barrett feels has benefited the defender as he looks to progress further.
“He was fortunate enough to be one of the players to travel out to Marbella with the first-team, so he’s had that exposure. He’s benefitted from that and brought it back into the environment in terms of the way James Collins wants to play, which will be similar to the way Julen (Lopetegui) wants to play as well.
“At some point he’s going to have that exposure and that time to develop in a first-team environment.”
