TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa announced on Wednesday it had exercised its contract option on defender Johnny Fenwick, retaining one of the club’s mid-season acquisitions from the past campaign. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The Newcastle-upon-Tyne native joined Tulsa last August and earned meaningful minutes down the playoff stretch of the 2021 season. Fenwick made 13 appearances for the club, seven of which were starts. All seven starts came in the final seven matches of the season, including FC Tulsa’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs.

“Johnny came in late last season and became a steady fixture in our back line,” said Tulsa Head Coach Michael Nsien. “When you think of the back line, you want it to have some consistency. Johnny came in and was able to adapt right away and add many positive aspects. With a full preseason under his belt, Johnny should have a fantastic season.”

Before joining FC Tulsa, Fenwick was a mainstay on the back line for fellow Championship club Las Vegas Lights FC. He played every minute of the abbreviated 2020 season for Lights FC and will help to solidify the Tulsa defense in the upcoming season.

“When I signed with FC Tulsa midway through last season, I quickly realized that this was a very special place, and I knew right away that I wanted to be part of the future of this football club,” said Fenwick. “From day one, I have loved my time in Tulsa and am really happy and excited to be returning for the 2022 season. I’d like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity to represent FC Tulsa again this year. I will continue to give my all to make sure we deliver a successful season to the fans!”