Possible Clues:

• Contract that makes a ferryman redundant?
• Big read (anag) — shorten a text
• Reduce the word count of?
• Cut, while retaining the essential elements
• Something highway architect might be asked to design in contract
• Shorten Arsenal’s opening game
• Shorten for readers
• Trim sailor, somewhere high
• 'Contract' – a card game
• American to go over for contract