Four second-year scholars signed up!
Following consultations between first-team manager Darrell Clarke, senior development coach Marcus Stewart, professional development phase coach Alan Walsh and academy manager Jonathan Henderson, we are pleased to announce that 4 of the current second-year scholars have been given professional contracts for next season.The players who have been given deals are...
Kieran Preston, joined the Academy 2 seasons ago from Nottingham Forest. The goalkeeper has this season been capped by Scotland at u19s level and has also been part of the first team squad.
Tyler Lyttle, who joined the program last season to having been released from Wolverhampton Wanderers at 16. The right back has been a near ever present for the u18s this season, and this season received the award for ‘Youth Team Player of the Year’. He has previously featured for the England U18s schoolboys.
Jay Malpas, joined the academy at 14. Has been heavily involved with the u18s for the past 2 seasons, and was this season’s U18s captain. The central Midfield player is currently recovering from a broken foot which has ruled him out since December.
Ryan Broom, who joined the academy at the age of 12.The versatile midfielder has featured consistently for the u18s over the past few seasons as well as making a number of appearances for the development squad.
Academy Manager Jonathan Henderson remarked: "We are really pleased to see the lads be offered deals for next season and it is a credit not only to the players but also to everyone in the academy.
"We felt that we had a strong group of players and that individually they were developing very well. It is no less than they deserve as they have worked so hard over the years.
"It’s also important to remember that not every club has a manager that takes a keen interest in the youth set up so the fact that another 4 players have progressed from the academy demonstrates the Club's commitment to developing young players.”
U18s Lead Coach Alan Walsh added "Congratulations to all of the boys. It’s a fantastic achievement to be offered a contract and one that they all deserve.
"They now have another challenge with the first team and the hard work and positive attitudes that they have shown over the past couple of years must continue to give them the opportunity to progress further. We all look forward to seeing how their careers develop over the next few years”
Meanwhile, Cameron Clarke, Mitchell Palmer, Louis Ezewele and Harrison Trueman have been unsuccessful in obtaining a professional deal for next season, whilst Laurent Davis-Wilson was offered a short term deal but has opted to pursue other options.
The Club would like to thank them for their efforts and the commitment they have shown whilst with the Academy and all leave with the Club's best wishes for the future.