The Club can confirm that duo Ollie O’Neill and Jonathon Page have signed their first professional contracts.
The pair have been key cogs in the success of the Under-18s this season and have put pen-to-paper for the first time in their fledgling careers.
O’Neill, a Republic of Ireland youth international, has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing four goals. The reward came after signing his scholarship at the start of the season.
Page had marshalled the base of the Under-18 midfield expertly and has only missed one game for Steve Wigley’s side this season, that being his Under-23 debut in the defeat to Newcastle.
The ball-playing midfielders shared their delight after turning professional.
O’Neill commented: “I’m very happy to sign here, it’s something I’ve looked forward to and now that I’ve signed, I want to kick-on into the Under-23s squad and hopefully the first team in the future.
“The last few years at Under-15 and 16 were tough with injuries but as soon as I’ve been getting into a rhythm of regular game time this season, this moment didn’t seem too far away.”
Page added: “It feels good to have finally signed a professional deal. I’m really looking forward to extending my stay here. I’d like to push myself and take small steps to first go into the Under-23s, and then see what I can do at first team level.”