The Club is delighted to announce that Jayden Quashie, Bradley Slade and Sam Tabares have all signed their first professional contracts.
Jayden Quashie
A youngster who has progressed through the age groups, Jayden joined Fulham at the Under-10s stage.
The midfielder was a regular for Ali Melloul’s Under-18s side last term, while he made his first Under-21s start in a Premier League Cup tie against Leicester City. Jayden’s performances last season earned him his first cap for Grenada Under-20s back in February.
On signing his first pro deal, Jayden said: “I’ve worked hard to get this opportunity. It’s a big accomplishment for me and my family.
“I want to thank my friends and family for always supporting me, guiding me and allowing me to develop on the pitch.”
Bradley Slade
A left-sided defender, Bradley has been with us since the Foundation Phase and is another player who has progressed through the age groups.
That development continued last season as he played 15 times in the Under-18s Premier League. Bradley also got plenty of exposure to Under-21s football too, making four appearances in Premier League 2, with his first start for Hayden Mullins’ side coming in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea last November.
“It’s a great feeling to sign my first pro contract,” said Bradley. “I’ve spent over half of my life here but I feel like this is just the start for me.
“I’m going to put my head down and keep working hard from here.”
Sam Tabares
Last season was Sam’s first full campaign at Fulham, after signing his scholarship last year following a successful trial period at Motspur Park.
The young defender received plenty of minutes in his debut camapaign, featuring in 17 Under-18s Premier League games, as well as earning his Under-21s debut in January in a 3-1 win over Benfica in the Premier League International Cup.
“A lot of hard work has gone into this and I’m so pleased to have put pen to paper on this contract,” said Sam.
“The coaches have really pushed me during my time here and I’m now looking to establish myself in the Under-21s this season.”
Sean Cullen, Academy Director, added: “We are proud of all three lads as they move into the next part of their development journey. Jayden, Bradley and Sam consistently demonstrate our Academy values on and off the pitch which is always important to recognise.
“Jayden established himself in the Under-18s last season and made his debut for the Under-21s. Jayden is an industrious box-to-box midfielder, who works hard in all aspects of the position. He likes to be creative when in possession but is also tireless in trying to regain possession for the team when we are without the ball. We were all very proud of Jayden representing Grenada Under-20s and this capped a strong first season in the Professional Development Phase.
“Bradley has been with us since pre-academy and has continually raised his game at each step of the pathway. Despite an early injury setback, Bradley enjoyed an excellent first year in the PDP. He is a hardworking left-back, who is very difficult to beat one-v-one. The defensive side of his game is complemented by his willingness to get forward and support the attacking needs of the team.
“Sam is an athletic defender who enjoys the art of defending. He had a slightly unconventional route into our PDP programme, joining us as an Under-17 from the Bradfield College Football Programme. Despite the late entry into our environment, he has quickly adapted and become a key member of our Under-18s team.”
