Rochdale striker Matthew Gillam has signed his first professional contract, penning a one-year deal with the option of an extra year.
The 18-year-old, who was shortlisted for LFE League One Apprentice of the Year, bagged 22 goals this season for Dale’s academy side and made a memorable impact on his senior debut at Hartlepool in the EFL Trophy as he scored in a 2-1 win.
“I’m delighted to have signed my Rochdale contract,” Gillam told the club website. “For the last two years I’ve been working towards trying to get offered one and I’m delighted to have signed it.
“I can’t wait for pre-season, because the work has already started for me as I get prepared before pre-season for a big year ahead.”
Gillam follows in the footsteps of first-year scholar Aaron Morley, who penned a two-year deal in March.
Morley, still only 17, has played six times in the senior side, including twice in the league since featuring in LFE’s October edition of ‘The 11’.
