Wolverhampton Wanderers produced the right results both on and off the pitch during 2008-09 with their Apprenticeship programme flourishing and boasting some impressive results.
Last summer saw the graduation of the Clubs 2007 Apprentice cohort of 11 players. The result, 11 full ASE frameworks and 7 professional contracts.
Of the seven who were rewarded with professional contracts all have shown huge promise. At the time of writing defender and Reserve team captain Danny Batth (pictured left) is proving to be an accomplished performed at the heart of Colchester United’s quest to regain Championship football while David Davis has replaced Batth as Reserve team skipper to good effect.
England Youth International Scott Malone has joined Southend United’s League One adventure after returning from a loan spell at Ujpest FC, whom he helped to a runners-up spot in the Hungarian Championship last season.
Tipped for a bright future by Mick McCarthy, the Wanderers boss, is keen to see Malone advance through the ranks into the first team picture at Molineux, he said:
“Scott is one of those coming through who has got a chance of playing football for us. Putting clichéd titles on them is not for me but Scott has got a really good opportunity to be a first-team player at Wolves. With help from us he’s got to make it happen.”
Pictured above: David Davis | Scott Malone | John Dunleavy
Other Wolves starlets include Ashley Hemmings who has already featured in the Wanderers first team squad and Kyle Bennett, Sam Winell and Republic of Ireland U18 captain John Dunleavy.
For Education and Welfare Officer Nick Loftus it is the hard work of the individuals that has made it all happen with a little direction from the Club, he said:
“It’s a great achievement to get all eleven players through the framework and obviously seven professional contracts is pretty much unheard of for one cohort of players but all the lads had a fantastic work ethic which helped us no end.”
“The likes of Scott Malone who was still doing his College work when he was out in Budapest at the end of last season, typifies the attitude that all of our players showed but at the same time we are here to support the lads in whatever they do.”
“It’s pleasing to see that the likes of Sam Winell and John Dunleavey are looking at the university option despite being a full time professionals and again this is something which as a Club we will continue to support.”
