Barnsley have announced that Academy youngster John Stones has penned a professional contract at Oakwell – running up until the summer of 2013.
Central-defender Stones, currently captains the Tykes U18 side who sit second in
Academy League Group D just behind leaders Newcastle United.
He becomes the third player from the current 2nd Year Apprentice cohort to have signed a professional deal at the club after Jordan Clark and Danny Rose penned deals earlier this year. All three of this group are originally from Barnsley.
Academy Manager Ronnie Branson, who has overseen John’s development since his arrival at Oakwell as a seven-year-old, said, “We’ve been really pleased with his development since he became an Apprentice at the football club. John is a true Barnsley lad and Barnsley supporter.”
“I often say that results aren’t the be all and end all of Academy football, all Academies ultimately strive to get players into the professional ranks and this is the third current scholar to sign a professional deal.”
“I’m very pleased for John and his family and also all the Academy staff who have had an impact on his development. What’s more exciting is the first-team Manager’s emphasis on developing young talent such as John – who I’m sure will have a bright future in the game.”
