Five second year Apprentices will become part of Lee Clark’s first team squad at Huddersfield Town next season after being offered professional deals.
(Pictured) Spencer Harris, Jack Hunt, Lewis Nightingale, Leigh Franks and Liam Ridehalgh have all been offered contracts with the Terriers first team due to their outstanding achievements during their two-year Apprenticeship.
Speaking to the Club’s official website, first team Manager, Clark, today commented on the contracts offered to the five young professionals,
“Myself, Graham, the staff at the Academy and here at the Stadium think that these young players could have a future at the Club.”
“They have played quite a bit of football for the reserves this season and they have all shown something at different times during their scholarships. As such, we are moving them into the professional setup to see how they handle it. We are hoping that in six months or a year’s time they will be able to compete at first team level.”
Eight of their fellow second year Apprentices have not been offered deals; defender Dave Pickering, midfielders Stephen Brook, Lewis Collinson, Luke Durham and Luke Williams, and strikers Danny Barlow, David Heagney and Chris Pert.
Clark continued:
“It is terrible for the other lads – it is one of the worst parts of Graham’s job when he has to inform youngsters that basically their dream here is at an end. However, these young boys have to realise that this is not the end of their career – they can go and bounce back somewhere else.”
Academy Manager Graham Mitchell explains,
“It’s the worst day of the year for us – I really don’t look forward to it. All of the second year scholars have worked very hard this year. We will try our best to help the boys who have been released to do what they want to in their future careers.”
“I am delighted for the five scholars who now have the opportunity with the first team setup. I expect them to work very hard and hopefully they can fulfil their potential.”
