AFC Bournemouth’s Youth Team boss Paul Groves has praised 1st Year Apprentice Josh Carmichael after the club offered the youngster his first professional deal.
The 17 year-old midfielder made his debut for the club in their 2-0 win at Exeter in September and has been rewarded for his quick development with the early an offer of a pro deal.
Carmichael, who has been at the club from the age of 10, will pen his new deal on the pitch ahead of Saturday’s League One game against Bury.
“I’m pleased for Josh as he has been a consistent performer during his time in the youth team as he was in the Centre,” Groves told the club’s website.
“He has shown great maturity in his time at the club and handled himself well.”
“It is important that the club have secured his signature because a number of clubs are sending scouts to youth matches and he was potentially being targeted and this brings protection for him and the club.”
“It’s a great credit to Josh that he has this deal, but also to the other lads in the group as well. It sends out a clear message that if a player is good enough at AFC Bournemouth, that will be recognised irrespective of age.”
