Two promising youngsters from the Fleetwood Town youth setup have been handed first year professional terms.
Two promising youngsters from the Fleetwood Town youth setup have been handed first year professional terms.
Richard Wright and Jake Parker are both midfielders and have spent the last two years playing for Town youth and studying a BTEC qualification.
Jake, an attacking midfielder, said the news hadn’t yet sunk in.
“I’m still in a bit of shock at the minute. Finding out this good news is like a dream come true.”
Richard, a holding central midfielder, said the first team manager handed the duo the news and said he has benefitted from the two-year experience.
“Graham Alexander gave us both the news this morning. Personally, I've enjoyed my time. It’s been hard a times but all the hard work has now paid off.”
Jake, from Middleton, has seen the quality of opposition change during his time as a youth player.
“As the club moved into the Football League our own opposition has changed. First of all we were up against non-league clubs but this year we have been playing youth teams from Championship clubs and the
like.”
“The standard of football has been a lot better,” added Richard.
The players recognise the importance of the academic side of their two-year BTEC course which runs alongside the football.
“The lessons were very important. If the work wasn't done then there wasn't an opportunity to train with the first team. It's just as important,” said Richard.
Jake added a word of advice for the new intake. “Make sure you work hard and always put 100%. It's all about taking care of yourself and not just going out all the time.”
The two youngsters have around 8 weeks before they join the ranks of the first team in pre-season training but say they will use the time wisely.
“I’ll probably celebrate tonight, have a break and then start working on the fitness again in a few weeks so I'm ready for pre-season,” said Jake.
Fleetwood-based Richard, who attended Cardinal Allen Catholic High School, has similar plans. “I'll have a few weeks off but then start the hard work in good time for pre-season. We will be given a fitness
guide to follow throughout the summer and hopefully hit the ground running in July.
“I'm a Fleetwood lad and it's what everyone wants to see. I'm proud to be part of the senior squad at my hometown
