Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce that young centre forward Will Russ and left-back Josh Edwards will join up with our Development Squad for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
19-year-old Russ – who officially joins the club on 1 July – has signed up with the Cods after finishing his two-year scholar and his first-year professional contracts at the Foxes, and even featured twice for the Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy against Accrington Stanley and Barrow.
Russ – who has signed a two-year contract, and with the club holding an option for a further year – was first brought to the Fylde Coast on trial as he played in Town’s Central League fixture against Preston North End at the end of last season.
Edwards, who is a local player from Poulton-le-Fylde, joins the Development Squad from newly-promoted EFL side Stockport County on a two-year contract.
The 18-year-old left-back played for Stockport Town last season on loan, as well as Northern Premier side, Stalybridge Celtic, and comes with an attacking pedigree to work alongside the current players and our coach, Stephen Crainey.
Jack Higgins, Academy Manager, said on the signings: “We are looking forward to having Will and Josh in the building and feel both players will be a good fit for our Development Squad for the upcoming season.
“We saw in the game against Preston that Will has a willingness to work hard and make life difficult for defenders, he can bring others into play and help us play higher up the pitch. He comes into the Development Squad at a good age and we can’t wait to start working with him and push him towards our first-team.
“With Josh, he’s a local boy and it’s exciting for us to be working with someone who knows the area as well, and comes highly rated. He’s had some good exposure to senior football last season and we are really looking forward to supporting his development further.”
Welcome to the Cods, Will and Josh!