Congratulations to Jordan Storey, Nick Grimes, Kyle Egan and Toby Down!
FOUR of Exeter City’s second-year scholars from their current Under-18s squad have been offered professional contracts with the club.Jordan Storey, Kyle Egan, Nick Grimes and Toby Down have all been offered pro deals, allowing them to join up with Paul Tisdale and his first-team squad ahead of the 2016/2017 season.
However, eight members of the Under-18s set-up - Kavanagh Keadell, Brandon Green, Scott Merritt, Steve Rogers, Mustafa Rehemi, Will Richards, Jamie Harkness and Frank Rosenwald, all of whom complete their two-year scholarships with the Grecians this summer - have not been offered contracts.
Four wins, two draws and four defeats meant City Under-18s ended the elite campaign in a respectable sixth position in the league standings.
Academy manager Simon Hayward admitted it was a difficult time for the players and staff surrounding the Under-18s squad.
"This is the proverbial bittersweet moment for the staff and players," he said. "For those who have been offered the deals, it is great to sit down with the players and their parents. But perhaps the sadness towards those individuals who didn’t earn a contract outweighs the joy.
"I would like to thank the unsuccessful eight players for their effort, time and commitment, because when you put into context how much effort the players, parents and coaches have applied themselves to the cause, it’s disappointing for everyone when they haven’t earned a chance to represent the club professionally.
"It’s at this difficult time that we at the club offer the support and guidance to those unfortunate players in helping them decide what is best for their futures. At eighteen years old they have to make some big decisions in life and we at the Cliff Hill Training Ground will try and support them all.
"I would to also say how pleased I am with the guys who have been given their chance. Now it is up to them to turn their opportunities into a successful career. They will have to find a way to break into the first-team, but that can be anything up to a two or three-year journey. But this is perhaps the toughest time as a professional, and they have got to be ready for it. I’m delighted they have got this far, but now they have to continue to work hard to continue that journey.”