Young full-back Josiah King said there was no better way to spend his 17th birthday than sign his first professional contract after seven years in our academy.
The attack-minded full-back has been with us since under-10s, working his way through the age groups to put pen to paper on his senior contract.
“It's something I've been dreaming about for a long time," King said. "So it's always good to achieve something that you've always wanted to achieve. So I'm happy about that.
“It's a good day to celebrate my birthday. It’s in the top one birthdays, for sure.”
Josiah, who has been capped at the youth level for England, impressed at the start of the season in the under-18s and under-21s.
Having been in our academy system for more than seven years, Josiah is confident that this is the best place for his development.
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“They prepare you well to come to Colney [from Hale End], because I think especially the last season, bringing the under-16s over for day release, you already get a of a taste of what you're going to get when you come here, so it's good prep.
“I think they've got my best interests. They've taught me a lot. I've been here a long time, so I'm ready to continue the journey with them.”
Josiah has tested himself in the EFL Trophy and the UEFA Youth League this season as he continues his development.
The full-back initially started as an attacker, but the teenager has found his home in the backline.
He said: “I think my playing style is a bit mixed with attacking and defending because I was naturally an attacker in the earlier stages. Then I started playing right back, midway through my journey. It's a good balance between attacking and defending. I like to go 1v1 attacking and defending. It's a good mixture.
“I think it's a position where you can still show a lot of ways to express yourself. Whether that's being up in the opposition's half or getting out of tight spaces in your half as well. So it’s good."
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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