Newcastle United latest news: Three promising academy players have signed their first professional contracts with Newcastle United.
Newcastle United have confirmed that three of their academy players have signed professional contracts with the club.
Michael Mills, Alfie Hutchison and Oliver Goodbrand have all signed professional deals with Newcastle United to extend their stay at the club as they continue to impress in the club’s academy. All three players joined Newcastle United from other clubs in a bid to strengthen their academy ranks with the view of introducing them to the first-team in the future.
That is a policy that Newcastle United have adopted in recent seasons as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the elite clubs in England who prioritised youth development at a time where, under previous ownership at St James’ Park, that was an afterthought. Whilst Mills, Hutchison and Goodbrand are yet to feature in Eddie Howe’s first-team squads this season, or during pre-season, they will hope that they can continue to impress at academy level over the next couple of years.
Mills, who joined Newcastle United from Port Vale as a 14-year-old,told the club’s website:“I'm pleased because it shows all the work I've been putting in over the years has come together to then be offered a contract. I know the work's not finished and I have to keep going.
"The move to Newcastle has helped me mature a lot. There's been a lot of ups and downs with two injuries (toe and hamstring) that have never happened to me before.
"They have helped me grow mentally and persevere through difficult moments. I've developed quite easily on the pitch and think I'm getting closer to Newcastle's playing style.
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"It's a big jump to play under-21s football but I feel those challenges will be good for my development."
Ex-Rangers duo sign professional Newcastle United deals
Goodbrand and Hutchison, meanwhile, both moved to Tyneside from north of the border. Both players came through the ranks at Scottish giants Rangers and are looking to make their name in the north east of England.
Hutchison, who made his Premier League 2 debut for Newcastle United last month, said: "Signing my first pro contract is a big accomplishment and something I've been working towards ever since I started playing football. I'm over the moon.
"This club is really promising and the standards are really high. There's a lot of good coaches and staff, even the cooks and cleaners. It's in great shape and makes me want to stay here for as long as I can.”
Goodbrand added: "Wearing the armband and captaining the under-17s is a big privilege to have. There's a lot of boys fighting for that spot so I need to continue working hard and making sure I give myself the best possible chance.
“I'm really pleased to sign my first professional contract. I've worked really hard for it. I came here over six months ago so I'm buzzing to get it signed. It's a proud moment.
"I always had a good feeling about the club when I arrived and met the staff. They were all great so it made the decision a lot easier.”
Academy director Steve Harper, someone who knows very well the feeling of signing a first professional with Newcastle United, said: “Michael, Oliver and Alfie have all shown real commitment to their development since arriving at the Academy, and this is an important milestone for each of them.
“They’ve each come to us from different environments, but all three have embraced the standards we set, on and off the pitch, and their attitude has been first class.
"Signing a first professional contract is only the start, of course, but they’ve earned this opportunity through the hard work they have shown since arriving with us. We’re looking forward to supporting them as they continue to progress through our pathway.”
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