Three youngsters offered a chance by the U's
Oxford United are pleased to have offered first professional contracts to three of their scholars.
Manny Agboola, Malachi Napa and Shandon Baptiste have all been told that they will be offered pro deals this summer, the first two for a year and Shandon for six months to give him a chance to impress after missing the second half of the 2016/17 season with a shoulder injury.
Head Coach Michael Appleton said;
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them. They are all good young players with great attitudes and they deserve their chance to train with us and be part of the first team squad next season.
“Manny is a big strong goalkeeper who has already been on the bench for the first team and I know that Goalkeeping Coach Wayne Brown thinks very highly of him. With Jack Stevens here as well that maybe gives us a chance to get one or both of them out on loan to play senior football. Malachi is a lively winger who has bags of skill and pace, and Shandon is a really promising central midfielder. He has been a bit unlucky with injuries but one we felt deserved more time to show us what he can do.
“With Canice Carroll already stepping up into the first team it’s another good year for the Youth Development team and shows what great work Leon Blackmore Such, Andy Whing and all the coaches and staff do on that side of the club.”
Not all scholars can be taken on and so, sadly, we would like to thank Charlie Tuttle, Charlie Hawtin and Joe Hartley for their hard work over the last two years. All three have been told that they will not be offered professional contracts but the club has given them the opportunity to impress at exit trials this summer.
Coach Leon Blackmore Such said:
“It’s the hardest part of the game, telling the lads they aren’t being taken on, made especially hard this year because they have been such good lads and an absolute credit to the club and to their families. All three of them have worked very hard and we sincerely thank them and wish them the best of luck in everything they do.”