Deal made it all worthwhile for Ross

ROSS Sykes says all of the hard work he has put in over the summer has paid off after signing a two-year deal with the club.

The 19-year-old has committed his future to Stanley after signing the deal, which also has the option of a further year.

His fitness has looked impressive during pre-season, and he has put that down to the extra work he was doing earlier this summer.

“I have been working hard. I was running on the beach, I have been going to the gym and I have come back sharper.

“I was determined to be in the best condition I can be as I want to step up to the first team this season,” he told the club’s official website.

“I was pleased with my performance against Huddersfield and Hyde – both were different games – but I felt I acquitted myself well.

“My big thing now is to be more vocal on the pitch but I think that will come with confidence. It’s good to have a longer term contract as I feel more settled. I want to get a start in the league, that’s my first aim.”

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, as manager John Coleman praised the youngster for his efforts over the last few weeks.

“I was really impressed with Ross in pre-season, his fitness work has been very good and he has been good on the ball in training,” said Coleman.

“He had a smashing game against Huddersfield and it was a polished performance against Hyde. He is heading in the right direction.

“I was looking for two centre halves but, with the form of Ross, I may only now bring in one which is a big boost. It would be great to get a local lad in the team as we haven’t had that for a while.”

If Sykes continues to impress throughout the campaign, he could potentially find himself lining up alongside fellow defender Mark Hughes this season, and Hughes says the rest of the team will now have to keep on their toes.

“Ross wants to learn, he is a good size and a good age and he is certainly good enough to play for Accrington in League One,” said Sykes.

“He has an old head on young shoulders and he will be pushing everyone for a place in the starting line-up which is what you want.”