Trio’s joy after penning pro deals
ACCRINGTON Stanley trio Lewis Gilboy, Matty Williams and Alex O’Neill have all shared their delight after they signed their first professional contracts with the club.
The players have been long-term members of the Stanley youth academy, and they’re looking forward to taking the next step in their respective careers.
Gilboy told the club’s official website “It’s exciting to sign a professional contract. I have learnt a lot since I have been here, both on and off the ball and developed my technical skills. I have been on the bench and trained with the first team so it’s all been good experience.”
“I scored three goals in the FA Youth Cup and that’s still the highlight of my career so far, I scored twice against Tranmere in the opening game and then once against Leeds United in our extra-time win.
Williams added: “I guess I got into it late but I am used to all the training and what’s expected of me now. It’s a dream to sign a professional contract, it’s what you want as a youngster. We have been mixing with the first team a lot and we train with them so we are picking up valuable experience.
“Also with having the Under-23s team this year, we will play more games.”
O’Neill said: “It’s a really good feeling, because it’s been my dream since I was a kid and to actually achieve that dream is a feeling you cant really describe.
“I’ve had setbacks, when I first signed for Accrington in the Under-15s, I broke my ankle and when I came back from that I just carried on playing.”
It means that four scholars have now turned professional during the summer, with goalkeeper Toby Savin also signing his first professional contract last month.
Meanwhile, Stanley defender Reagan Ogle has joined National League North side Southport on loan until January 2020.
The 20-year-old has come through the youth ranks at the Wham Stadium after leaving native country Australia to head to Accrington as a boy.
Ogle made his senior debut for Stanley in the EFL Trophy during the 2016/17 season, and he has made a total of seven appearances for the club.
The defender also spent time on loan at Southport last season, and he will join fellow Stanley defender Zehn Mohammed at the club.
DON’T miss your 2019/20 Stanley fixture card - FREE in next week’s Observer showed some good football as the game started to become an even contest in the middle of the park.
Just before the 20-minute mark, it was again a Trialist showing superb dribbling skills to weave his way through the Warrington defence, but his cross was headed over by Okera Simmonds.
The non-league side continued to ask questions of the Stanley defence, but it was a case of turning defence into attack for Coleman’s side moments later as a