Sharpe is handed professional deal by West Brom

WHADDON footballing prospect Thomas Sharpe has signed his first professional contract at West Bromwich Albion.

The 19-year-old has battled back from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered in an FA Youth Cup tie against Lincoln City, which ruled him out of action for more than a year.

His first appearance after recovering was in a 4-3 behind-closed-doors friendly win against Cheltenham Town in January, his first appearance at Whaddon Road. He grew up a stone’s throw away from the stadium and used to watch the Robins as a youngster.

Former Winchcombe School pupil Sharpe joined West Brom at the age of eight, having been spotted playing for FC Lakeside in a tournament after which a scout approached his parents and offered him a trial.

Sharpe was a defensive midfielder until three years ago, when he was converted into a central defender and he was made captain of his age group shortly before suffering his knee injury.

Sharpe has experienced playing with the likes of Gareth Barry, while he rates Phil Foden of Manchester City as the best he has faced so far.

He comes from a proud footballing family - his uncle is former Wolves and Robins star Mark Buckland and he is also related to ex-gloucester City captain Sam Avery.

Younger sister Sophie plays for Prestbury Phantoms Under-14s, with Robins great Buckland often there to show his support.

His dad was a skilful midfielder for Whaddon United and he still plays for Newton FC in Cheltenham League Division One, while his granddad Joey Cunneen runs Whaddon now, also in Division One.

Meanwhile, former Cheltenham Town academy player Dan Meredith, 20, has been released by the Baggies.

Slaven Bilic’s team lie second behind Leeds United in the Championship with five matches left, on course for a return to the Premier League.