YOUNG MIDFIELDER SPARROW TO DEPART BET365 STADIUM

TOM Sparrow is leaving Stoke City to kickstart his senior career after seven years at the club.

The midfielder, now aged 21, has always been a favourite of coaches thanks to his work rate, energy and dedication and he was called upon by then-first team boss Michael O’neill a couple of years ago. He made four appearances in all at right wing-back, a debut in an end of season draw with Coventry and then in three games at the start of the 2022/23 season.

He continued his development with loans at Hamilton Academical, who he helped win the Scottish Challenge Cup, and Chester while captaining Stoke’s under-21s when he was back at headquarters.

But he will leave the club when his contract comes to an end this summer and look to find regular football at a place he can call home. “Another season done and the end of my time at Stoke City,” he wrote on social media.

“Joining the club seven years ago at 14 years old, and getting through to have had the chance to represent the club in the first team is something I’m extremely proud of and thankful for. Thank you to all the players and staff I have worked with that have made it so enjoyable and taught me so much not only as a footballer but as a person. “There are some brilliant people who work behind the scenes every day and I’ve made relationships that I will have for a long time.” Teammates including Tyrese Campbell, Nathan Lowe and Tommy Simkin have been among the hundreds of replies wishing him well for the next chapter.

Stoke kit man Luke Purcell summed up the comments saying: “Won’t meet a nicer, honest, harder work lad in football.”

Sparrow is among a group of about 18 players in the under-21s and under-18s who are coming to the end of their current terms. There will be decisions made about nine senior players too, including longestserving first teamer

Campbell.