Brad eager to learn in first-team environment
BRAD Wade is keen to soak up as much knowledge as he can from Rochdale number one Josh Lillis after signing his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year deal, with the option of a further year after an impressive season with the title-winning Youth Team.
The goalkeeper has been with the club since the age of 15, playing in three FA Youth Cup campaigns, and was a key member of the Youth Team as they lifted the EFL Youth Alliance League North West title last season.
The youngster said training with the first team last season had proven invaluable in his development and he’s hungry for more.
“Training with the first team has really helped me because I know the standards that are expected,” he told the club’s official website. “For the first few weeks you are just getting used to the pace of the ball. It was difficult but I felt I fitted in pretty well and I’m glad that I was given the opportunity to show what I can do.
“I know where I’ve got to be and what I need to do, and I’ve been working hard over the off-season to make sure I’m ready to go come pre-season.
“It has helped massively to train with the experienced goalkeepers at the club. Steve Collis (goalkeeping coach) has given me all the help I could possibly ask for,.
“Josh Lillis and Brendan Moore have been really good as well, giving me advice. Josh has played hundreds of games for Rochdale and is a great keeper and a good person too, so it’s good having someone like that around who you can learn from.”
Wade will be part of the squad travelling to Tenerife in a few weeks’ time for the club’s pre-season training camp.
“I can’t wait! I’ve heard it’s a tough week but that’s what pre-seasons need to be, getting you back into it. I feel like I’ve really improved over the seasons I’ve been here. The Youth Team have had a great year this year, winning the league and that has topped off what has been a brilliant two years for myself and all the other boys.
“We had a great bunch of boys this year – hard working, dedicated, committed. We worked really hard and to win the league on the final day of the season was brilliant.
“I feel I have developed and that is just through pure hard work, listening to the staff and all their comments. That’s why I think I have been offered the contract, because I have been working so hard to improve.”