Academy product Ojo signs pro deal with Glovers
YEOVIL Town’s young defender Daniel Ojo has become the second Academy product this week to sign a first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old has signed a contract until June 2021 at Huish Park to join fellow Academy product Gabby Rogers in committing his future to the Glovers.
After spending most of the campaign to date working under firstteam manager Darren Way, Ojo made his senior debut in the 4-0 Checkatrade Trophy win over West Ham United Under-21s in Novem- ber. Ojo has also featured in behind closed doors friendlies with Bristol City and Aston Villa.
On signing his pro deal, Ojo, who came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic before being snapped up by Yeovil’s academy, said: “It’s an honour for me to sign a professional contract and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue improving. I’ve loved my time so far at Yeovil and this is the next step in the journey for me. The gaffer has been great with me and it’s time now to repay the faith. I’ve got to keep working hard every day and hopefully, get as much game time as possible.”
A second-year scholar at the club, the left-back missed most of the 2017/18 season as part of the Under18s squad due to a delay in gaining EFL clearance, but quickly established himself as an integral part of the Young Glovers’ defensive unit.
Manager Way said: “Daniel is a real talent. Watch this space.”
Academy Manager Jamie Harrison added: “Darren Way’s been instrumental in Daniel’s development this season and he has given our young players an opportunity to train and play with the first team. Daniel’s fully grasped his chance and has impressed on a number of occasions. I’d also like to extend my thanks to Yeovil College who’ve played a big part in ensuring our apprentices have access to every first team training session, whilst progressing in their education.
“This contract clearly demonstrates the club’s great commitment to our youth setup and the vision of homegrown players in first team squad. Being open for just three years, we are still very early in our journey to become the best Cat 3 Academy in the country.”