Young starlets pen new deals

Thursday, August 24th 2017

A quartet of City’s Academy youngsters have put pen to paper on extended contracts with the club.

Zak Vyner has signed a brand new three-year deal, while Lloyd Kelly has signed up for the next two years, with the option of a further year.

Goalkeepers Jojo Wollacott and Max O’Leary have each signed new two-year deals, with a year’s option.

The news comes at a fantastic time for the Academy, with Vyner and Kelly both involved in the midweek 3-2 victory over Premier League side Watford in the Carabao Cup.

Top scorer Bobby Reid, Joe Bryan and Joe Morrell – all from the club’s Academy – have also featured for the first team this season, while Freddie Hinds from the club’s development group has made his mark with two goals in the cup.

Chief executive officer Mark Ashton said: “I’m delighted that four of our young starlets have now put pen to paper on new long-term contracts at the club.

“We’d like to congratulate them – and everyone at the Academy – on the further progression of our young players.”

Max O'Leary has penned a new contract at the club

Vyner spent the first half of last season on loan at Accrington Stanley before returning to the first team fold.

Fellow defender Kelly, who has been with the club since the age of 11, was nominated for the EFL Apprentice of the Year award in the Sky Bet Championship.

Goalkeepers O’Leary and Wollacott enjoyed loan spells last season at Bath City and Danish club Bergsøy respectively.

Head coach Lee Johnson said: "Everyone involved in the Academy setup deserves a huge pat on the back for their ongoing work to support the first team by developing these players."