Teenage striker puts pen-to-paper...
THE SADDLERS have completed the signing of Stourbridge youngster Jordan Murphy, subject to the necessary clearance being received.The 18 year-old has been training with the club for the past month and has impressed the management team enough to secure his first professional contract.
The Birmingham-born striker has scored goals at all levels for Stourbridge and was invited for trials at Championship clubs, AFC Bournemouth and Birmingham City during the summer.
Having been recommended to Dean Smith, Murphy scored goals in behind-closed-doors friendlies in recent weeks and has been offered a one-year-deal with The Saddlers.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “It’s a great environment to be in and the lads have made me feel really welcome since I came in.
“I’m looking forward to getting my head down, work hard, perform for the reserves and hopefully get some first-team appearances.”
Murphy has been training with the first-team for the past four weeks and has taken to the players and staff at the club.
“It’s clear that they’re all closely knit,” added the teenager. “I can see just from the short time I’ve been here that the players really work hard for each other.
“I am just going to try and do what I’ve always done; get on the ball, show inventiveness, try to get other players in and score goals.”
Murphy joins the clutch of young players in the squad and the clubs policy of bringing through youngsters impressed the new recruit.
“It had a strong influence,” he added. “When I was coming in and saw the likes of Kins, Reece and Amadou playing, with Rico on the bench having just signed as a youngster, it was very reassuring.
“I know I’m not just going to be a number here pushed to the reserves but a face at the club and I can’t wait to get started.”
Murphy has been handed the number 29 shirt.