Youngsters' progress rewarded...
THE SADDLERS have handed youth team prospect, Reece Flanagan a professional contract.The 18 year-old Birmingham-born midfielder has impressed with his displays in the heart of Neil Woods' side over the past couple of seasons and his progress has been rewarded with an 18-month deal that includes an option in our favour at the end of it.
"Reece has excelled for the youth team," said manager, Dean Smith. "He's showed real early promise and is a prospect that we rate very highly.
"He is what I would describe as a ball-playing midfielder who can see a pass and gets around the pitch well.
"He is a willing lad who I know will get his head down and work hard in order to continue learning and progressing."
Flanagan is looking forward to the challenge that now lies ahead of him. "I'm up for it," he said with a smile. "I'm obviously thrilled to be given this deal but I know that the hard work is only just starting.
"I feel that I have improved month by month and I am looking for that to continue. The passing style that we play here suits my game and I can't wait to show what I can do."