Tobias Hayles-Docherty has signed his first professional contract with Walsall Football Club.
The young winger has signed a deal at the Banks’s Stadium until the summer of 2019, following his first-team debut towards the end of the 2016/17 season.
Hayles-Docherty came on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 defeat against Port Vale and caught the eye with some positive, pacy runs out wide.
And the 18-year-old believes his development has benefited from the guidance of Professional Development Coach John Ward and Academy Manager Graham Biggs.
“I’m really happy,” said the youngster.
“This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time and to be given the opportunity is really good.
“John and Graham have helped me a lot because they’ve allowed me to play with freedom, express myself.
“It gives me confidence going into games because it allows me to do what I do.
“I see myself as a winger - I like to get in the final third and make things happen, get at players and create chances for the team.
“I like to make things happen.”
Manager Jon Whitney is pleased to have tied down Hayles-Docherty to professional terms - with Cameron Peters, Sam Tonks and Will Shorrock also offered professional contracts following the conclusion of the 2016/17 season.
“Tobias is one of several young second-year scholars to impress us,” said Whitney.
“He’s a player who catches the eye with natural pace and ability, and he’s also tasted first-team football this year, making his full debut against Port Vale.
“He’s a young player that we have really high hopes for.”