News

Albion welcome new first-year professionals

Ten players begin their journeys as full-time pros.

By Bruce Talbot • 07 July 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion's new group of under-18 scholars.

Ten new players have joined the under-18 squad as first-year professionals ahead of the new season.

Head of Academy John Morling said, “We’d like to welcome the lads who are taking the first steps as full-time footballers.

“Some have been in our pathway for a while, and others have been recruited from other clubs and we are looking forward to working with them.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and the club will do all it can to help them become better players and people on and off the pitch with the ultimate aim that they become part of our first-team squad. We wish them every success for the future.”

The new first-year scholars are:

Joshua Duffus – Hardworking centre forward from London who has been with the club since 2017. Aged 16.

Evan Ferguson – Evan, 16, already has experience with the under-23s and under-18s last season, having signed from Irish club Bohemians. The Drogheda-born striker has already played youth football for his country.

Hugo Fisher – Croydon-born goalkeeper, Hugo has been in Albion's pathway since 2015 and is a great shot-stopper. Aged 16.

Jake Gee – Jake is a 16-year-old Londoner who plays in midfield and was signed from Fulham.

Jack Hinshelwood – The son of former Albion player Adam and the great nephew of ex-Albion coach Martin, 16-year-old Jack is a tough-tackling midfielder who has been in the pathway since the age of 8 and has played for the under-17s and under-18s.

Eliot Jenks – The 16-year-old brother of Teddy, Eliot is a composed central midfielder who has been at the club since the age of eight.

Ruairi McConville – Albion signed the powerful 16-year-old central defender from Irish club Linfield after a successful trial.

Tommy Reid – Hastings-born goalkeeper Tommy is 16 and has been with the club for eight years and has represented England at under-15 and under-16 level.

Bailey Smith – Another local youngster, 16-year-old Bailey is an attacking wide player who comes from Worthing.

Joe Winstanley – Joe has played for England under-15s and is an attacking right-back. The 16-year-old has been signed from Wigan Athletic.