Academy youngster Euan Williams has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The attacking midfielder, who turned 17 on January 15th, has represented both Northern Ireland and England at youth international level.
Academy Manager Steve Avory said: “Euan is one of those young scholars who has been with us now for quite a number of years, ever since the foundation phase [ages nine–11]. We’re always proud when a young boy signs a contract with the club, but particularly if he’s been with us six or seven years, it’s once again proof of the long-term development plan that we all believe in here.”
Williams, a first-year scholar, played 21 times at U18s level last season as an U16 and despite being frustrated by injury he’s looking to contribute this year.
“He’s a lovely lad first of all, that’s important,” Avory added.
“He’s a skillful midfield player, who’s currently mostly playing in a number 10 role. He’s dynamic, energetic, very fit, capable of scoring goals, some very good goals as well.
"I think for him to have a consistent run of games is important now in the rest of this U18s season. Let’s not forget this is his first year as a full-time player even though he signed his professional contract.
“We’re delighted to have secured Euan and can continue to work with him for a few more years, but the development plan in the immediate future is for him to have a run of games in U18s football between now and the end of the season. Hopefully, he can be influential in terms of the success of the U18s team because I definitely think he can bring goals and creativity to the team. Then, moving forward, he will be a second year scholar next year and I know his target will be to get into U23s football and that’s certainly a realistic target for him.”
My son is the same age and when they were 9 they played in the same club side together with another prospect of ours, Richard Chin (believe he's injured at the moment). Well they actually played together for one game following which Seb was consigned to the "B" side! Within a year all the boys went their separate ways - Euan and Richard to Charlton and Seb, in the realisation that it probably wasn't for him, sadly gave up football.
Good luck Euan and fingers crossed for Richard too.
Euan Williams made his senior debut off the bench in a strong team performance in Tuesday evening's 1-0 win in the Papa John's Trophy against Milton Keynes Dons.
In a post-match interview with CharltonTV, the 18-year old stated: “I’m buzzing to make my debut. The team got the win as well, so it couldn't have gone better to be fair.”
When asked if he had an indication that he was in the squad, he replied: “There was a few of us lads with the first team yesterday. We did shape and stuff and I was on the bench, so I was assuming that I’d be in the squad. Luckily when I came in today, I found out and I was just buzzing. I was just praying that, obviously, Jacko would give me a chance and I could show a little bit of what I could do. But I was happy with my performance and obviously the team won, so we were buzzing.”
He also mentions how players in the U18s and U23s look at this cup competition and think that they might have a chance at appearing saying: “You sort of earmark games that you think there may be a possibility, and this was one. To be fair, I didn’t really think I could have a chance in this one, just because I’ve only just came back from injuries and stuff. So, I wasn’t really looking too much at this one, but the chance came, and I was grateful for it. Hopefully, I’ve tried to do as much as I can.”
Williams also highlighted his delight after being injury free and making his senior debut.
“I feel like a lot of people know that I’ve had struggles with injuries in the past," he explained.
"So, tonight has been capped off brilliantly.”
As a reward for his hard work and talent, Johnnie Jackson had said that he'd been looking to get him on because they know what he can do and that he’s impressed.
In response, Williams said: “It’s good to hear. I just hope throughout our games with the U23s that I can keep impressing and, hopefully, get another chance.”
As is Richard Chin and Lewis Bate who is now at Leeds and previously at Chelsea, having already his first team debut for both PL clubs. All three are the same age and were in the same school midfield
As is Richard Chin and Lewis Bate who is now at Leeds and previously at Chelsea, having already his first team debut for both PL clubs. All three are the same age and were in the same school midfield
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Academy youngster Euan Williams has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The attacking midfielder, who turned 17 on January 15th, has represented both Northern Ireland and England at youth international level.
Academy Manager Steve Avory said: “Euan is one of those young scholars who has been with us now for quite a number of years, ever since the foundation phase [ages nine–11]. We’re always proud when a young boy signs a contract with the club, but particularly if he’s been with us six or seven years, it’s once again proof of the long-term development plan that we all believe in here.”
Williams, a first-year scholar, played 21 times at U18s level last season as an U16 and despite being frustrated by injury he’s looking to contribute this year.
“He’s a lovely lad first of all, that’s important,” Avory added.
“He’s a skillful midfield player, who’s currently mostly playing in a number 10 role. He’s dynamic, energetic, very fit, capable of scoring goals, some very good goals as well.
"I think for him to have a consistent run of games is important now in the rest of this U18s season. Let’s not forget this is his first year as a full-time player even though he signed his professional contract.
“We’re delighted to have secured Euan and can continue to work with him for a few more years, but the development plan in the immediate future is for him to have a run of games in U18s football between now and the end of the season. Hopefully, he can be influential in terms of the success of the U18s team because I definitely think he can bring goals and creativity to the team. Then, moving forward, he will be a second year scholar next year and I know his target will be to get into U23s football and that’s certainly a realistic target for him.”
Is the lad (Henry) who played in the cup game earlier this season in the same age group and has he signed up?
Oh, you mean Aaron Henry.
He's 16. Imagine he'll sign when he turns 17 as Williams has.
MS mentioned Aaron when he listed the young players the club would be offering long and better deals to.
Good luck Euan and fingers crossed for Richard too.
Euan Williams made his senior debut off the bench in a strong team performance in Tuesday evening's 1-0 win in the Papa John's Trophy against Milton Keynes Dons.
In a post-match interview with CharltonTV, the 18-year old stated: “I’m buzzing to make my debut. The team got the win as well, so it couldn't have gone better to be fair.”
When asked if he had an indication that he was in the squad, he replied: “There was a few of us lads with the first team yesterday. We did shape and stuff and I was on the bench, so I was assuming that I’d be in the squad. Luckily when I came in today, I found out and I was just buzzing. I was just praying that, obviously, Jacko would give me a chance and I could show a little bit of what I could do. But I was happy with my performance and obviously the team won, so we were buzzing.”
He also mentions how players in the U18s and U23s look at this cup competition and think that they might have a chance at appearing saying: “You sort of earmark games that you think there may be a possibility, and this was one. To be fair, I didn’t really think I could have a chance in this one, just because I’ve only just came back from injuries and stuff. So, I wasn’t really looking too much at this one, but the chance came, and I was grateful for it. Hopefully, I’ve tried to do as much as I can.”
Williams also highlighted his delight after being injury free and making his senior debut.
“I feel like a lot of people know that I’ve had struggles with injuries in the past," he explained.
"So, tonight has been capped off brilliantly.”
As a reward for his hard work and talent, Johnnie Jackson had said that he'd been looking to get him on because they know what he can do and that he’s impressed.
In response, Williams said: “It’s good to hear. I just hope throughout our games with the U23s that I can keep impressing and, hopefully, get another chance.”
Article by Josh Eden
He did a couple of really good things when he came on, that elicited applause & gasps of delight from those sitting around us.
Onwards & upwards, young man !