Academy Graduate Signs Professional Deal

17 year-old Jake Ward has become the latest Academy graduate to join up with the senior side.

Jake Ward received a surprise Christmas present yesterday when he became the latest youngster to sign a professional deal with Brook Street Athletic.

The 17 year-old from Dunfermline has excelled in the heart of the youth side’s midfield since joining the Academy and has certainly caught the eye.

Academy Director Andrew Cleary said, “I’m delighted for Jake as he’s a very hard worker and has even before he turned seventeen, Jake stood out for his aggressive prowess and technical ability”.

“Moving from part-time to full-time is a massive milestone for him and is important for his continued development with us as it allows the staff here to work with him every day. This means we can track his progress on and off the field closer than ever”.

“I have no doubt Jake will go on to have a great career if he continues to work hard and strive to be better every single day”.

Young Striker Signs

Teenage striker Paul Hughes completed his transfer from English League IV side OA Locomotiv FC this afternoon.

Brook Street ventured into the transfer market last night and picked up 17 year-old striker Paul Hughes from English League IV side OA Locomotiv FC for a fee reported to be in the region of £225,000. The youngster travelled up from Berkshire today to complete the formalities and was introduced to the assembled press at the LJG this afternoon.

Of the unexpected move into the transfer market, Brook Street coach Claus Christoph Gralath said, “We need to bring young players through and having discussed this with Andrew [Cleary], up front is a position where we don’t have anyone coming through from the Academy at present”.

He continued, “With that in mind, we’ve been looking at bringing a young striker since about half way through last season, and last night we finally managed to get our man for a very good price. He is a talented footballer and has that swagger that all good strikers have. Paul is very much a rough diamond, but we’ll soon knock him into shape”.

Speaking of his move, a delighted Paul said, “I’ve worked really hard to get to this point and now I’m here I’m absolutely delighted. I believe this is the club for me to progress at and I can’t wait to start playing”.

He continued, “I think I can improve as a player here. I just want to enjoy my football and score some goals to help Brook Street Athletic”.

Paul will go straight into the squad for Wednesday’s Scottish Cup First Round tie at Team Singers.