TEENAGE prospects Jack Hallahan and Jayden Cotterill have signed their first professional contracts with the Brewers after impressing in the Academy.
Academy manager Dan Robinson said: “For the Academy this a real sign of progression and we have two very good players who have come through in Jayden and Jack.
“The Academy is linked in with the first team in developing players and helping them gain professional contracts and ultimately that’s what we are all about.
“Jack and Jayden have worked superbly at college as well as at their football and the opportunity they have now got to go the next level is a testament to themselves.”
Speaking about the two 18-year-olds, Brewers boss Nigel Clough said: “Jayden and Jack have done well, especially in the second half of the season, and deserve this.
“I think the biggest boost that any scholars or anybody in the Academy could have had was seeing Joe Sbarra come on the pitch for the last game. They will train with the first team so it’s that incentive to them to say ‘come on you can be part of it’.”
Jayden said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be offered a contract. The first team squad are very friendly and when you train with them it shows where you need to be to become a Championship player.”
Jack added: “I have been playing football since I was a little kid and I have always wanted to be a professional footballer so this is a big step.”
Pictured left to right: Back row - Nigel Clough, Geoff Cotterill, Alison Cotterill, Steve Hallahan. Front row - Jayden Cotterill, Jack Hallahan, Dan Robinson, Sam Rose.