Post by Arnold on Jun 14, 2006 14:20:35 GMT -1
Anyone seen this boy play?
Latest from the Madejski Stadium
Attacking talent James Henry signs his first professional Royals contract
9:55am, Monday 12th June 2006
James Henry
Academy starlet James Henry has signed a two-year professional contract - the first official Premier League contract agreed by the Club.
The attacking midfielder, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday, has been with Reading since the age of eight.
He missed the vast majority of last season with a cruciate ligament injury but is fully expected to return to full fitness in time for the 2006/7 campaign.
James has played for Scotland at youth level but is also still eligible to represent England in the future.
He made an impressive reserve team debut at the start of the 2005/6 season, scoring in a win against Millwall, before suffering the injury that ended his season.
Academy Manager Eamonn Dolan is delighted to see James taking his first step on the professional ladder, saying, "James is a very special player but also a special kid.
"He personifies what I feel a young player should be - he can deal with a football, he's a serious athlete but he's also a warrior who wants to win and be first. Those are the attributes that will lead to success in a development programme.
"Last year James had the opportunity to leave for a big club, but he remained loyal to Reading and wants to play for Reading Football Club. I'll never forget that and we'll make sure that he's given every opportunity to succeed."
James added, "It's a great day for me. I've been at the Club for a long time so signing my professional contract today is brilliant. Hopefully I can make a full recovery from my injury, push into the reserve team and in years to come challenge for a first team place."
James has tried to look on the positive side of his injury lay-off, saying, "It's been tough, and it's not been great to miss out a year of my career, but it's given me a chance to work on things like my upper body strength and balance that I perhaps wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise.
"Mentally it's been a good challenge to be presented with at such a young age, and hopefully in the long-term the whole experience will make me a better player."
I am liking him already with that quote about him not leaving for a bigger club!
Latest from the Madejski Stadium
Attacking talent James Henry signs his first professional Royals contract
9:55am, Monday 12th June 2006
James Henry
Academy starlet James Henry has signed a two-year professional contract - the first official Premier League contract agreed by the Club.
The attacking midfielder, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday, has been with Reading since the age of eight.
He missed the vast majority of last season with a cruciate ligament injury but is fully expected to return to full fitness in time for the 2006/7 campaign.
James has played for Scotland at youth level but is also still eligible to represent England in the future.
He made an impressive reserve team debut at the start of the 2005/6 season, scoring in a win against Millwall, before suffering the injury that ended his season.
Academy Manager Eamonn Dolan is delighted to see James taking his first step on the professional ladder, saying, "James is a very special player but also a special kid.
"He personifies what I feel a young player should be - he can deal with a football, he's a serious athlete but he's also a warrior who wants to win and be first. Those are the attributes that will lead to success in a development programme.
"Last year James had the opportunity to leave for a big club, but he remained loyal to Reading and wants to play for Reading Football Club. I'll never forget that and we'll make sure that he's given every opportunity to succeed."
James added, "It's a great day for me. I've been at the Club for a long time so signing my professional contract today is brilliant. Hopefully I can make a full recovery from my injury, push into the reserve team and in years to come challenge for a first team place."
James has tried to look on the positive side of his injury lay-off, saying, "It's been tough, and it's not been great to miss out a year of my career, but it's given me a chance to work on things like my upper body strength and balance that I perhaps wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise.
"Mentally it's been a good challenge to be presented with at such a young age, and hopefully in the long-term the whole experience will make me a better player."
I am liking him already with that quote about him not leaving for a bigger club!