We are delighted to announce that one of our own, Tom Dean has signed his first professional contract with the club, effective from 1st July.
Dean was offered a deal by Gary Caldwell at the end of the 2023/24 season after an impressive season with the under-18s in which he score 22 goals from midfield, and will now make the step up to the first-team group.
Tom signed his scholarship in 2022 and made his first team debut in the EFL Trophy last season against Arsenal U21, as well playing several times last pre-season. He also spent a month on loan at Tavistock in January, as though has been a mainstay for the academy throughout the season, where has been captain.
"It is a really big moment for me and my family, who have supported me immensely in the last five or six years I've spent in the academy," Tom said.
"It is everything you work towards as you progress through the youth team, so I am really really proud. Once that contract was on the table I just couldn't turn it down."
With his goalscoring record, it is no surprise that the club were keen to tie Dean down.
"It is alright isn't it! I always just try to get into the best position as possible to contrubute to best I can, whether that be through goals or assists, or even defensively tackling to get us the ball back.
"We have had a younger team throughout the season and I have been one of the older ones, so leading by example is important not just through scoring goals but being that guiding voice and leading the way.
"It's going to be a big jump for me from the under-18s, the quality from what I've seen so far is great and the leap seems quite big. I'll do my best to show my qualities."
Hear more from Tom ⬇️