Young Striker Signs First Pro Contract With Hatters

The academy hitman has penned a deal for the rest of this season and the whole of next season.

Szymon has hit the headlines this season for his goalscoring exploits, having scored 23 goals in thirteen consecutive fixtures.

He could make his home debut for the first-team tonight in the Cheshire Senior Cup clash against Barnton.

He scored on his debut earlier in the competition in an 8-1 victory at Cheadle Town.

Manager Jim Gannon told the club`s official website: “I’m delighted for Szymon that he has earned this contract and it’s just reward for a real commitment to improve and perform over the last six months. His stats at his peer level are outstanding, and he has already shown the ability to step up to senior football and score regularly.

“Szym always stood out for his appetite, athleticism and ability to affect the game and score goals, but he has embraced all that we do to improve players with real enthusiasm and his attitude has been exemplary. I am always willing to commit to a player that shows real growth and willingness to work hard to improve and develop, as these kinds of people earn success, fulfil their potential and continue to achieve.

“Myself and Alan Lord have spoken at length about the development of players at the club and we feel that several of the academy players are on the brink of professional contracts.

“Through Alan’s hard work the club has a youth development system to be proud of – with teams competing very well at under-16, 18, 19 and under-21 levels, we are now sensing a real growth in our players and a structure emerging which shows signs of producing good young players as we did in 2005-2009 when I was first manager.

“As we move towards full-time football we want to develop those structures further and provide a young pro player development programme that continues to provide the right type of players to sustain our further growth as a professional club.”

Szymon signed dual registration forms with Radcliffe earlier this month, and scored on his debut for the Borough in their home win over Ramsbottom on New Year’s Day.

The young striker joined Alan Lord’s academy two years ago after impressing during a friendly against Goole Town.

Lord said: “He has continually added technical, tactical and physical attributes during two years of coaching under James Gannon”.