Nine youngsters join the Clarets

All seven of them were in the squad that defeated Blackpool recently to lift the Lancashire FA Youth Cup, with five of them starting and the other two coming on as substitutes.

They are joined with two lads from Ireland, Jonathan Sergeant from Northern Ireland and Joe O'Neill from the Republic, and they were welcomed by the youth development team of Vince Overson (Head of Youth Development), Terry Pashley (Youth Coach) and Jeff Taylor (Child Protection Officer).

All of them have signed a two year apprenticeship contract with Burnley and will combine their football with college during the two years, after which they will be hoping to be offered full time professional contracts.

In welcoming them Vince Overson said: “We're delighted to welcome the lads on board. They have all done exceptionally well and deserve the two year contracts because they have worked extremely hard to achieve their goal over the past few years and are a credit to their schools. We hope they can all do well for the club.”

Before introducing the new players can I just add that it is good to see Big Vince back at Turf Moor following his recent illness.

The new apprentices

Thomas Bradley

An aggressive, left sided local player attending Gawthorpe who over the years at the centre has earned the nickname of 'Chopper'. Bradley can play in most positions and after nearly a season out with a cruciate injury he recovered to play for the youth team and reserves. He finished the season on a high with an outstanding performance for the youth team in the Lancashire F.A. Youth Cup Final.

Lewis Craig

Living in Barnoldswick this tricky winger qualified for Scotland and played for them in last season's Under 16's Victory Shield. After several successful seasons at the Centre of Excellence he has played in the youth team and reserves this season. Yet another youth team representative in the final against Blackpool and the Lancashire Schools F.A. team.

Adam Kay

Came to the Centre of Excellence from local junior side Borrowdale United. A skilful and athletic central midfielder who has made several appearances for the reserve and youth sides, his last appearance being in the defeat of Blackpool in the Lancashire F.A. Youth Cup. Born in Burnley he is another product of St. Theodores' High School and was ever present in the very successful Lancashire Schools F.A. team.

Alex McDonald

Joined the centre at the beginning of the season having been spotted playing for Cheshire Schoolboys. A small but quick, strong and aggressive player from Warrington he has been with the youth team and reserves several times this season. His highlight this season was coming off the bench in the Lancashire Youth Cup Final and scoring the two excellent winning goals.

Joe O'Neill

Joe played for the same team in Dublin as Chris McCann, the renowned Home Farm. Also like Chris, he is a left footed player and plays in the same position of left central midfield.

He has an excellent touch and is a player with very much a calming influence in midfield.

Jonathan Sergeant

Hails from Northern Ireland and was spotted by the same scout that brought Kyle Lafferty to Burnley, but whereas Kyle likes to score goals Jonathan prefers to stop them.

He is brave and an excellent shot stopper and he is currently Northern Ireland's under 16's goalkeeper who hopes to eventually follow Kyle into the full Irish squad.

Dean Stott

An aggressive defender from Burnley who also attends Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn. After being at the centre since under 11's he has now played several games for the youth team since Christmas and the occasional reserve game. Another representative from the successful youth side in the Lancashire F.A. Youth Cup and the Lancashire Schools F.A.

Rob Turner

A big bustling striker who lives in Preston and attends Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn. Came to the centre several years ago and after averaging two goals per game was promoted to the youth Team. He has represented the youth team over the last two years and the reserves this season. Played in the Lancashire F.A.Youth Cup Final and the successful Lancashire Schools F.A team.

Ash Young

Comes from Manchester and has impressed with his tenacious work in midfield both in the centre and youth teams. He was also in the successful Youth Cup squad against Blackpool.

Represented Greater Manchester all season with a final flourish against Lancashire in the Northern Final.