Leeds United Football Club - Walton Signs Three Year Contract
Walton Signs First Pro Deal
Young United midfielder Simon Walton is celebrating after signing his first professional contract at Elland Road.
The Academy graduate signed a three-year deal on his 17th birthday ahead of last weekend's 3-0 win over Coventry, a game which he later played in.
The Leeds-lad has made five appearances this season and continues to impress with every performance despite his age.
Walton, speaking through his agents on their website at www.stallargroup.co.uk, said:
"My goal at the start of the season was to break into the first team, so to do it on the opening day of the season was a huge boost for my confidence.
"It was always going to be a bit of wait-and-see this year with the number of different players leaving and joining, and it will take time for us all to learn how the manager wants us to play and how each of our teammates play. But I am happy with my form and just want to keep playing as many first-team games as I can."
Manager Kevin Blackwell revealed how keen the club were to make sure they were able to secure Simon down to a long term deal.
"Players like Simon are the future of this club," said Blackwell.
"We always knew when we signed him that he was a lad that had major potential and he was always going to be offered a pro-contract whether he was in the first team or not.
"There was and is a lot of interest in Simon Walton and we had to fight to keep him at the club alongside Ben Parker who will also sign when he turns 17."
Parker, like Walton, is an England youth international and is tipped by Blackwell to be the next player to come off the Thorp Arch Academy production line.
"Ben Parker will break into the reserves in the next four or five weeks and when he does I will not be afraid to play him if I need to. Once again he's slightly behind in physical development, but that will come.
"He's a natural left-back which there is a dearth of, and we're looking after this kid because everyone knows how long and hard it was for me to bring one into the club.
"He's a Leeds lad and once again has come through the Academy which we are very excited about."
*Meanwhile, Cameroon midfielder Serge Branco has been released by the club.
The Olympic gold medalist had signed on an initial one month contract which would have been extended to a year had he impressed enough. Kevin Blackwell has decided against signing the player.
Explained Blackwell: "With what I have seen and with youngsters like Simon Walton there, I believe I can get as much energy from people like Simon as I can from Branco because for me he's still not of the level that can improve us.
"When you look at the team and the effort they put in, it can only be technical that I can improve it on, it's certainly not desire and workrate.
"You need a mixture of both so I am looking for someone with a bit of nous who I believe can improve the team through his technical ability."
Walton Signs First Pro Deal
Young United midfielder Simon Walton is celebrating after signing his first professional contract at Elland Road.
The Academy graduate signed a three-year deal on his 17th birthday ahead of last weekend's 3-0 win over Coventry, a game which he later played in.
The Leeds-lad has made five appearances this season and continues to impress with every performance despite his age.
Walton, speaking through his agents on their website at www.stallargroup.co.uk, said:
"My goal at the start of the season was to break into the first team, so to do it on the opening day of the season was a huge boost for my confidence.
"It was always going to be a bit of wait-and-see this year with the number of different players leaving and joining, and it will take time for us all to learn how the manager wants us to play and how each of our teammates play. But I am happy with my form and just want to keep playing as many first-team games as I can."
Manager Kevin Blackwell revealed how keen the club were to make sure they were able to secure Simon down to a long term deal.
"Players like Simon are the future of this club," said Blackwell.
"We always knew when we signed him that he was a lad that had major potential and he was always going to be offered a pro-contract whether he was in the first team or not.
"There was and is a lot of interest in Simon Walton and we had to fight to keep him at the club alongside Ben Parker who will also sign when he turns 17."
Parker, like Walton, is an England youth international and is tipped by Blackwell to be the next player to come off the Thorp Arch Academy production line.
"Ben Parker will break into the reserves in the next four or five weeks and when he does I will not be afraid to play him if I need to. Once again he's slightly behind in physical development, but that will come.
"He's a natural left-back which there is a dearth of, and we're looking after this kid because everyone knows how long and hard it was for me to bring one into the club.
"He's a Leeds lad and once again has come through the Academy which we are very excited about."
*Meanwhile, Cameroon midfielder Serge Branco has been released by the club.
The Olympic gold medalist had signed on an initial one month contract which would have been extended to a year had he impressed enough. Kevin Blackwell has decided against signing the player.
Explained Blackwell: "With what I have seen and with youngsters like Simon Walton there, I believe I can get as much energy from people like Simon as I can from Branco because for me he's still not of the level that can improve us.
"When you look at the team and the effort they put in, it can only be technical that I can improve it on, it's certainly not desire and workrate.
"You need a mixture of both so I am looking for someone with a bit of nous who I believe can improve the team through his technical ability."