Exeter City offer three professional contracts to players from U18's squad

Josh Key, Joel Randall and Harry Kite have all earned professional deals after a successful season.

Exeter City's youth system has produced some talented youngsters in the past. With the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Matt Grimes and Ollie Watkins all moving to Premiership and Championship clubs.

Grimes, who progressed through the academy with the Grecians, moved to Swansea City for a club record fee of £1.75 million in 2015. The Grecians will be hoping the three new rising stars will follow in his footsteps.

After a successful season, City's U18's squad won the Youth Alliance South West Division by seven points. Under-18s manager Dan Green expressed his delight that a further three players have earned professional contracts.

“It is always really pleasing to offer players who have come through our system professional contracts”, said Green.

“It shows younger players in the academy that if you work hard and apply yourself to the best of your ability, there is an opportunity at Exeter City Football Club.”

The three players have already represented the first team this season. Midfielder Kite made his debut in the Checkatrade Trophy whilst Randall made an appearance from the bench in the same competition against Chelsea. Although Key has yet to make his first team bow, manager Paul Tisdale has included the winger as a substitute in two matches this campaign.

Green continued, “I think with Paul as manager the young players know that if they work hard, there is a pathway and an opportunity to first team football.

“However, the players know that they are going to have to earn the right to be part of the first team by showing a professional attitude and a desire to learn in order to win the manager’s trust.”