Youngster Djeny Bembo-Leta has been offered his first professional contract with Athletic. The 18-year-old midfielder/striker had recently completed a two-year scholarship and admitted that it was awful time waiting to hear the news.
He said: "It was nervous waiting for the decision. I was second to last to called to see the manager so had a longer wait than most. Everyone before me had been released which made things worse. A few of the lads were crying and that made me feel bad as they were my friends. While I was happy to be given a professional contract, I was not over the moon as I was sad for many of my friends like Josh Rose, Will McCall, Richard Cowan and Laquan Esdaile who were released."
Continuing to train at Boundary Park, he added, "It has been an exciting time for me and, by training now, it will make it easier when we return at the end of June. Turning professional is the next step on the ladder and I have to step up to the challenge which I am looking forward to."