Two 18-year-old’s have signed their first professional contract with Accrington Stanley.
Central midfielders Ben Pleavin and Oliver Patrick have both put pen to paper on one-year deals with a one-year option.
Pleavin spent around 10 years at Manchester United’s Academy and admitted it was an amazing experience.
“It was brilliant, the experiences, you don’t realise how amazing it was until you come out of it. I went to Hong Kong twice, Spain, Germany, Italy, France all over really.
“I was released at 16 which was difficult and then I signed a scholarship at Blackburn Rovers and spent two years there and learnt a lot.
“It was a tough two years but I feel like it made me toughen up as it wasn’t all smooth.
“I got released and came on trial at Accrington and I feel like I have shown what I can do. I had to be brave and confident, coming to train with the first team as a trialist but I feel like I stood my ground and got some respect from it.
“I am a central midfielder, a deep line midfielder. I love a tackle, I love to work hard, I just love having the ball.
“I am very strategic, I set myself small goals to hit my big goals and my big goal at the moment is to play for Accrington Stanley’s first team, to make my debut. Here, there is a pathway to the first team, the gaffer is willing to take chances on young players if they can earn them.
“Having a professional contract is something I have always dreamed off, something I have worked at for years. I feel lucky but feel like I have earned it.”
Patrick, from Oldham, is also a central midfielder and said: “I started off around 11 at Bury FC and was there until they the club folded. I started my scholarship there. I spent two years at Rochdale and I have just signed for Accrington Stanley.
“I am a box-to-box midfielder, I like to try and win the ball back and get some goals, I have a decent strike.
“It’s a big opportunity for me, I hope to make appearances for the Under 23s and hopefully push for the first team.
“Training with the first team is really good and it’s a big step up from youth football.”
Oliver's move is subject to EFL ratification.
Do you want to sponsor Ben and Oliver?
Our sponsorship packages are priced at £180 for home or away kit, or we offer a deal of £299 for both.
To find out more information, please contact our Commercial team on 01254 356950 (Option 3) or by emailing commercial@accringtonstanley.co.uk.