Accrington Stanley Academy talent Joe Bradshaw has been snapped up by Premier League Liverpool’s Academy - and goes with the best wishes of everyone at Stanley.
Joe, 12, is from Bolton and first signed for the Reds at Under eight level.
The attacking player progressed through the age groups, going from strength to strength, and caught the eye of scouts at Liverpool.
“We came to Accrington because they do things the right way and Joe’s game has developed under the coaches at the Academy," said dad Gary.
“He can play on either wing, central midfield and up front. He is quick, skilful and relatively tall.
“He loved his time at Accrington. He enjoyed all the home challenges that were set and also the emphasis on the right things to do away from the Academy, such a practice, commitment, diet and sleep.
“He was playing a year above himself at Accrington and went to Liverpool to play with the Under 14s but was a tough game against a very good side.
“The week after he went again to Liverpool with Accrington Under 13s and they drew 3-3. Joe had a really good game and scored a late equaliser.
“The week after that game Head of the Academy Duncan Fearnhead got in touch to say Liverpool wanted to sign Joe, they have watched him a few times, and it’s gone from there.
“It’s exciting for Joe to make the next step, the facilities at Liverpool are superb and it’s a fantastic challenge for him. We are all Manchester United fans but it was a no-brainer when Liverpool came in.
“He couldn’t have done it without Accrington Stanley though.
“Joe wanted to thank Duncan Fearnhead, Ryan Strange, Willy Donachie and Martin Whalley for all their help and support while he was at Accrington.
“As a family we are massively proud of what Joe he achieved so far and know he will relish the challenge he has in front of him at Liverpool Football Club, but we all look back at our time at Accrington fondly and know how important the time at Accrington has been to Joe in his development and how much he enjoyed it.”
Academy Manager Duncan Fearnhead said: “Joe has been a fantastic player for Accrington Stanley during his time in our Academy. He has been a consistently high performer in anything asked of him and it came as no surprise to me that Liverpool were interested.
“Joe is one of those boys that constantly wants to improve and be challenged. Although I'm disappointed not to be able to continue working with Joe, we have an agreement that's beneficial for everyone and I don't doubt that he will continue to be successful at Liverpool as he's so dedicated and competitive.
“We all wish Joe every success and hope he can go all the way through the pathway and became a senior player for Liverpool.”