Accrington Stanley defender Aaron Pickles has today signed his first professional contract with the club.
Pickles, who made a total of 61 appearances for the Under-18s, captained the Reds to the third round of last season’s FA Youth Cup and was rewarded with his first team debut as a substitute in January.
The 18-year-old was then named in John Coleman's Sky Bet League One starting XI for February's 1-1 draw at Port Vale and played a further four times in 2022/23, and also had a loan spell with Glossop North End.
John Coleman said: "Aaron has got a bright future ahead of him.
"If you look at the mould of Ross Sykes, probably not as tall as Ross or as dominant in the air as Ross, but I think he is more cultured on the ball so we have high hopes for Aaron."
Academy Manager, Duncan Fearnhead added: "I am delighted that Aaron, our youth team captain, has been offered a well-deserved professional contract.
"Having already impressed with appearances in the first team during his scholarship, Aaron has shown tremendous progress and potential.
"As a strong, aggressive defender with ability on the ball, we have high hopes for his future.
"We believe he has the talent to follow in the footsteps of our former youth team captain, Ross Sykes, and make a significant impact in the first team.
"We anticipate Aaron having the opportunity to showcase his abilities on a regular basis as he continues to develop and shine on the professional stage."
Aaron said: "I'm over the moon to get it over the line, I'm really happy to sign my first professional contract at Accrington and hopefully I can kick on from here."
"Pre-season has been tough, probably one of the hardest pre-seasons yet, but it's about getting fit and as long as you go into the season with the best fitness levels you can, then pre-season is a success.
"It made me more hungrier, I had a first taste and hopefully I can kick on and push myself further forward into the first team."
The one-year contract is subject to EFL and FA ratification.