And three big cheers as the Club have confirmed that Matt has signed a 'pro-contract' till 2020. " A local lad, Matt O’Riley joined the Club as an Under-9, and progressed through the age groups swiftly, making his First Team debut as a 16-year-old earlier this season in the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers. “Obviously this is one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had,” he told fulhamfctv. “It’s a great day for me and my family. I’ve been here since I was eight-years-old. This means a lot to me and I am just looking forward to kicking on now.” please log in to view this image Academy Director Huw Jennings added: “We’re really pleased that Matt has committed himself to Fulham with a three-year professional contract, and it builds on what has been excellent success for him already this season. He made his senior debut and had the opportunity to play in both of the League Cup games, while featuring in First Team training on a regular basis. “Matt’s been with us since the pre-Academy days, he’s seen a well-trodden path now from the younger age groups right the way through to the First Team. That’s absolutely an emblem for us, and we’re delighted that there’s another young man of his type who’s come into the fold.”
It's always nice to see our young players progress, with the hope that he continues and can get into the first team contention. I'm a great believer in bringing talent through if they have the skills and mentality, but I'm afraid we've let too many go just recently who I thought were capable.
Agree. Know it's "what if", "water under the bridge" and all that, but I was sitting at the Derby game thinking how many Moussa Dembele would have scored with all those balls that passed through their six yard box. The young man is a predatory poacher, with a natural instinct for goal. That said, there appears to have been a significant re-grouping in the last two years - led by Huw Jennings, ably supported by Steve Wigley - and a realistic development plan for the Academy group. Jokanovic also seems to have bought into this. Cynics might say that's to spite Khan & Kline but I honestly believe he's genuine and sees our young talent for what it is. The future looks good on the youth front.
