Gavin Cowan delighted as Will Gray signs first pro contract with Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town boss Gavin Cowan expresses his delight at Will Gray’s first professional deal.
Teenage star Will Gray has been told the sky is the limit after signing his first professional contract with Shrewsbury Town.
The 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal with his boyhood club, having joined the academy at the age of six.
The Bayston Hill starlet burst onto the senior scene last season, impressing in a string of appearances towards the end of the campaign, and boss Gavin Cowan believes the midfielder has a bright future.
He said: “I’m delighted the club has rewarded Will with his first professional contract and I’d like to thank the chairman and the CEO for backing us with a player we genuinely believe has a very bright future.
“It’s always fantastic to see a local talent come through the academy, and it was a proud moment for me and everyone at the football club when we were able to give Will his league debut back in March.
“I’ve always said that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough, and this contract is just reward for all the hard work Will has put in over the years.
“At 17, Will is already a very good player, but there’s still plenty of development ahead of him.
“He’s got all the attributes to keep progressing, and we’re pleased to provide him with the platform and environment to fulfil his potential.
“We know there’s still a long way to go, but we’re delighted with where he is at this stage and excited to see how he develops over the coming years.”
Gray caught the eye with a series of starts towards the end of last season after making his senior breakthrough under Cowan.
He made his first start against Oldham Athletic after substitute appearances against Crewe Alexandra and Bristol Rovers, earning his place in the XI just days after his 17th birthday.
The midfielder made his first-team debut in an EFL Trophy tie against Chelsea Under-21s on August 26 last year before featuring against Walsall in the same competition and making his League Two debut away at Bristol, a moment Cowan described as “really proud”.
Gray has continued his progress during pre-season, scoring twice in a victory over FC Isle of Man, and has now committed his future to Shrewsbury until 2029.
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