Kenny Lunt, the club’s assistant manager says that the hard work really starts for first-year professionals Connor Heath and Rio Adebisi after their form for the Under-18s and Under-23s this season saw them rewarded with a place in David Artell’s senior squad for next season.

According to Lunt, the Academy graduates thoroughly deserved their professional contracts and they have a summer of hard work to make an impression.

Lunt told the club’s official website: “The two lads deserve their professional contracts but they know this is just the start for them. They have to become regulars for the Under-23s and show that they are ready to make that step up.

“They have to start those games and impress in those games and in training every day and if they do they know that this club will give them a chance.

“We have signed Connor and Rio and there were certainly one or two who were a bit unfortunate not to get a pro deal as well. I am sure if they stick at it they can go on to have a career in the game.”