Young defender pens development contract.
Colchester United are pleased to confirm that young defender Marley Andrews has signed a development contract to extend his stay with the club.Marley, who has been with the club since the age of six, has been a regular in the U18s this season and was part of last year's double winning youth team.
After an early setback with injury this season, the former Gilberd School pupil has returned to action in recent weeks and has now penned an eighteen month development contract.
"I am really pleased to have signed my contract. It took me a while to come back from my injury this season, so it's a relief to be back and playing and to have this sorted," he told the official website. "In the end, the injury has meant I have had to be patient.
"My injury was a big frustration, as I had had a good pre-season and had played with the first team in a couple of the friendlies and I wanted to push on and see where it would take me.
"I've seen the other lads pushing through, so I know the pathway is wide open and that there are first team opportunities there. I will keep working hard and hope that my chance comes soon."
He said: "It's all credit to Marley, he's been willing to learn ever since I've known him as an U13s player.
U21s manager John McGreal was delighted that Marley, who started with the club's Football in the Community Advanced Coaching Programme, has taken his next steps.
U21s manager John McGreal was delighted that Marley, who started with the club's Football in the Community Advanced Coaching Programme, has taken his next steps.
"He was a centre forward back then, but eventually he’s moved back to full back and listened to everything that he's been told.
"He had a bit of a setback with his injury this season but has been great in the past couple of U21s games and fully deserves this recognition with a contract."