Oldham Athletic has granted professional contracts to three second-year scholars.
Alfie Atherton, Jesse Williams, and Mo Doro have all been offered contracts before the 2024/25 season.
Atherton has had a good season, playing primarily as a striker after starting as a wide player.
Williams has led the Under 18s in the middle of defence throughout the season, while left-back Doro has continued to make significant individual growth.
Chukwuma Akuneto, the club’s professional development phase lead and youth team coach, stated, “I understand that giving out contracts means that there is a place to fill.
If the first team already has enough players, offering multiple contracts is unnecessary.I’m satisfied with three, and they’re all deserving of it. They do not give out prizes in this game.”
Following the season’s last game, in which Atherton scored in a 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury U18s at Boundary Park, the teenager thanked Akuneto for his influence on his youth career.
“I think I’ve done well this season, I’ve scored a few goals since Chuks started playing me as a striker,” he said.
“I came in as a winger at the start of my second year, and he said, ‘I think you play better as a striker,’ and I’ve had plenty of goals and assists to show for it.
“He has collaborated with me on the movement and where to be. We play with two strikers (up front), so he has worked with both. “I’m buzzing to finish with a goal.”
