Academy midfielder Joe Gibbard has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old initially joined the Under-10s almost a decade ago and has gone from strength to strength throughout the age groups.
He earned a scholarship at the beginning of 2022/23 and featured as part of Rob Quinn’s Under-18s side 17 times, scoring three goals.
Gibbard’s 2023/24 started in February after recovering from a lengthy injury, returning in a crucial 5-4 victory over Fulham in the U18 Premier League Cup.
The youngster captained the U18s for the first time in March 2024, in a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, and went on to make his first appearance for the Under-21s in April 2024 in the Premier League Cup against Fulham.
Gibbard ended the 23/24 campaign strongly, with seven goal involvements in his last eight games – bringing his tally for the season to two goals and nine assists. He made 25 appearances in total; five for the U21s and 20 for the U18s.
Upon signing his first pro deal, Gibbard said: “It’s a very nice feeling, I’ve worked very hard for it and it’s just a dream come true.”
