JONES AND GRIFFITH PEN FIRST SENIOR CONTRACTS

Academy graduates Ryan Jones and Ben Griffith have signed their first senior contracts with the club, subject to FA approval.

Manager Scott Bartlett said:

We are delighted to hand Ben and Ryan their first senior contracts, both have spent a lot of time with us during last season and fully deserve the opportunity to continue their development within our first-team environment.

Both are exciting prospects and have shown a good mentality since joining the group and grew in confidence as the season progressed which is credit to them.

Ryan cycled to and from training all season in all types of weather, it’s that type of dedication that our young players need to have as they make their way in the game.

Ben has been at the club since he was 12 so that’s a great story, he really caught our eye in the latter part of the season and was outstanding against Taunton in the second half of the Somerset Cup.

Ryan has benefited from full-time coaching within our under-19 programme with Weston College and represented his country at college level.

As part of our u19 programme, our players train twice a week with the first team group so it’s a great opportunity for them to play with and against the likes of Lairdy, Symons, Knowles etc.

As we continue to piece together next season’s squad, we will be speaking to other members of the u19s. We have some talented boys throughout the youth system.

Ryan said:

I was surprised to begin with but extremely happy, I have worked really hard to impress.

The gaffer and Lairdy said at the start of last season that if I keep working hard, I will get my rewards and I am looking forward to it.

Our u19 programme is brilliant and I have learned a lot last season being involved with the first-team squad and staff and from Macca (Mark McKeever).

I can’t wait to get back playing again.

Ben said:

It feels great to have signed after coming through the youth setup and being around the club for so long.

It’s been an enjoyable few years and hopefully there is more enjoyable moments to come.

The first-team lads treated us really well and helped us settle in. The manager and Lairdy have created an atmosphere that is easy to come into.

I can’t wait to get going.

Winger Jones made 14 appearances since being drafted into Scott Bartlett’s first-team setup last summer, scoring three goals and assisting two while being an unused substitute 12 times.

Striker Griffith gained senior experience with Western League sides Clevedon Town and Cheddar during the season, as well as making five appearances for the Seagulls which included an outstanding 45 minutes against Taunton Town in the Somerset Cup.

Ryan and Ben are both available for sponsorship… this is a great way to show not only your support for the club, but also your support for Ryan and Ben.

Branding your name or business alongside the player of your choice will give you or your business an impressive profile throughout the entire season in every edition of the matchday programme and player profiles on our innovative website.

• Logo/Co. name or individual name to feature on player profile both in our match day programme & website.
• You will also receive that players shirt, provided no later than the first home friendly of the following season.
• 1x Ticket to end of season awards with the opportunity to sit with your sponsored player.
• Photo taken with player and shirt on the night, photo then sent to sponsor on digital format.

Interested? Email commercial@wsmafc.co.uk or click here

The club is delighted that the pair have opted to stay with the Seagulls for the foreseeable future.