Albion have awarded professional contracts to seven of last season’s under-18s team.

Goalkeepers Bailey Vose and Robert Sanchez, defenders Ben White, Tom Cadman and George Cox and forwards James Tilley and Jordan Maguire-Drew will all progress to the under-21s.

Academy manager John Morling said: “These players have shown us enough progression in the under-18 group to move up into the under-21 squad on a permanent basis. We feel there is plenty more to come from these players.

“Now it is down to them to make the most of this opportunity in order to progress into the first team.”

 

The development squad will spend part of pre-season in Portugal. Their schedule includes a behind-closed-doors friendly with FC Porto B, who won the Portuguese second tier last season.

Under-21 coach Simon Rusk said: “These boys thoroughly deserve their chance to make the step up into the under-21 group.

“These players have all had a chance to play at this level in the past season and I was very impressed by the way in which they acquitted themselves.

“It is vital that the step up to under-21 football is made at the right time and I’m confident that this group of players are ready for the challenge.

“I look forward to working with these players over the summer.”