Midfielder Ryan Barnett signs his first professional deal with Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town are delighted to announce that 17 year old Ryan Barnett has signed his first professional deal with the club.First year scholar Barnett has featured on the bench for Town on a couple of occasions this season and puts pen to paper on a two and a half year deal with the option of an additional year.
Ryan has been with Town since the age of eight and he is over the moon to have signed for the club.
“Initially it was obviously quite a shock to be offered one, but obviously I am extremely happy to be offered one at the club I have been at since I was eight”, Ryan told ShrewsWeb.
“When I started my scholarship I didn’t expect to be offered it this early, but it’s obviously a great moment for myself and I’m really happy. I’ve been pushing on this year and I’m glad that all my hard work has paid off.
“When I was eight it seemed like a very long way away, but you’ve just got to work hard every single year and that’s what I’ve done and finally got that goal.
“Every year I’ve had different coaches and all of them have helped me in different ways by setting me different targets, helping me improve as a player and I’m very thankful for that.”
Ryan has been a regular feature in Town’s Under-18 side, which reached the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup this season. He is a midfield player with a good eye for a pass and believes that he has still got a lot to learn in the game.
“I can play most positions”, said Ryan.
“I have played in a number of positions for the Under-18s. I’m a winger mainly but number 10 is my favourite role. I feel like I am an all-round player, I can fit in anywhere and I can adapt to whatever the manager wants.”
“I’ve got a lot of developing and improving to do. I’ve nowhere near made it yet, but I’ve got time to do that. I’ve spoken to the Gaffer about what I’ve got to improve and I’ve got to try and get in the team now over the next three years.”
“When the Gaffer he offered me the deal he was very positive about me and he gave me some feedback. Him and Doigy have given me little things to improve on the training ground just to help me out.”
Born in Shrewsbury, Ryan lives in Wellington and attended Thomas Telford School. He was quick to thank his parents and is hoping to make them proud in years to come.
“All the miles my dad’s put in in the car and my mum supporting from back home, it all feels like it’s worth it and I feel like I’ve done them proud”, said Barnett.
“I feel like I’ve given them something back for all the hard work they have done for me over the years and this contract can be for them and for me as well.
“I was born in Shrewsbury and I’ve been here for most of my life, so I’m happy to sign for this club. I want to keep impressing the Gaffer and Doigy while I’m still doing my scholarship and then hopefully in a few years I will get into that first team.”