Dale's youth coach Chris Beech is pleased how things are going with the development of his scholars and believes the efforts put in by the players and the club are paying off.

"The evidence of the hard work we have put in is coming through now and we're delighted that Chris Brown has gained a professional contract, it is great news for him and his family.He's also been nominated for the League Two Apprentice of the Year award which is something Joe Thompson won a few years ago.

"We have now sent Chris out for some work experience at Radcliffe Borough to get him used to the hussle and bussle of first team football.We also have Dennis Sherriff out on a similar deal at Woodley and he's scored three goals in five games, he's doing really well and we'll keep him out there until the end of February.He'll come back and start some training with Keith and the first team with the aim of gaining a professional contract for himself.

"We've also had many of our squad training or travelling with the first team and getting involved in first team games.Danny Taberner didn't let himself down live on TV in the FA Cup replay against Luton Town.Dennis Sherriff, Scott Hogan and Callum Byrne have been on the bench this season and we have seen the likes of Josh Brizell and Chris Brown make appearances.Josh Brizell went down to Lilleshall recently after being invited by the Northern Irish FA to train with the youth squad and by all accounts he took it in his stride and did very well.They are the positives and results of what we are trying to achieve here. We endorse risk taking in football and by that I don't mean bungee jumping or anything like that.I think a lot of English coaching is suppressive and safe.We encourage players to take risks and we believe we will get better decision makers in the future. "

As the season edges relentless to its end those young scholars with dreams of playing football for a living will be giving their all in a final effort to win a contract.Not everyone makes it but Chris isn't giving up on anyone.

"We have 12 weeks left - one player has a professional contract and there are another six scholars so let's try and get another six contracts.In realistic terms it's probably not on but at this moment in time it is on until it's off."