Andy Cannon has today [Friday] penned his first professional contract.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a successful season last year with the Youth Team, scoring eleven goals for the side, and in turn earned himself a professional deal. He has signed a one year deal, with the club having a one year option at the end of the 12 months.
Reflecting on that day in May when he was offered the professional contract, Andy told www.rochdaleafc.co.uk: “It was a great moment when I was informed by the Gaffer that I was going to be offered a deal. It was an exciting moment and I was really pleased that all the work I did in the Youth Team had paid off - it was fantastic.”
And the midfielder is looking forward to the challenges that League One will bring.
“It’s a big step up from League Two with clubs like Sheffield United and Preston North End in there so it will be a different experience, but I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m sure that the older players in the group will help me develop by sharing their experiences, and that is only going to help me improve every day, especially with the quality of players that we’ve got.”
With Jamie Allen the most recent youth team graduate to make his mark in the first team, Andy knows that if he continues to work hard he could also be given that opportunity, and says he was delighted to see
Jamie having the impact that he did last season.
“Myself and Callum Camps played with Jamie the first year of our scholarships so we knew what he can do and how good he was. Last season he proved that, and he proved he can play at that level, which was great to see. Hopefully I can do the same.
Dale’s Head of Academy Coaching, Rick Ashcroft, commented: “Andy has got great energy. He loves to go forward, he loves to get on the football and play, he doesn’t mind a tackle and physical contact, and he can create and score goals. Andy is an all-rounder and he’ll only develop further being in the first team environment under the guidance of Keith Hill, Chris Beech, Tony Ellis, Brian Barry-Murphy and the support of the other players.”