Andy Cannon says that he’ll continue working hard after putting to paper on a contract extension.
The 19-year-old is now contracted to the club until the summer of 2017 and he believes he’s in the right place to continue his development.
Cannon told www.rochdaleafc.co.uk: “The Gaffer is really good at bringing through young players and developing them, so I’m really pleased to have been offered a contract extension.
“I want to keep on improving and I want to continue playing games so I know that I’ll have to keep on working hard. There’s no room for slacking because someone else will take your place.”
Cannon made the majority of last season’s appearances in the second half of the campaign, putting together a 14 game run of appearances. His form earned him four Man of the Match awards, as well the Wilson Trophy for most Improved Young Player of the Season.
Cannon says picking up those awards was his highlight of his first season as a professional footballer.
“The last two months of the season stand out for me,” said the full-back/ midfielder.
“I was given the opportunity to get a consistent run of games together and I picked up a few awards – that’s definitely the highlight of the season for me personally as it meant a lot.”
Cannon completed the first session of his out of season programme on Wednesday and he says it’s important that he continues to work hard during the close season to prepare for the pre-season camp in Tenerife.
“Pre-season is very tough so you’ve got to keep yourself ticking over during the summer - you can’t allow yourself get out of shape. I’ll be doing a lot of upper body work and leg work during the summer to help make me more powerful and quicker.”