Five talented youngsters this week penned their first professional contracts with St Johnstone Football Club.
Dougal McAdam, Cole Voy, Adam Shaeb, Ethan Martin and Callum Boyle signed on the dotted line at McDiarmid Park on Monday with proud family members watching on.
Everyone at the club congratulates Dougal, Cole, Adam, Ethan and Callum, who are all looking forward to putting in the hard work this summer.
DOUGAL MCADAM (15) – STRIKER/WINGER
Dougal, a Perthshire lad from Aberfeldy, has been with the academy for a number of years.
He predominantly plays as a striker or a winger – and regularly turned out for the under-18s this past season.
Quick and a powerful runner with the ball, coaches are excited to see how Dougal develops over the coming months.
COLE VOY (15) – DEFENDER
Cole, from Tranent, has impressed since arriving at the club and continues to make steps in the right direction.
A central defender with height and physicality, Cole is being backed to improve further across the coming weeks and months.
He starred in the Oban tournament at the beginning of the season and picked up plenty of experience with the under-18s in the Club Academy Scotland Performance League.
ADAM SHAEB (15) – MIDFIELDER
Adam, from Edinburgh, is the youngest of the group signing their first professional contract but is certainly not short of talent.
Despite his age, he has earned the plaudits of coaches and team-mates whenever he has stepped up to play for the under-18s in recent times.
An adaptable midfielder who can play in different positions, Adam is a whole-hearted player and another exciting prospect.
ETHAN MARTIN (15) – MIDFIELDER
Ethan, from Falkirk, joined our academy more recently having previously spent time developing at Hamilton Accies.
Head of academy Alistair Stevenson and coaches were impressed with his ability when he travelled up to McDiarmid Park for training and games.
A midfielder who attended the same performance school as Callan Hamill, Ethan had other options available but chose Saints – and we’re delighted he did.
CALLUM BOYLE (16) – DEFENCE/MIDFIELD
Callum, from East Kilbride, became a familiar face at McDiarmid Park earlier this year and was signed from Motherwell.
A very versatile player, Callum predominantly operates on the left side – either defensively or in more of an attacking position.
But he is comfortable with both feet and has an eye for a pass. Like all our youngsters signing up, there is excitement to see how Callum develops.
A WORD FROM ALISTAIR STEVENSON
As previously announced by the club, head of our academy Alistair Stevenson will soon be stepping down from his role.
But he will be keeping close tabs on the progress of Dougal, Cole, Adam, Ethan and Callum.
“I’ve had some really good groups over the years and I’m excited to see how these boys develop,” Alistair said after joining the five players on their contract-signing night.
“These boys will be the under-17 group, but they will also play under-19s. They will be looking to push themselves as much as possible.
“I want to see young guys boys develop and become the next Jason Kerr, the next Ali McCann or the next Fran Franczak. Everyone at the club will be working hard to get the best out of them.”
