Myles Dayman and Hayden Ford are the latest Wolves Academy players to have signed their first professional terms with the club and mark the next stage of their development at Compton Park.
Defensively minded and versatile, Dayman came to Wolves as an under-12 having spent his foundation phase at Birmingham City and signed a two-year scholarship last summer alongside 13 other youngsters. Having made 17 appearances for the under-18s last season, as well as multiple appearances in under-21 squads, Dayman has scored for both sides in the last year.
Wing-back Ford joined Wanderers two years ago from the Junior Elite Academy in South London and has appeared five times this season for the under-18s, adding to the 12 appearances he made last season. His performances garnered him call-ups to the England under-17s camp this season which saw him feature twice for the Three Lions in friendly matches.
Both players shared their feelings at signing their terms.
Myles Dayman
“I’m absolutely delighted. It's just been a long time, loads of hard work just to earn it, it's just a good really.
“It feels like a step closer to making it onto the first team pitch which is something I have always dreamed of, but there’s lots of hard work to make that happen. Obviously I’m just coming back from injury so my main focus now is to continue building up my fitness and then continue to play more games.
“I wouldn’t be here without my Mum and my Dad, who have sacrificed a lot to help me get to where I am and have travelled all over the country for me.”
Hayden Ford
“It feels like, it's just mad, thinking where I was two and a half years ago, I never thought I'd be here now.
“It's just like a big motivator and a confidence boost as well. It also helps me believe in myself and believe that I can push through and make a career for myself.
“My friends and family have also been such a big influence for me, even from my Sunday League coach Kieran who first saw me play and pushed me.
“And my goals are clear now. Hopefully starting for the under-21s soon, towards the end of this first year of scholar season or the beginning of my next season. I want to become a regular starter and then hopefully getting another international call-up.”
