Sanderson: 'Playing for Wolves is a dream'

Wolves Academy defender Dion Sanderson is determined to achieve his dream of playing for the senior side after signing a new contract with his boyhood club until 2021.

The former Molineux ball-boy, who has been part of the Academy for the past 11 years, was a stand-out performer at the back for Rob Edwards’ title-winning under-23s last season.

After impressing for the development side, and with his new contact under his belt, the 19-year-old has now set his sights on breaking into Nuno Espirito Santo’s first-team.

On signing his new contract with Wolves

“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal. Playing for this club has been a dream for me, especially since I’ve been here from just eight-years-old.

“I live in the heart of Wolverhampton and being a young lad from here I looked up to a lot of Wolves players when I was younger and now I’m here as a player myself.

“I’ve come a long way in that time. I first started coming to Molineux when I was younger as a ball-boy for the first-team games, so I’m delighted that I’m now here as an under-23 players and my future at Wolves is all sorted.

“Hopefully I can get in the senior squad soon, because playing for the Wolves first-team is a dream of mine.”

On scoring at Molineux against Stoke City

“It was a great feeling, in front of quite a crowd, and it was my first goal of last season. All my family were there as well, so it was good to score in front of them.”

On the 2018/19 under-23 season

“It was a big season, especially being injured as well, but I came back feeling stronger and proved to myself that I can play at this level and beyond.

“I was happy to be involved, and around the team quite a lot after I came back from injury, especially winning the league on the last game of the season against Manchester United. I was delighted to be involved in that game, but the hard work doesn’t stop.

“I’m happy I’ve impressed because that’s how I’ve got this contract.”

On aims for the season ahead

“I’ve been told to focus, work on the main bits; my strengths, my weaknesses, keep fit over the summer because I want to come back flying and impress in pre-season.

“I’ve been working hard at home and coming in to Compton during the last couple of weeks, doing my own fitness training, as well as joining up with a couple of the other players, so I feel ready and fit to be back at it.

“My aim for next season is to break into the first-team; that’s my main focus. I believe I can push into the squad and impress the manager, but we will then see what the season holds.”

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