West Brom prospect celebrates birthday by signing first pro contract
Defender Alfie Maughan celebrated his 17th birthday by signing his first professional contract at Albion.
The Tamworth-born youngster has emerged as a promising talent for the future after registering 14 assists for the under-18s team from full-back last season.
Maughan, who has been on Albion’s books since the age of six, also stepped up to play for the club’s U21s on several occasions and his progress has been rewarded with a two-year professional deal.
Baggies academy boss Richard Stevens said: “Alfie’s another boy who’s been in the system since pre-academy, is Albion through and through, and loves everything about the football club.
“He comes in every day like it’s the most important thing to him and as a footballer, he really has developed.
“When I first came in, Alfie was in the Under-12s and even then he was a standout, but ever since he has really maintained that growth and quality throughout his schoolboy years.
“During his first year as a scholar, Alfie has continued that development.”
Strong with both his left and right foot, Maughan can play in either of the full-back positions.
Stevens continued: “He’s been excellent, impacting games with his deliveries with both feet from crosses, set plays, moments in the final third, and that aspect is a strength of his.
“At the other end of the pitch, he’s improving all of the time with his defending and is another who can take his football career as far as he can.
“This club can help him do that and it was really important we offered Alfie this contract
“Hopefully, Albion will see the fruits of his work over years to come.”
