Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough delighed to sort contracts for three more youth players

Having blooded several young players in recent weeks and signing three of the U18s on their first professional contracts this week, Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough is delighted to see the club starting to produce its own once more.
The latest three youngsters to sign pro deals for Stags - Ethan Hill, Nathan Caine and George Cooper.The latest three youngsters to sign pro deals for Stags - Ethan Hill, Nathan Caine and George Cooper.
The latest three youngsters to sign pro deals for Stags - Ethan Hill, Nathan Caine and George Cooper.

Stags have had huge success with their youth policy in the past but have produced less players in recent years who have gone on to star for the club.

After sorting deals for 18-year-olds Ethan Hill, Nathan Caine and George Cooper, Clough said: “It's absolutely vital for most clubs, but especially clubs like ourselves to produce our own players.

“You can see some of the youngsters coming through now and getting in the first team in League Two.

“It would be nice in the next 12 months if those three are doing the same.

“They will be between us and the Academy next season and will certainly be training with the first team some of the time as they have been this season and gaining experience that way.

“But it's great when you can take two or three from the U18s and put them on professional contracts.

“There has to be a degree of patience if they've not done it in the first year at 20/21.

“So it's taking a bit of time and there will be some loan moves involved where they go to lower leagues and get some experience like that. I think that's a very important part of their development.”