Youth-team duo sign professional contracts at Northampton Town

Goalkeeper Dean Snedker and midfielder Lewis Hornby had already signed pro deals at Sixfields, and will be joined by midfielder Dias and striker Moyo, both of whom travelled to Exeter City with the first-team squad at the weekend.

Central defender Harry Mattock, full-back Jordan Chambers and midfielder George Craddock are the players in the current group who have not been offered terms and will leave the club.

Also departing the club is under-13s Academy striker Glenn Middleton, who has joined Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.

“To have four players out of seven in this year move through in to the professional ranks is a terrific achievement,” said Academy Manager Trevor Gould.

“It says a lot for the attitude of the boys, the dedication and expertise of our coaches and is of great credit to the boys, their families, and the Academy here.

“Of course there are three players who haven’t been offered terms and we send our best wishes to those boys. They are all good players and we will do what we can to help get them fixed up elsewhere.

“As for Glenn, we could not stand in his way when he had the chance to join a Premier League Academy.

“The professional contracts for David and Claudio and the move for Glenn shows there are clear pathways both into our first team squad and into the Premier League for any young players joining us.

“Not only do they receive the highest quality of care and coaching while with Northampton Town, but the examples are there so they can see what can be achieved.”

Hornby has been a regular in the first team this season and Snedker has made three appearances, whil also playing for the England under-19s in their recent friendly against Denmark.

Diasm who can play either in central midfield or on the right wing, has been a regular on the bench all year but is yet to make a senior appearance, while Moyo has come off the bench twice.

“Both David and Claudio have earned their deals but the hard work starts now,” said first-team manager Aidy Boothroyd, who started his coaching career in youth football.

“In many ways, your first professional contract is the easy part. They must keep working hard, listening and gaining experience every day to become better players.

“Football is a very competitive industry and both players know what is ahead of them. I have been impressed with their performances on the pitch and their attitude off the pitch and I would like to congratulate them on their contracts.”