Dyche 'absolutely buzzing' to sign first pro deal with Cobblers

Teenage defender Max Dyche described himself as 'absolutely buzzing' to put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the Cobblers.

The 18-year-old was offered a senior deal earlier this week alongside fellow academy graduates Liam Cross and Josh Flanagan.

Dyche, son of Burnley manager and former Town defender Sean, made his debut for the Cobblers as a second-half substitute at Crewe last December and was then handed his first senior start the following game against Oxford United.

"I'm absolutely buzzing," he said. "It's been a long journey and it feels a long time coming because I've put a lot of hard work into it.

"I've been here since I was a kid so I'm buzzing to be involved - it's a dream come true.

"I first joined the club at U9s level and then came all the way through the academy. I had a tough time trying to battle my way through the age groups but eventually I've got there and hopefully this is only the start of things.

"I know Rico and Jon from the academy and I think having them around is something that will help me grow into the first-team environment and make it an easier transition. Hopefully we can build that relationship and keep it going with the first-team."

Dyche will now have some time off before returning as a first-team player for pre-season.

He added: "It's been a long season for everyone, fans included, and for a player now's the time to have some rest and relax and then get going again for pre-season.

"Pre-season is a fresh start and it's a chance to change people's opinions and really develop yourself.

"I want to come here and I want to play football. That is every kid's dream so hopefully I can put in a good shift in pre-season and we'll see what next season brings."

Dyche's two appearances this season both came with fans in attendance - but he is yet to walk out at the PTS in front of Cobblers supporters.

"It's a massive incentive to play in front of Cobblers fans next season," he admitted. "It was amazing to play at Oxford and Crewe before Christmas, even if it was only with home fans, so to make an experience at Sixfields in front of our home fans would be great and I'm really looking forward to it."