Sunday Jun 24 2007 13:49
Coventry City teenager Lee Hildreth has penned a one-year professional deal with the club and hopes to force his way into the first-team picture in the 2007-08 campaign.
The 18-year-old has been with the Sky Blues for the last decade and made his first-team debut for Iain Dowie's side when he came on as a substitute in last month's final game of the season win at Burnley.
"This is what I've worked hard for all these years and I'm absolutely delighted to sign a deal," Hildreth told the club's official website.
"Before Iain Dowie came in I wasn't too sure what the future held but he arrived in February and he made a lot of the younger players feel wanted.
"Towards the end of the season he called me into his office and said he wanted to offer me a deal. That was the best feeling!
"The reserves are in a league again next season so it will be good to get some competitive action and I'd like to achieve what players like Ben Turner and Liam Davis did last season.
"They both went out on loan to get some first team experience and if the manager thinks that is best thing for me to do I'll be happy to do that. But both Ben and Liam came back and got some first team action at Coventry in the later part of the season and that's what I'd like to do.
"After the manager arrived he showed that he's not afraid to give youngsters a chance so hopefully I can impress him next season."
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