Source: FOOTYMAD
The future is bright, the future is Bentley: 'This it is a massive achievement for me'
Southend United manager Paul Sturrock moved fast to get his two remaining shot stoppers at the club signed up and for one, young Daniel Bentley, it's all about looking ahead. Daniel Bentley; the new No.2The 6ft 2in 17-year-old Daniel Bentley has already warmed the first team substitutes bench for 18 games.He made his under-18's debut in a 5-2 win over Aldershot Town even before signing his scholarship in March 2009 where he is now in his second year. Bentley went on to feature fifteen times for the under-18s during the 2009/10 season as well as making his debut for the reserve team in February 2010. He was allowed to drop a couple of tiers and join Braintree Town in February who went on to win the Conference South. Daniel though only stayed for one game before returning to join the exciting Shrimpers under-18 youth cup run, he's still not 18 until July, which sadly ended earlier this year in such a big defeat at Anfield against Liverpool in the sixth round.And now the boy Bentley has been offered his first professional contact, for two years no less, not bad for the former pupil of Bromfords comprehensive in the heart of Wickford where he is still based. Bentley told www.echo-news.co.uk: "To be given a professional contract at Southend was a great feeling and I can't wait to come back in for pre-season. As a young boy I had always dreamed of being a professional footballer and, although I have a long way to go yet, this it is a massive step and a massive achievement for me." Daniel has yet to actually sign on the dotted line but has verbally agreed to the deal that will hopefully continue to see a bright future for the lad.Bentley continued: "Next season I want to play as much football as I can, whether that means playing reserve football or going out on loan because experience especially as a goalkeeper is very important. To play in the first team would also be brilliant and again a real achievement and a great experience so hopefully I'll get the opportunity to do that as well next year." As Glenn Morris can always pick up an injury or suffer a massive loss of form, we would hope not the latter, we may be seeing Daniel between the sticks for the frst team sooner rather than later but a loan deal to a Conference club might be a good thing, Tilly at Lincoln?Best of luck mate.Shot stoppers sorted for Luggy:www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/sturrock_smiling_as_shrimpers_shot_stoppers_sorted_the_squad_is_really_starting_to_take_shape_now_678188/index.shtmlThe Bentley FilesCompetition2010/11 TotalsSUFC Career TotalsLeagueCupU18'sReserves1st TeamPlayerGamesGoalsGamesGoalsGamesGoalsGamesGoalsGamesGoalsGamesGoalsGamesGoalsDaniel BENTLEY6050501603308 (1)0
