By Deadly Submarine
April 27 2015
Four second year youth scholars have been offered professional contracts by the Club....
Tranmere have today confirmed that four of the second year youth scholars from the 2014/15 season have been offered their first professional contracts with the Club ahead of Rovers' first season out of the Football League for 94 years beginning in August.
Defender Evan Gumbs, midfielders Mitch Duggan and Ben Jago and goalkeeper Luke Pilling have all been offered a deal by the Club after completing two year scholarships. Three of the four players have already made substitute appearances for the first team this season whilst Luke Pilling has made a number of appearances on the bench as an unused substitute.
The first to make their senior debut for the Club was Evan Gumbs who came on towards the end of Tranmere's 1-0 away defeat at Luton Town on 15th November. Just two months later, Mitch Duggan came on for the first team in Rovers' 3-0 home thumping of Accrington Stanley at Prenton Park on 17th January.



Top to Bottom: Ben Jago, Evan Gumbs and Mitch Duggan
The final first team debut came for Ben Jago on 21st March as Rovers were thumped 4-1 at home to later to be promoted Burton Albion. Jago made a late appearance in the game when the result was already beyond rescue and actually polled a number of Man of the Match votes in Total Tranmere's poll for that game.
Speaking to the Tranmere Rovers Official Website, Chairman Mark Palios said..
“Our coaching staff all feel the four boys have a lot of potential and can make a contribution to the first team squad next season. They’ve all been involved regularly for the reserve team this season and played a big part in helping the youth team finish fourth in their division. I remember being offered my first professional contract and it’s always a fantastic day for any young footballer."
“Despite what happened at the weekend, these four players are part of the future and will play their part in us coming back stronger to this Club’s rightful place in the Football League. As I’m sure they’ll have been told by our Academy Manager Shaun Garnett, the hard work starts now.”
Total Tranmere would like to congratulate the four players on their first profressional contracts with the Club and wish them all the best for their careers, beginning with next season for Tranmere Rovers.
We would also like to wish good luck to the three youngsters that didn't get a professional deal and we hope they go on to have good footballing careers elsewhere.
