Football Data Analyst Mark Brumpton profiles the Iron’s first year professionals.
The six youngsters offered a professional deal with the club have all signed on the dotted line to extend their Iron stay. I’m in a fortunate position that my job takes me all over the country watching football at all levels. Part of this is covering Academy football and it comes as no surprise to me that these boys have all signed a professional deal with the club.
Harry Jessop
Harry has featured mainly for the U18s mixed in with appearances for the U23s. He is a natural goalscorer, but Harry can also play in a deeper role. I’ve seen Jessop cause trouble to defences no end of times. He has shown the vision and determination to get into the right places at the correct times leading to rebound goals, assists and advantageous attacking positions. In a few of the cameo appearances for the U23s, Harry has shown excellent links with other players, namely John McAtee, which can only benefit the first team should he make the step up into the first-team squad in the near future.
Raynner Silva
Silva is a promising talent, a midfielder that has been watched many times over the past season by more than one Premier League club. From watching him, it is easy to see why they are interested. Offering great vision to find teammates in shooting space, Raynner can carry the ball well and looks composed and comfortable in possession. Rayner has also featured in the England Futsal team at different levels on numerous occasions.
Finley Shrimpton
Like Silva, Finley is a midfielder, confident in possession of the ball. He signed for The Iron in 2017 after Barnsley decided to release him. He shows a good work rate and is a solid team player. Finley has captained the youth teams emphasising him team-leading and teamwork skills. Shrimpton has the ability to pop up with a goal as well as being the creative force within the team.
Charlie Barks
Charlie is a commanding central defender impressing for the U23s on multiple occasions. A dependable defender that shows vital leadership qualities and reliability, never letting the team down. Of the four players offered a professional deal, Charlie is the one most likely to be ready for the first team, in my opinion, he hasn’t looked out of place whenever I’ve watched him and would not be worried if I saw his name on the first team teamsheet.
Tom Collins
Tom Collins signed his professional deal with The Iron last year but is certainly one to keep an eye on for the future. Tom is a goalkeeper with great shot-stopping ability. He has already been invited to an England Development Camp, where he was able to showcase his skill and ability to England International coaches at different age levels. This proving he is up there with the best goalkeepers within his age range. He is well thought of, and it’s no surprise to see him linked with a move to clubs of larger stature.
Harry Baker
Signing his deal in January, Harry extended his Iron stay despite interest from other clubs including Leeds United. He is an attacking full-back well suited to the modern game. He offers hard work and leadership skills, especially as a lad who knows just what it means to play (and captain) for the Scunthorpe United youth squads. An excellent attitude and an intelligent mind are only a few of the traits that will help Harry excel within the game. He even likes to pop up with a goal here and there which is a bonus from the talented defender.
It is obvious why these six were the youth team players to be given professional contracts with the club. They all possess a high amount of potential and are capable of making the step up into professional football at EFL level in the not too distant future.
You can follow Mark on Twitter – @MarkkBru
