Young defender Joel McGregor has signed his first professional contract with Swindon Town following an impressive campaign last term as a second-year apprentice.
McGregor played a pivotal part in the young Robins’ memorable FA Youth Cup run in which they knocked out 11 time winners Manchester United, before eventually falling short at the quarter-final stage versus Bristol City.
The 18-year-olds impressive showings earned him a handful of first team appearances last season, mostly in the cup, before making his senior league debut in April.
Speaking after putting pen-to-paper, McGregor said: “It’s a dream come true to be able to call myself a professional footballer and honestly I couldn’t be happier.”
“It’s been an incredible season with my teammates, from our progression into the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, to our unbeaten run in the league and my league debut against Sutton, start against Walsall, and home debut against Morecambe.
“I can’t wait for next season and ultimately to get back out playing football in front of the fans and I want to say a massive thank you to everybody who has supported me on the journey so far.”
Academy Manager, Alex Pike added: “Everyone in the Academy is extremely proud of Joel, from staff that work closely with him daily through to staff that have guided Joel in many other capacities across his journey with us.
“His hard work and dedication to improving himself and learning makes him a role model to all boys within the academy from the youngest age groups through to the current scholars, which is an important part of our pathway, role modelling within. Congratulations Joel.”
