Oldham Athletic are delighted to announce that Kane Badby has put pen-to-paper on a deal until the end of the 2021/22 season with an option to extend.
A local lad from Fitton Hill, Badby has thoroughly impressed on the left-wing in Latics’ U19 team over the course of the past two years which sees him earn a professional contract at Boundary Park.
Badby has progressed through the academy system at the club after being scouted at grassroots level at aged eight, and since, has learnt fundamental values on and off the pitch which has aided his development and growth.
The now 18-year-old has an abundance of speed, agility, and trickery whilst displaying an impeccable work ethic that has been highlighted amongst his peers as well as being highly regarded by figures in the opposing dugout.
Badby, who can operate anywhere down the left-hand side of the pitch, has the capability of producing goals and assists on a regular basis, and the youngster thrives upon the challenge of impacting a game for his team.
The wideman joins a lucrative list of exciting talent making the transition to the senior side recently in terms of signing deals alongside Benny Couto, Harry Vaughan, Junior Luamba, Vani Da Silva, and Will Sutton.
After agreeing on terms on his first-ever contract, Badby said; "It's an amazing feeling to have signed my first professional contract. I've been at the club for most of my life in the different age groups, and I’ve been working towards it since I signed and for it to actually happen, it's a dream come true.
"I’m a winger that likes to get the full-back and create chances to make the fans excited and get up on their feet. My aim is to get into the first-team squad now and hopefully be in the starting XI, and earn another contract after impressing on and off the pitch."
Interim Assistant Head Coach and Head of Academy, Conor Marlin, is delighted that Badby has committed his future to Latics and believes it’s another positive element at the club as he stated; "Kane has been with us for 10 years, so it's great to see someone starting so young and coming all the way through.
"Great credit goes to all our staff over that time as well as Kane and his family as it takes years of dedication to get to this level of earning a professional contract.
"Kane is a pacey wide player who is good in 1v1 situations and works hard out of possession so has a great opportunity to continue to impress in an Oldham shirt."
He has been allocated the #47 shirt as part of the first-team squad who he now regularly trains with as well as still being available for selection for youth team games when required.
Congratulations, Kane!