The young player, who scored 22 goals from midfield for the club’s Under-18 squad, had a fantastic season.
After signing his first professional contract with Exeter City, Tom Dean is the next player to pledge his future to the team.
The young player, who scored 22 goals from midfield for the club’s Under-18 squad this season, is also enjoying a successful month-long loan with Tavistock of the Southern League.
After a stellar season with the under-18s, in which he scored 22 goals from midfield, Dean received an offer from manager Gary Caldwell at the end of the 2023–2024 campaign. Dean will now join the first team.
In addition to playing multiple times during the preseason, he signed his scholarship in 2022 and made his first team debut against Arsenal U21 in the EFL Trophy last season. He also went on loan to Tavistock for a month in January, showing that he has been a consistent player for the academy all season long, serving as captain.
“This is a truly significant occasion for me and my family, who have provided me with unwavering support throughout the past five or six years at the academy,” Dean remarked.
As you advance through the youth team, it is what you strive for, so I am incredibly proud of you. I just couldn’t say no once that contract was on the table.
It is not surprising that the team was eager to lock Dean down given his goal-scoring history. It’s okay, isn’t it? Whether it be through goals or assists or even defensive tackling to get the ball back, my only goal is to always put myself in the best position to contribute as much as I can.
Since I am one of the older players on a team that has had a younger roster throughout the season, setting an example for the other players is just as important as scoring goals.
“It will be a significant step up for me from the under-18s; the quality is excellent from what I’ve seen so far, and the improvement appears to be substantial. I will do my best to show my qualities.”
