West Brom tie down exciting prospect to new deal
Highly-rated Alfie Maughan has marked his 17th birthday by penning professional terms with Albion.
Maughan's development has been rewarded with a two-year deal after a successful maiden term in the scholarship group, which saw the right-back provide 14 assists and help the Under-18s reach the last eight of the FA Youth Cup.
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The defender, from Tamworth, first joined the club's youth system aged six, progressing through the development sides.
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Capable with both left and right foot, he can cover either of the wide defensive positions and is a key attacking outlet down the flanks.
A regular set-piece taker, Maughan also featured for the U21s last season, playing a handful of matches across both Premier League 2 and National League Cup competitions.
Academy manager Richard Stevens said: 'Alfie's another boy who's been in the system since pre-academy, is Albion through and through, and loves everything about the football club.
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'He comes in every day like it's the most important thing to him and, as a footballer, he really has developed.
'When I first came in, Alfie was in the Under-12s and even then he was a standout, but ever since he has really maintained that growth and quality throughout his schoolboy years.
'During his first year as a scholar, Alfie has continued that development. He's been excellent, impacting games with his deliveries with both feet from crosses, set-plays, moments in the final third, and that aspect is a strength of his.
'At the other end of the pitch, he's improving all of the time with his defending and is another who can take his football career as far as he can.
'This club can help him do that and it was really important we offered Alfie this contract.''
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