Wed 02 Mar
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Under 18 Forward, Alex Babos is “over the moon” to be signing his first professional contract with the club.
The young Rams forward put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal yesterday afternoon as a reward for his impressive performances over his time a scholar with the club’s Under 18 side.
Babos, who joined the Rams academy at the age of 15, has also experienced success at Under 21 level, featuring for the promotion chasing side on a number of occasions.
Speaking on signing professional terms, Babos told Rams Player HD: “I am over the moon to have been given a professional contract and it’s what the last four years have all been about - working towards this outcome.
“As one of the senior players in the Under 18s, I feel all the second years have stepped up to the plate and taken on the responsibility to help the first-years.
“We do regular reviews with the Under 18s staff and I’ve tried to work towards the goals set out for me by them. I think breaking down my targets has helped me. I’ve been happy with the way that I have played and thankfully that has been recognised.
“The impetus is on progression at this club and becoming a better player in the Academy, which is a fantastic place to be and improve."
Whilst earning a professional contract is a great achievement in itself, Babos insists that this is only the beginning of his career and that now is all about proving to the club that he can continue his development.
He added: “Now I have signed professionally it is all about sustaining it and kicking on.
“This year I’ve been fortunate to be playing regularly and it has helped with my consistency.
“I’ve been in the Under 21 squad as well and that has been a great experience. I’ve learned off the likes of Jake Buxton and Jamie Hanson to name just two of the players I’ve played alongside and that has been fantastic.
“I want to finish this season with the Under 18s strongly and then hopefully I can get an appearance or two with the Under 21s to set up me up for next season.”
