German signs pro contract at the Proact

Chesterfield boss Danny Wilson continues to give youth its head at the Proact and today has handed Ricky German his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old has come through the Spireites’ own academy and broke into the first team in September against Northampton Town.

Appearances against Bradford City and Accrington Stanley followed.

German has been rewarded with a two-and-a-half-year contract and says it’s down to hard work.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” he said.

“Hard work brings its rewards and now it is time to kick on.

“There are a lot of very good players at the club so I’m hoping to learn from them and improve my game.”

Wilson says German’s progress is another pat on the back for Mark Smith’s academy set-up.

“The signing of Ricky is a further statement from the club about the progress being made by the academy,” he said.

“A number of youngsters who have come through the academy have appeared in the first team this season.

“It is great for the club and the academy to see the progress being made on that front and we hope to see other youngsters coming through.”