Clarets starlets sign pro deals

Burnley have handed first professional contracts to six of their FA Youth Cup semi-finalists and eight youngsters in total.

Jack Errington, Cameron Howieson, Luke Conlon, Adam Evans, Aryn Williams, Tom Anderson, Alex Coleman and Archie Love have all signed up at Turf Moor.

"When you talk about the criteria you measure the performance and success of youth departments by, I think one of the key indicators is the lads who progress on to get professional contracts," said Clarets' newly appointed academy boss Jason Blake.

"And any year group when you are taking this number of players is an exceptional intake.

"There is no requirement on numbers. They have warranted contracts. It's not fortune, it's not luck. It's warranted and deserved for each individual."

Stevie Hewitt had been previously tied to a two-year deal, meaning the bulk of the squad which finished runners-up in the Youth Alliance North West Division will stay with the Clarets.