WALSALL Football Club have today offered professional contracts to three promising youngsters.

Strikers Jamie Paterson and George Bowerman, along with defender Alex Hickman, have all been offered professional terms following the completion of their two-year Apprenticeship.

The trio have been regulars for The Saddlers' youth team this season and have also established themselves at reserve team level.

"Jamie, George and Alex all have excellent potential," explained Saddlers' boss, Chris Hutchings. "Having monitored their progress closely over the course of the season, and having spoken at great length with Head of Youth Dean Smith, I am looking forward to working with them.

"For them, the hard work starts now."

"I'm really pleased for all three lads," added Dean Smith. "These are always hard decisions to make and we will, of course, support those youngsters who have not been offered professional contracts.

"The three youngsters all have potential and I wish them every success here at Walsall Football Club."

Coventry-born Paterson is an 18 year-old striker, Wordsley-born Bowerman is also an 18 year-old striker and Hickman, born in Dudley, is an 18 year-old central defender/right-back.

Jamie Paterson

George Bowerman

Alex Hickman