Stoke City unveil 13 new signings following in wake of Emre Tezgel deal

Fresh on the heels of Emre Tezgel, 13 players have signed scholarship forms at Stoke City to become part of the under-18s squad and that big step closer to the first team and a career in professional football.

There will be names already familiar to followers of Stoke's youth team, like striker Nathan Lowe and left-sided Josh Bickerton, who have already had taste of life higher up the age groups.

There is Adam Watson too, the 16-year-old forward and son of long-serving Stoke physio Dave Watson while right winger Harry Crane has been on England's radar through the youth levels.

The signings follow the commitment of Tezgel last week, signing on a scholar with a three-year professional contract coming into effect on his 17th birthday in September. The 16-year-old striker is with the senior squad on a week-long training camp in Cork.

Tezgel isn't the only one to have come pretty much all the way through the ranks.

Academy director Gareth Owen said: “It’s been a conscious decision to offer a number of scholarships to players who have been with us for a while, that’s the whole point of the under-9 to under-16 programme. You have got to have players coming through the groups, giving them opportunities.

“They are all good characters who want to learn. They all understand how we want to play the game which gives us the best chance of moving forward.”

Centre forward from Manchester. Joined as an under-14. A quick, strong, aggressive forward who makes things happen. Adds a lot of industry to the forward line.

Wide forward from Manchester. A tricky player who can go both ways. Creates and scores goals. Adds a lot of variety and unpredictability to the group.

Left back from Stoke-on-Trent. Joined as an under-9. Possesses all the