Big thanks for chance to turn pro

Full name Phattharaphol Khamusk, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder hailed the Tigers this weekend after earning a professional contract at True Bangkok United after previous trials at Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Discovered at the age of 13 by academy director Gareth Prendergast during a Friday evening coaching session at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, the midfielder broke into the first team in late 2015 before becoming a permanent fixture under manager Darren Kelly and going to win promotion to the EVO-STIK League's top flight in May.

Prendergast said: “It is every semi pro academy managers dream to develop players through to professional football. It was clear from the beginning that Big had the talent, what we had to do was to make sure he understood this and worked hard to make the most of it. It is great to see him achieve his dream and it is especially pleasing for me because I was the person who first spotted him.”

Khamusk, who is now targeting a call up to the Thai national side, told the Tigers website: "Now that I am officially a signed professional at True Bangkok United, I thought I should write to express my gratitude to all of you at Hyde United who have helped me reach this point in my career. It has always been my dream to become a professional footballer and now I have reached that point, I need to thank the people who have helped me get there.

"Firstly, the management staff at Hyde who allowed me to spend 5 plus years with the club, both in the academy and on to the first team. Secondly, the coaching staff who pushed me to become the best I could be and brought me through the academy into the reserves and finally the first team. Thirdly, all my team mates, who were there beside me in all weather do what we could to progress the teams, eventually gaining promotion last year.

"Finally, all the supporters, who cheered us on no matter the weather and who had songs for many of us. Your support means a great deal to all the players. I hope to be able to return one day to see how the club has progressed over the coming years, when I expect you will be a few more divisions up the pyramid."

Image courtesy of hydeunited.co.uk/Twitter

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