Bradford City AFC is pleased to announce that academy graduates Bobby Pointon, Dylan Youmbi and Harvey Rowe have signed new, initial one-year contracts.
The trio have put pen to paper on deals which will keep them at the University of Bradford Stadium until at least the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Entering their second year as professionals, Pointon, Youmbi and Rowe, all 19 years of age, are set to form a part of Mark Hughes’ first team squad for the coming campaign.
Midfielder Pointon, pictured above, centre, said: “I am buzzing - this is what I have worked for all my life, and to have it at this club is special. I have been coming here as a fan since I was five years old, so it is a dream come true for me.
“It was great to experience men’s football at Brighouse Town last season. Scoring three goals in four games helped my learning and boosted my confidence, before playing a different style of football at Farsley Celtic.
“I know the gaffer likes the simple things mastered, so if I can keep doing that and showing what I am about, hopefully it will help me.
“I like playing with the ball on the floor. I like creating chances and scoring goals. My aim is to get more minutes in pre-season, and show everyone what I am capable of. Hopefully, I can get in the team - that is my dream. It would be brilliant for myself and my family.”
Youmbi, a forward (above, left), said: “I am very happy and grateful for the opportunity.
“I am a striker who likes to score goals. I make the most of close-range chances but know that any goal counts.
“My spells on loan have helped me a lot, and opened my eyes as to what senior football is about. Hopefully, I can work on experiencing more of that.
“I travelled to Newport with the first team last season, and hopefully I can experience that again. I will keep working hard on and off the pitch to get minutes in pre-season and hopefully help the team.”
Defender Rowe (above, right) said: “First and foremost, I am grateful to the gaffer and the academy staff for the opportunity I have been given.
“I look around this stadium now, and when I look back to near-enough every home game last season, the stadium and the supporters who come act as motivation for all of us.
“On loan, I have definitely learnt a lot, especially in dressing rooms, you pick up so much. Even here, when training with the first team and seeing the players doing the right things, that is very valuable.
“I want to play some minutes in pre-season and play as well as I can, and just keep working hard from there.”
City manager Mark Hughes added: “We are pleased to have been able to offer Bobby, Dylan and Harvey new contracts for the coming season, and I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate them and their families.
“We have three very talented players on our hands, who each have a bright future in the game. They bring different traits and qualities to our dressing room, and continue to develop really well.
“They have been in and around the building for well over a year now, training with the first team and impressing in a number of bounce fixtures we played throughout the course of last season.
“I am excited to see them continuing to develop over the coming campaign, and look forward to seeing them back for pre-season training this month.”
Bobby Pointon, Dylan Youmbi and Harvey Rowe will be handed squad numbers for the 2023/24 season. Pointon will continue to be sponsored by The City Vent, Complete IT Systems will sponsor Youmbi and Rowe will be sponsored by Kalcrest Care.