Two of Albion's promising youngsters had mixed emotions yesterday when Joss Ladabie signed professional forms with the club and Aldridge born Stefan Morrison departed for
Ladabie has signed a one-year deal, with a further year in the club's favour, after progressing through the Academy system and impressing with the reserves last term. The 17-year-old midfielder joined after being spotted at the Barking Abbey College of Sport in
"Attitude-wise Joss is different class and very level-headed," Academy coach Michael Appleton said.
"He's a good professional, gets on with his job and trains really well.
"He's the one player that stood out from the bunch last season.
"He is really strong for his age and stands out physically.
"To go with that he has a nice feel for the ball and has soft feet for such a big lad.
"He did really well in the reserves and had more good games than bad games.
"We're hoping he steps on another level this year.
"The more he trains with the first team the better he'll get because they'll force him to play the ball quicker."
Although finding the net on a regular basis for the second XI last term 18-year-old Morrison has been allowed to leave and joined the Swans after impressing on a trail.
"From what we have seen of Stefan he has impressed us," City boss Roberto Martinez commented.
"He played in a few reserve games for us last season and has been training with us ever since we got back where he has been impressive.
"Stefan has a great attitude but with every young footballer he is going to need time to develop, so he will spend time with Alan Curtis who looks after the players in that age group.
"But I think he has a chance of becoming a very good footballer."