Nathan Jones and Interim Academy Director Steve Avory presented academy graduates Ibrahim Fullah and Keenan Gough with their framed full league debut shirts to mark the duo's milestones.
Midfielder Fullah made his first league start for the Addicks against Wrexham at the STōK Cae Ras, while Gough's full league debut came at Norwich City on Boxing Day.
"Once again, it's a proud moment for me and it's a proud moment for all of the academy," explained Avory, who led the presentation at Sparrows Lane. "We have two players who have recently made a league start and we reward that and give them a memory in terms of their shirt, framed with their name on it. Keenan and Ibby have been on long journeys with us, which is something we are even prouder of, when it culminates in a first-team appearance at 18 and 19 years of age."
Nathan Jones added: "This club has a wonderful tradition of producing and we want to keep producing players that get in our first-team for all the right reasons, but it's not just talent. It's the way they are as athletes, as human beings, the way they go about things. The humility, the diligence, the discipline, everything they do is why they get their opportunity, and that is why we love the academy and the players it produces."
Fullah credits Avory as a significant part of his progression at Sparrows Lane. "It has been a really good journey, especially with Steve as Academy Manager seeing us grow throughout the years. To have Steve have that belief in us has been really helpful in being able to develop into the player that I am and hopefully will be in the future too."
Gough was full of praise for his fellow team-mate. "It has been really good. Me and Ibby have been here since young. Ibby is absolutely smashing it, so it means a lot to be walking out there together. It was a big moment."
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
