JASON COWLEY’S impressive showings in a Bromsgrove Sporting shirt has earnt him a present he will never forget – the first ever Sporting player to receive a contract.
Since his move from Redditch United, Cowley has proved to be a massive hit among the management team, fellow team-mates and fans and being able to sign an official contract is just rewards for his efforts.
The talented 21-year-old has netted 19 times in 21 games in all competitions since his arrival but his two most memorable goals came on Saturday as he inspired the Rouslers to a 2-1 victory over Bristol Manor Farm to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Vase for the very first time in their history where they will meet Buckland Athletic.
With one piece of history made, more keeps coming as not only is Cowley the first Sporting to be player to be put on a contract, he is also the first player Sporting boss Paul Smith has ever given a contract to in all his years of management.
Cowley is contracted for the remainder of the current season with the option to extend it for the 2017/18 campaign.
Smith said: “Both myself and the new chairman [Mike Burke] have been putting the building blocks in place in recent discussions and we share the same enthusiasm of taking this club to the next level.
“To get Jason on contract is a huge stepping stone for this club and is just rewards for all his hard work – it also shows how far the club has come in such a short space of time.
“When he first joined fans were concerned he may not be good enough for us but his work rate and work ethic has been tremendous but the greatest thing which stands him out is he wants to learn.
“He has come on leaps and bounds and it’s a perfect deal for the club but more importantly for him.
“Jason thoroughly deserves this and I have told him this is just the start and that he has to make sure he keeps pushing.”
With Cowley now on a contract, Smith told the Standard there are blocks in place to give contracts to other players not just within the squad, but outside too.
The Sporting boss, who has been at the Victoria Ground for just over two years, also believes the foundations are now in place for next season whether that be in the Midland League Premier Division or Division One.
Speaking after signing his contract, Cowley added: “I am very happy to have signed and glad everything has been settled.
“I am over the moon to become the first Sporting player to be on a contract and I now want to go on and win the league and win the FA Vase if possible.”
