New Everton manager Ronald Koeman has swooped for promising 18-year-old keeper Chris Renshaw, the Premier League club report today.
Salford-born Renshaw, who played his junior football until Under 11s with Swinton community club Beechfield United, joins the Toffees on a three-year deal.
This match report, dug out from the club’s archives in 2006, mentions a certain young shot-stopper picking up Man of the Match award.
The teenager took up a scholarship with Oldham Athletic after moving on from the Swinton club.
The Latics had offered Chris professional terms but he decided now was the right time to make the move up to the Premier League.
He said: “I would like to thank everyone at Oldham for the amazing 7 years I had there.
“I will always be grateful to the coaches who helped me develop throughout the years and I made some friends for life with the lads I spent my time with.”
He told Everton’s website he was excited for the challenge that lay ahead.
“I know about the record of how many players Everton have brought through the Academy.
“That interested me a lot because there seems to be a serious pathway to the first team.
“Every time we played friendlies at Everton, I always used to say the training ground and facilities would make this an amazing club to be at.
“This is a step up but I’m looking forward to it. For me, this year is a development stage, so it’s about trying to get that regular football in the Under-21s.”
Renshaw will now join Everton’s youth development squad ahead of the 2016-17 season.
Everton are still searching for a regular first-choice keeper after ex-Manchester United stopper Tim Howard left for America’s Major League Soccer with the Colorado Rapids.
Beechfield United secretary Keith Long praised the teenager for his commitment to the junior club and the skill he showed while learning his trade there.
“Chris is still in touch with our junior coaches,” said Keith, “and has been keeping us all in the loop.
“He has enormous talent and we have no doubt that one day he will be first-choice for Everton.”
