Youngster turns down Man Utd
Barnsley Football Club is delighted to announce young Academy prospect James Bree has turned down the chance to join Manchester United to stay at Oakwell.
The 15-year-old, who featured for the Under 18s at just 14 years of age last season, is keen on developing his career with Barnsley – a club which has, in recent times, shown to be a great breeding ground for youngsters progressing into the first team.
A pleased Academy Manager Ronnie Branson said, “James is being pursued by one of the biggest cubs in the country which is testament to him and the work that’s gone in throughout the Academy.
“There’s a definite pathway into the first team here at Barnsley. That’s been proven by the likes of John Stones, Jacob Butterfield, Paul Digby, Danny Rose and Reuben Noble-Lazarus.
“It’s up to us to show we’ve got a positive learning environment and try and keep players here rather than let them go to a big club where they’d become a small fish in a big pond.”
James was given permission to take a look around Manchester United’s set-up but ultimately decided Barnsley Football Club is better suited to maximise his potential.
“I just feel more comfortable at Barnsley at the moment and I think it’s the right decision for me to stay here,” revealed James. “There’s a better pathway for me into the first team. The Coaches in Ronnie (Branson), Chris (Howarth) and Mark (Burton) are all great with me and I just feel it’s right for me to stay.
“They have brought a lot of players through here, so having an opportunity like this is great.”
It is anticipated James will feature for the Under 18s this season, guided by Lead Under 18s Coach Chris Howarth, who added, “We know he’s going to make mistakes and we’ll allow him to do so. If he makes them with us that’s good because when he’s ready for the first team, he’ll be ready.”
