Tuesday 17 May 2016 18:48, UK
Southampton youngsters Olufela Olomola, Alfie Jones, Richard Bakary, Ollie Cook and Thomas O'Connor have signed their first professional contracts.
The quintet, who all featured for Southampton's U18s and U21s during the 2015/16 campaign, have agreed terms on professional deals with the club for the first time.
Defender Jones, who was named young player of the season last week, has impressed throughout the campaign at both levels, training with the first team on a number of occasions.
Fellow defender Cook also featured regularly for the U21s, making 15 appearances and scoring in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland towards the end of the season.
Olomola, who captained Craig Fleming's U18s during the opening months of the campaign before moving up to the U21s, was named on the first-team bench for their 1-1 draw with Sunderland at St Mary's.
Right-back Bakary is the fourth youngster to sign a professional deal. The Benin-born defender made 22 appearances for the U18s this season, while also representing the U21s on four occasions.
O'Connor, who will be a second-year scholar next season, also agreed his professional terms earlier this week. The midfielder made 15 appearances for the U18s this season and broke into the U21s side towards the end of the season.
Academy manager Matt Hale said: "It's the pinnacle really when you're in this position, but it's also great for the staff when you see the young lads progress through and sign their first professional contracts.
"That's what we're here for, and I'm extremely proud of the lads who have achieved that. It's a great day for them and their families."
