ROOKIE midfielder Nathan Hayward believes his decision to ignore overtures from Wolverhampton Wanderers and stay at Harriers has been justified with his new contract.

The 17-year-old and fellow youth team star Zac Costello signed one-year professional contracts at Aggborough after impressing manager Mark Yates in pre-season.

The duo caught the manager's eye last year when the club's new youth team swept to three trophies.

Hayward had a chance to sign for join Wolverhampton Wanderers' well-renowned youth academy after being included in Harriers' first team squad last season but opted to stay.

He said: "I'm over the moon. All the hard work and heartache over the years has been worth it for this.

"The first team lads are a great bunch and I feel that working with them will help me improve.

"To be given a chance to prove yourself is amazing, it gave me a new perspective and more impetus to do well and earn a contract.

"I was aiming for a first team contract, that was my main aim at Harriers and I am Ioving life here.

"It's great getting interest from Wolves because they're a big club but I felt a lot happier here and I thought it was better to stay. I'm really happy with the decision I have made.

"The experience playing in pre-season friendlies has been great for me, playing with better players is making me a better one and hopefully I can progress."


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