Gambian teenager offered pro deal at Southend United

Seedy Njie

Gambian striker Seedy Ishmail Njie has signed a professional contract with English League Two side Southend United FC, this blog can exclusively reveal.

Seedy Ishmail Njie, 18, has been rewarded for his impressive performance this season, along with five other players, who have been handed development deals to remain at Roots Hall.

Njie appeared for the first team against Championship club Peterborough United in the Capital One Cup at the start of the season, and has since been included in a number of senior squads.

Southend United manager Phil Brown told the club’s official website: “I have been working closely with Ricky Duncan [Head of Youth] since I arrived here at the Club.”

“Under his, and Graham Coughlan’s [Player/Assistant Manager] guidance, I am delighted to announce that Seedy [Njie] have been offered professional contract here at the club next season.”

“It is vitally important that we continue with the development of young players at this club to make sure the future of Southend United is in safe hands.”

Njie who was born in Catford, Lewisham, to Gambian parents, started his two-year scholarship with Southend United in July 2011. His professional debut for the club came on 14 August 2012, in a 4-0 defeat to Peterborough United in the Capital One Cup, replacing Elliot Benyon as a substitute.

Seedy Njie powered home more than 20 goals in his final season as an under-16 player before enduring an injury ravaged 2011/12 campaign. But he has been on form again this season, scoring six goals in nine starts for the under 18s.

About Southend United Football Club

Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two.

Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm. They are known as “The Shrimpers”, a reference to the area’s maritime industry.

The club has a fierce local rivalry with fellow Essex side Colchester United of League One. The two clubs were promoted from League One at the end of the 2005/06 season after a long battle for top spot was eventually won by Southend.