Matthews and Bernard pen professional contracts
Thursday was a proud day for Jack Matthews and Josh Bernard, as they put pen to paper on contracts that will make them professionals for the 2024/25 season.
The pair will join Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts, who had previously inked deals on their 17th birthdays, in officially stepping up to the senior ranks next term.
Midfielder Bernard, in particular, has an amazing story. He was not offered a scholarship with Argyle’s Academy Under-18s team, but instead joined the football education programme of Argyle Community Trust. Such was his development and application, he was given the chance to play for the Under-18s, making his first appearance in March 2023.
He was a mainstay of the Under-18s team in 2023/24, as they won the Youth Alliance and Merit Leagues, and capped off his rise by being offered a pro deal.
After signing his contract yesterday afternoon, Bernard said: “An amazing moment for me and my family. I would have never expected this to happen from where I was.
“Just two years ago I had given up football and started labouring but knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do and joined the Argyle Community Trust programme. That gave me a chance to study and still play football, and fortunately I impressed and got a chance with the Academy.
“I’ve always had an extra hunger to reach this position and I know this is a big moment, but the dream doesn’t stop here. I want to impress and be involved in the first-team squad. I know the Gaffer likes to give young players an opportunity and it is now up to me to try and impress in pre-season.”
Matthews’ progression has been more orthodox, but no less important. Tall Cornishman Jack has generally played in central defence for the Under-18s, but will frequently fill in other positions, notably in central midfield, where his comfortable ball-carrying abilities stand him in good stead.
His calmness, maturity and flexibility meant he was included in the senior squad for much of the last pre-season build up, and his consistent performances have now earned him a professional contract.
Upon signing his contract, Matthews commented: “It is the best feeling ever. A real dream come true for me and my family. I remember watching Argyle as a kid at Home Park and now I’ll hopefully be the one running out there for the first team.
“I haven’t really come down from the moment I was told but I know that the hard work starts now, and I need to impress when pre-season starts.
“I have been working hard for the past few weeks to make sure I am ready and hit the ground running, and I just can’t wait to join back up with the squad.”
Argyle first-team coach and Head of Player Development Kevin Nancekivell concluded: “This is a real testament to the hard work of Jack and Josh throughout the years to get this point.
“Both have had different journeys but are equally deserving of their first professional contracts with the club, and the hard work doesn’t end here.
“They will join up with the squad for pre-season and now have an opportunity to further showcase themselves to the first-team coaching staff every single day.
“I want to congratulate them on signing their contracts and wish them well as they take the next step on their respective journeys.”
