Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce that academy player Oliver Hammond has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old continues an association with The Reds stretching back to when he first joined the club as an eight-year-old, developing through the age groups to wear the captain’s armband for the Under 18s.
The central midfielder made his first appearance at The City Ground earlier this season in the FA Youth Cup and Hammond is now delighted to have taken the first step in his professional career.
He said: “It feels amazing. It’s a great achievement and hopefully I can push on now and play at The City Ground more often.
“It’s a great achievement for me and for my family and friends, they have supported me the whole time. I have played well recently so I think it is deserved, I just want to push on more now.
“I feel that I am growing as a player. I have pushed into the 23s and got some starts recently, it has helped me to understand men’s football more so that in the future I can either get out here at The City Ground or go out on loan to get in the first team.
“It is a great club for pushing through young players, and if you perform well and work hard then you will get your opportunity.”
Hammond has appeared on a regular basis for the Under 18s during his scholarship, stepping up to take on a leadership role with the captaincy with his all-action performances in the heart of the midfield, and this season has progressed to making appearances in the Under 23s side.
Under 18s head coach Gareth Holmes said: “I'm delighted for Oli, he's shown an excellent commitment and desire to learn throughout his scholarship.
“He plays with energy and intelligence. He needs to continue to work hard to increase his involvement with the 23s and beyond.”
