Friday 20 May 2011 14:44, UK
Goalkeeper Daniel Bentley has set his sights on being Southend's number one after being offered a professional contract.
After being named on the first-team bench for 18 games this season, the 17-year-old is now aiming to gain some valuable experience, either on-loan or with the reserves, in order to increase his chances of a first team break. "To be given a professional contract at Southend was a great feeling and I can't wait to come back in for pre-season," Bentley told the Echo. "As a young boy I had always dreamed of being a professional footballer and, although I have a long way to go yet, this is a massive step and massive achievement for me. "Next season I want to play as much football as I can, whether that means playing reserve football or going out on loan because experience, especially as a goalkeeper, is very important. "To play in the first team would also be brilliant and again a real achievement so hopefully I'll get the opportunity to do that as well next year."
