Milner signs deal with Leeds
By Sean Saranczuk
February 11 2003
Leeds' James Milner has signed his first professional contract with the club.
By Sean Saranczuk
February 11 2003
Leeds' James Milner has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The midfielder has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal.
The 17-year-old made his full debut as a substitute against West Ham in November and underlined his potential by scoring a stunning goal in the win against Chelsea before Christmas.
Milner was represented in contract negotiations by the Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire, who said: "James is one of the best young players in the country and the PFA are delighted to have played a part in contract negotiations on his behalf.
"Both James and Leeds United have been great to deal with, and it is lovely to see young players like this emerging in English football.
"We were aware of James' talent for a long time, but his performances at the end of last year propelled him into the public eye, and we have moved quickly to settle his future for the next few years."
Milner's father Peter said the new deal was great news both for the player and the club.
He said: "James is over the moon. He thinks it is fantastic. Everything has happened so quickly but he is very level-headed and has taken to it like a duck to water.
"It has to be good news for James and Leeds, who have had it tough lately. James thinks the world of Terry Venables and is delighted to be involved."
The 17-year-old made his full debut as a substitute against West Ham in November and underlined his potential by scoring a stunning goal in the win against Chelsea before Christmas.
Milner was represented in contract negotiations by the Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire, who said: "James is one of the best young players in the country and the PFA are delighted to have played a part in contract negotiations on his behalf.
"Both James and Leeds United have been great to deal with, and it is lovely to see young players like this emerging in English football.
"We were aware of James' talent for a long time, but his performances at the end of last year propelled him into the public eye, and we have moved quickly to settle his future for the next few years."
Milner's father Peter said the new deal was great news both for the player and the club.
He said: "James is over the moon. He thinks it is fantastic. Everything has happened so quickly but he is very level-headed and has taken to it like a duck to water.
"It has to be good news for James and Leeds, who have had it tough lately. James thinks the world of Terry Venables and is delighted to be involved."
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