Charlton Athletic youngster signs first professional deal

Young Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Henry Molyneux has signed his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old has been part of the Addicks’ last three matchday squads after injury to Harry Isted.

Molyneux has provided back-up to first choice Ashley Maynard-Brewer. He signed for the League One club at the age of 16, having impressed in a pre-season friendly where he turned out for Dulwich Hamlet’s side.

Molyneux said: “It is an amazing moment for me and my family. We are delighted that I have been able to extend my stay here at Charlton.

“Being a local boy from south-east London, I have got a lot of friends and family who support the club and, for me, it was an amazing fit from day one.

“I feel like I have developed a lot off the pitch as well as on the pitch in my time here and I am really thankful to a lot of people who have helped me on my journey so far.”

Academy director Steve Avory said: “We are all delighted for Henry. He is a young goalkeeper who has has worked very hard every day as a scholar and he deserves his first professional contract.

“He is a natural communicator who has got a great deal of charisma about him as a young man and that certainly helps his goalkeeping. What struck me about Henry straight away was his agility, bravery and his ability to pull off some very good saves, sometimes difficult saves that you might not have expected.”