‘Deserved contract’ – Exciting Charlton youngster pens first professional deal

Henry Rylah has signed his first professional contract with Charlton Athletic.

The 17-year-old made two appearances in Charlton’s first team this season in the EFL Trophy, playing nine minutes against Brighton’s U21 side and 45 minutes against Plymouth in the competition.

Rylah joined the club at U12 level and has shone for Jason Pearce’s title-winning U18 side this season.

The winger won the inaugural Steve Clarke Trophy in May 2022, awarded to a young player who has thrived both on the pitch and in the class across a 12-month period.

“It’s a deserved contract for Henry,” academy director Steve Avory told the club.

“He’s had an outstanding first season as a young scholar, and it’s important that we try and retain our best players.

“We have got many good players in that age group, for sure. In successive years, we really feel strong across this 17 to U21 age group.

“Henry has done so well this season. Yes, I am excited about the prospect of retaining such a talent and having the ability over the next few years to continue that develop him.

“The first thing you will notice about him is just how quick he is. He’s exceptionally quick – he really is.

“He’s a wide player who doesn’t mind operating on either flank. When we get the ball to him in those wide areas, he’s a very exceptional threat to the opposition with his pace.

“He’s certainly got a goalscoring ability. He needs to continue to work hard at that to be more consistent., as he gets in so many threatening positions with his pace and movement.

“He’s got an exceptional cross on him as well, with great delivery and great pace. Henry would admit he’s got to be more consistent about that as well, but he provides that attacking threat. 

“When he is in those one-on-one positions as well, he is someone the opposition don’t like to face, for sure.

“What also impresses me also about Henry is that when he loses possession, or the team loses possession, he’s prepared to do the dirty work of running back as well.”

PICTURE: CHARLTON ATHLETIC