Thomas Searle thankful for trust and support shown by Swansea City
Swansea City midfielder Thomas Searle says he's grateful for the trust and support he's been shown after signing his first professional contract following a 13-month spell on the sidelines due to injury.
He has put pen to paper on a deal until at least the end of June 2026, with the option of an additional 12 months.
The youngster joined the academy set-up at under-seven level, and made his way through the ranks before signing his scholarship prior to the 2023-24 season.
The 18-year-old then suffered a knee injury in his first under-21s' start against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium in April 2024, having made his debut for the development side in February 2024.
And, almost a year to the day since Searle underwent ACL surgery, the midfielder returned to the pitch in the under-18s' final home fixture of last season in April.
"It's a great achievement for me in my career. I've been here since I was seven-years-old, and I didn't really expect myself to get all the way to pro level, I'm thrilled,” said Searle.
"When you're younger in an academy, you always look up to the under-21s and the first team, and now I've made that step I've always wanted.
"I'm grateful for the chance, I was doing well in my first year of a scholarship, where I made a few appearances for the under-21s, then I ended up getting injured on my full under-21s' debut.
"It was amazing to get back out there in April, it had been a very long time. There's been many times where I've come close to a return, but I've had small setbacks along the way.
"But finally getting to return to the pitch felt amazing, especially with the boys, my family and the academy staff supporting me, it was a great feeling.
"The last 14 months have been hard, but have actually gone quite quick, I put that down to the incredible support around me and again, I'm grateful to be given this opportunity."
Searle now wants to make the most of his pre-season preparations before kick-starting his first full season ahead as a professional.
And he recently got off to a good start, scoring the winning goal in their recent friendly against Trefelin.
"Pre-season is all about maintaining my fitness and making sure I start the new season as fully fit as I can. I'm also extremely proud to have been offered a professional deal ahead of the new season, the trust the coaches have shown me during my injury period is something I'm really grateful for," he said.
"Next season, it'll be a big step up to under-21s’ football, especially as I've had a year off, but I'm looking forward to it."