Gambian teen offered professional contract by Southend United

Seedy Ishmail Njie, 18, has been rewarded for his impressive performance this season, along with five other players, who have been handed development deals to remain at Roots Hall.

 
Njie appeared for the first team against Championship club Peterborough United in the Capital One Cup at the start of the season, and has since been included in a number of senior squads.

 
Southend United manager Phil Brown told the club's official website: 'I have been working closely with Ricky Duncan [Head of Youth] since I arrived here at the Club.'

 
'Under his, and Graham Coughlan's [Player/Assistant Manager] guidance, I am delighted to announce that Seedy [Njie] have been offered professional contract here at the club next season.'

 
'It is vitally important that we continue with the development of young players at this club to make sure the future of Southend United is in safe hands.'

 
Njie who was born in Catford, Lewisham, to Gambian parents, started his two-year scholarship with Southend United in July 2011. His professional debut for the club came on 14 August 2012, in a 4-0 defeat to Peterborough United in the Capital One Cup, replacing Elliot Benyon as a substitute.

 
Seedy Njie powered home more than 20 goals in his final season as an under-16 player before enduring an injury ravaged 2011/12 campaign. But he has been on form again this season, scoring six goals in nine starts for the under 18s.

 
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