Manchester-born teenager Joel Senior has signed for Premier League club Burnley after spending the majority of his career in non-league football. The 19-year-old right-back began his career at Oldham Athletic but was released and played semi-professionally for Maine Road, FC United of Manchester, and Curzon Ashton.
Senior impressed during a trial with Burnley's U23 squad, earning a 12-month contract with an option for a further year. He will join the Clarets' U23 side, which plays at Curzon Ashton's Tameside Stadium.
“I’m delighted. It’s been a long time coming,” Senior told Burnley's official website. “I’ve been working hard for it for the last three or four years and it’s finally happened. Burnley have put their trust in me, and I’m delighted to be here.”
Senior will report to pre-season training at Burnley's Barnfield Training Centre in July, a significant upgrade from non-league facilities. “It’s everything a player could want here and perfect for me to fulfil my potential,” he said. “I want to come in for pre-season fully fit and be ready to get into the under-23s team and who knows where you can go from there?”
