HUDDERSFIELD Town have offered first-year professional contracts to four academy players – James Burke, Israel Johnson, Max Leonard and Jordan Sinnott.

The quartet are now in line to step into the first-team set-up, joining fellow second-year academy players Matt Crooks (currently on loan at FC Halifax) and Lloyd Allinson (on loan at Ilkeston), who have already signed professional terms.

Burke and Johnson have both shown versatility, playing in defence and midfield, while Leonard is a striker and Under 18 skipper Sinnott, son of former Town centre-back Lee, a central midfielder.

They will now work with new senior professional development coach Steve Eyre, whose job is to help bridge the gap between junior and senior football.

Their fellow second-year scholars Harrison Blakey, Warrick Charlton, Dominic Dickinson, Dave Melling and Josh Windass, as well as third-year scholar Adam Field, have not been offered deals and will leave the club at the end of the season.

Town manager Simon Grayson said: “I would like to congratulate the four who have been offered their first contracts as well as reiterating my congratulations to Matt Crooks and Lloyd Allinson, who have already signed.

“However, the hard work starts here for those six!

“They have all achieved the first step in the early stages of their careers and now their challenge is to make the next one up to senior football.

“That is even more difficult, but if they can, the rewards are fantastic.

“They will work extensively with Steve Eyre, and this is why his role is so vital. The players will get all the help they need in making the grade here.

“As I have always said, if you are good enough, you are old enough!

“I’ve shown throughout my time as a manager I will give young footballers opportunities if they are ready and their job is to continue progressing and force their way into the first team.

“It is vital for the long term sustainability of the club that we produce our own homegrown players and credit must go to all the staff at the academy for their work with all our young players.

“The development of Canalside and the commitment of Dean Hoyle to long-term success at Huddersfield Town stands us in good stead.”

Town academy manager Mark Lillis said: “We’ve made these very difficult decisions as a team. Simon, myself and the coaches at the academy have thought long and hard about them.

“The six who have not been offered contracts need to realise that this definitely isn’t the end of their footballing careers.

“I was released by Manchester City myself at their age, but I didn’t give up and fortunately Huddersfield Town gave me my chance and I ended up playing professional football for 15 years.

“I know a lot of people in the game and we will do absolutely everything we can to get these lads fixed up with another club, but similarly if they chose to follow another career path, the club will be just as supportive.”

Town Under 18s take on Manchester United in an FA Premier Academy League match at Canalside tomorrow (11.00).