HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Bermudian teenage goalkeeper Dale Eve has signed his first professional deal that will keep him at English League club Stoke City until 2014, the Royal Gazette said on Wednesday.
Eve, 17, was the only first-year scholar handed professional terms by the Midlands club following eye-catching displays in goal for Stoke’s Under-18s last season, the daily newspaper said.
Having only signed Stoke Academy terms 12 months ago, Eve said he was surprised to turn professional so quickly, but was determined to repay the faith shown in him by the club.
“Because I did so well for the Under-18s they have given me a two-year pro deal,” said the 6ft 4in keeper.
“It puts more pressure on me but it gives me the belief to continue to improve.
“I was very surprised because no first-year (scholars) get pro contracts, especially goalkeepers who take longer to come into the game.
“Nothing changes really though, the biggest change is the amount of money I get, everything else is the same,” Eve told the Gazette.
Eve started the season in the Under-16s but benefited from injury misfortune when first-choice under-18 keeper Daniel Bachmann hurt his back, ruling him out for five months.
After overcoming initial nerves, Eve seized his opportunity believes the extra pressure of the higher level brought out the best in him.
“I’ve come a long way especially from when I left Bermuda,” said Eve. “I was a bit raw and I was going out there on basic talent as I hadn’t had no coaching.
“At the beginning of the season I never used to talk but now they can’t get me to shut up I’ve had to learn a lot.”
Eve returned home earlier this month and has been keeping fit by training with Gary Darrell’s Bermuda Under-20 team, who head to Puerto Rico in July for World Cup qualifiers.
It is unlikely Eve will be included in Darrell’s squad as the tournament clashes with Stoke’s pre-season, although he has not ruled out playing for the senior national team in this summer’s Digicel Cup.
