Boro Name Their New Stars!

Last updated : 04 June 2009 By Boro Mad
The 11 new scholars, who will start their two-year scholarships in July, include four schoolboy internationals.

David Atkinson, from Shildon, and Hurworth's Bruno Pilatos were both part of the England Under-16 squad that won the Montaigu tournament recently.
Atkinson is a right-back or central defender, while Angola-born Pilatos is comfortable in midfield or at right-back.

Another international among the new intake is Cypriot Marinos Andreou, a midfielder or striker who joins Boro from Omonia Aradippou.
Irish schoolboy international striker Connor Murphy will join Boro from St Kevin's of Dublin.

Also joining the club is former Boro winger Stuart Ripley's son Connor, a goalkeeper who is joining the Academy from Blackburn Rovers after a trial.
Two more of the new recruits, Hartlepool midfielder Ryan Brobbel and striker Luke Williams, from Teesville, in Middlesbrough, have been called up to train with the Republic of Ireland under-17 squad.

Also from Teesville is Charlie Wyke, who can play as a midfielder or striker, Nunthorpe's Ben Gibson is at home at left-back or in central defence, goalkeeper Adam Smith is from Ryhope, while another Hartlepool lad, Matthew Dolan, can play left midfield or as a central defender.

Boro Academy Director David Parnaby said: "While everyone is disappointed with our current league status, one thing that remains constant is our youth development programme.

"We're very optimistic about the new intake of scholars. They are a very capable group who can hopefully push on over the next two or three years."