Stevenage defender and academy graduate, Ryan Johnson has expressed his delight at having penned a new deal with the football club.
Johnson, still only 19, first featured for the first team when he was only 16 years old and despite having limited playing time over the past few years, the club clearly see's a big future for the young centre-back.
Speaking shortly after signing the contract, Johnson says he is excited for the future.
“I am delighted to be honest. I have always enjoyed it here, I enjoy working with the management team and with the lads so I am eager to continue developing and cement myself as a first team player in the future.
“It is difficult being a young centre-back. You don’t see many players of my age playing in my position every week so I know I have to be patient. I just need to get as much experience as I can out on loan and hopefully when I come back I will be ready to make the step up.
“It means a lot to know the club believe in me. I don’t think the fans have seen what I am capable of yet but I am excited for the future.”
Johnson is currently out on loan at Conference South side, St Albans City where he has got off to a great start to the season.
At the heart of the Saints defence, Johnson has helped the team to 10 points from five games, including two clean sheets and a goal.
“I am loving it. We are getting on a good little run at the minute, up to fifth in the table and it has been great. Playing 90 minutes every week and continuing to gain experience is key for me at the moment. It is nice to have Dipo with me too – I am looking after him as always!
"You get the best of both worlds, training full-time throughout the week with the boys here and then playing games at the weekend with St Albans. Obviously Darren and Glenn are happy with my progress so I just want to continue down this path and eventually be starting for Stevenage."