‘Dream come true’ - Bristol City defender reacts to signing long-term deal

Raphael Araoye has expressed his delight in signing his first professional contract with Bristol City.

Araoye is signing professional terms for the first time having joined the club at Under-11 level and will remain at Ashton Gate for the next three years.

Araoye yet to make his competitive debut for the Robins, was given a chance in pre-season in matches against Exeter City and Bournemouth.

At only 17-years-of-age, Araoye is currently playing for Alex Balls’s Under-21’s side though he is still able to represent City at Under-18 level, highlighting his quick growth.

Araoye follows in the footsteps of Tommy Blackwell, Mac Boyd, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Seb Palmer-Houlden, Omar Taylor-Clarke and Callum Wood in signing their first professional deals over the last few months.

Commenting on his new deal to the official club website, he said: "It’s an amazing feeling to be honest.

The moment I have been waiting for since joining the academy - it’s a dream to some true to sign my first professional contract.

"Coming up through the academy there have been a lot of ups and downs. I’m just happy that I have reaped what I have sown and I’m ready for it now.

"Last year I was injured for quite a bit, so for this season I want to get a run of games and some consistency  in my performances and if I get the opportunity with the first team, I take it."

It has been a positive week for City and their academy set-up with wins for both teams. On Tuesday afternoon, the Under-21’s continued their unbeaten start to the season with a win over Peterborough United.

A day later on Wednesday evening, academy graduate Dylan Kadji marked his first competitive appearance for the club with a debut goal.

The returning Antoine Semenyo was also on the score sheet, netting in the 3-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers, where he was set up by Tommy Conway, another player who has come through the system.