YOUNG defender Max Fry has signed a multi-year professional contract, keeping him at Saints until 2027.

The 17 year old has been with Saints since the age of seven, first starting in the Bristol development centre before switching to the main academy at nine.

He made 18 appearances for the under-18s last season, scoring once. He is now one of the more experienced players in that group.

Upon signing his first pro contract, Fry said: "It feels amazing - me and my family are so proud. It's the work of ten years all coming together to make me sit here.

"The past year has been really good for me to learn on and off the pitch. I just want to play consistently now and I think I can really make some good progress."

Academy director Andy Goldie added: "Max demonstrated resilience and commitment in not only overcoming periods of injury but also in how he adapted and developed within the new game model last season, progressing well at both left centre back and left back.

"As one of the more experienced players now in the Under-18s, we are looking forward to building on his progress last season, supporting him develop his leadership qualities and preparing him for the Under-21s when that opportunity presents itself in the future."