Northampton Town have offered professional contracts to 2 of this season's youth squad, right back Ritchie Jones and midfielder Greg Taylor.

They will join midfielder Alex Dyer (who signed his contract earlier this season) in being offered the chance to join the club's professional ranks from the current crop of 3rd year scholars.

17 year old Jones was born in Barking and is a tall right sided full back. Known for his pace and athleticism, he is in his 3rd year with Northampton Town having been spotted by the club's scouts.

Also, 17, Greg Taylor moved to Sixfields two years ago having spent his early years at Rushden & Diamonds. He is a Bedford born central midfield player.

Leaving Sixfields are Mark Haines, Nick Thorogood, Shaun Goodall, Freddie Avill and Sam Maude.

"I would like to congratulate Ritchie and Greg on their offers of contracts," said boss Stuart Gray. "Both are deserved and recognise the hard work, commitment and progress they have shown throughout the last couple of seasons.

"The hard work starts now for them and Alex Dyer. Earning your first professional contract is hard enough, but staying in the professional game is even harder and now they have to push on and continue to learn and develop. We have shown that we are willing to give opportunities to young players if they are prepared to earn them.

"Of course, the downside of this is some of the lads have not been offered professional terms, and we have an exit programme in place to help them find new clubs and where they want to, to move into further education."