THE future looks bright for the Baggies as the club have just completed their highest-ever intake of Under-16s players.

While the senior squad are the toast of the Coca-Cola Championship after clinching the title on Sunday, 12 up-and-coming Academy players are celebrating signing scholarship forms - a new Albion record.

The talented dozen includes two of the club's brightest young talents - England Under-16 striker Lateef Elford-Alliyu and Romaine Sawyers - plus Ryan Alsop, Ashley Lovell, Ashley Malcolm, Jamal Clarke, Paul Downing, Sam Mantom, Kayleden Brown, Chris Turner, Lee Lynch and Tom Waghorn.

"We're delighted with the intake of Under-16s," said sporting & technical director (designate) Dan Ashworth.

"We've offered 12 scholarships - the highest in the club's history.

"This is testament to the quality we've got in our Academy.

"For example, Lateef has scored a few goals for the reserves and has played regularly for the Under-18s even though he is still only 15.

"Romaine, who is 16, has been with us for seven years. He has also broken into the reserves this season and played regularly for the Under-18s.

"Several other Under-16s have been playing in the Under-18s and they've all committed long term to the club, which is terrific news."

Meanwhile, another of Albion's England Under-16 internationals, James Hurst, has chosen to continue his career with Portsmouth.

The Baggies will receive an initial £250,000 compensation fee from Pompey which will rise to over £1million depending on performance-related criteria.

Ashworth added: "At 16, there's a break in players' contracts and they don't have to accept the deal on offer to them.

"Despite being here since the age of nine, James, we feel, has been unsettled by Premiership clubs since making his England debut earlier this season.

"He has perhaps elected for instant returns rather than staying with the club that has nurtured his talent over the years to get him to international level.

"But that is James' decision and we wish him well."

PIC: RISING STAR...Elford-Alliyu in action for Albion

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