Champions sign Generals graduate!

Generals manager Andy Leese led the praise for the club's 2014-15 'young player of the year' on Friday after he signed a two year deal with Claudio Ranieri's surprise Premier League champions earlier this week.

The 20-year-old midfielder left the EVO-STIK League Southern's top flight last season after being invited to join the Nike Academy Most Wanted Global showcase having already won the Nike Academy UK showcase.

After spending last term training daily at the Football Association's St George's Park and travelling the world working to earn a pro deal, he returned to The Meadow last Saturday to watch his former team-mates hammer Saffron Walden Town 5-0 in the Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round.

Proud Leese said: "It really was a fantastic achievement but no surprise to us as we saw Connor's ability every week and we are all delighted for Connor who has really worked his way up in the game the hard way. As well as his obvious talent, Connor is a great lad off the pitch and humble, hardworking and honest on it."

Leese, who is hoping Wood's success can inspire his current squad who are at home to King's Lynn Town on Saturday, added: "Connor loved his time here at Chesham, especially with Alex Brown mentoring him on and off the pitch, and I hope we played a part in his football education in his season with us. We wish him well and will watch with huge interest how his career develops. Well done Woody!"

Images courtesy of www.getbucks.co.uk and @ConnorWood_ on Twitter

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1