We set the Academy up to give people opportunities and it’s great when it comes off, says Dulwich Hamlet boss Gavin Rose

DULWICH HAMLET manager Gavin Rose spoke of his pride after selling midfielder Diallang Jaiyesimi to Premier League Norwich City.

 

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half year deal after coming off the highly-successful conveyor belt of ASPIRE Academy, which is fronted by Rose.

Jaiyesimi joins The Canaries as a second-year scholar for an undisclosed fee, having originally been identified by Norwich City’s Academy recruitment staff in September.

Jaiyesimi has played in four matches while on trial with the Canaries’ under 18s this season, scoring against Arsenal in November and featuring in victories over West Ham United and Leicester City.

Norwich City have fought off competition from several other Premier League clubs to sign the player, who was captain of Dulwich Hamlet’s FA Youth Cup side this season, while also making five appearances for the first team at Champion Hill.

A Norwich City statement said: “He will link up with Graeme Murty’s under 18s on a full-time basis immediately.

“The club would like to place on record its appreciation to Dulwich Hamlet and their first team manager Gavin Rose for their professionalism during this process.”

Rose said: “He came to our Academy at the age of 14 and he’s now found himself three years later a two-and-a-half –year contract at Norwich.

“We’re very proud of his development.  He’s been very good. He’s a skilful player with a lot of ability and we hope that he goes on to fulfil his potential.”

Jaiyesimi is now the tenth player to leave Rose’s highly-acclaimed Academy to join a club in the professional ranks.

“That’s what it’s all about,” said Dulwich Hamlet’s longest serving manager.

“We set the Academy up to give people opportunities and it’s great when it comes off.

“He’s a good young man and we hope that he can flourish the Academy and to do well at a top level club and it recognises the Academy as well.”

Dulwich Hamlet sit proudly at the top of the Ryman Premier League table with 50 points from 27 games, although teams in the title race have games in hand.

They came away from fourth-placed Tonbridge Angels with a point at the weekend. 

Right-back Mitchell Nelson headed Hamlet into the lead but Steve McKimm’s side levelled with a last-gasp header from target man Nathan Elder to share the spoils on a miserable wet day at Longmead Stadium.

Dulwich Hamlet host sixth-placed Enfield Town on Saturday. 

The north Londoners are only a couple of points behind Leiston, who occupy the final play-off berth and seven behind Rose’s men.

“Theyr’e a good team,” said Rose.

“They’ve started slowly, probably had a bit of a come down on the back of last year’s play-off fiasco but they’ve got a good manager and a good group of players and they’ll be very much of a challenge for next  Saturday.

“We’re at home so we’ll like to take that advantage and try to get three points.”

Visit Dulwich Hamlet’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet

Dulwich Hamlet  v  Enfield Town
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 9^th January 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Champion Hill Stadium, Dog Kennel Hill, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD