Young Watford duo Jack Grieves and Michael Adu-Poku have signed their first professional deals with the Hornets.
The Academy stars have shone brightly throughout their time at Vicarage Road, earning the chance to put pen to paper as they begin their first foray into professional football.
Forward Grieves was born in Watford with a deep-rooted connection to the club as the great-great-grandson of renowned former Hornets goalkeeper Reginald ‘Skilly’ Williams, while his great-grandfather Reg Williams Junior, father Darren Grieves and uncle Daniel Grieves also spent time on the Golden Boys’ books.
The 18-year-old has impressed throughout his time in the age-groups, eventually earning a spot on the first-team bench during a 0-0 draw with Everton towards the end of the 2021/22 Premier League season.
Continuing his good form for the Under-21s into the most recent campaign, Grieves would go on to make his senior debut in yellow in the Emirates FA Cup third round against Reading. He subsequently announced himself on the Sky Bet Championship stage, with his first appearance coming against Blackpool in January 2023 before a second league cameo against Stoke City on the final day.
Signing a three-year deal with an option for a further year, Grieves spoke of his joy as he writes the next chapter in his Watford journey.
He said: “I’m buzzing to sign my first professional deal. I’ve been here for a while and had some ups and downs throughout my career so far, but getting this professional deal signed, for me, is the biggest moment in my career so far.
“I’m just grateful for Watford giving me this opportunity to spend the next three years here. I’m just buzzing to get going.
“I’m just proud, that’s how I can describe it. Coming from the area, being a Watford supporter myself and signing a deal here is just the best thing for me. I’m looking forward to getting involved and progressing into the first-team over the foreseeable future, that’s what I’m planning on.”
Adu-Poku’s journey with the Hornets began in 2018 before becoming a scholar in the summer of 2022. Having regularly played above his age group, the attacker started against Reading in the FA Cup in January 2023, leading the line at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The 17-year-old would go on to consolidate his first-team credentials, making his league debut against Rotherham United in the same month as a second-half substitute.
Back in the Academy, Adu-Poku featured in the Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup run to the fifth round, playing in wins against Lincoln City and Everton before scoring against Arsenal in a six-goal thriller.
Speaking after finalising his two-year deal, with an option for a further year, Adu-Poku said: “I’m very excited to sign, it’s been hard work and it’s all been worth it. I’m very happy and relieved in a way. There’s still a lot of hard work to be done which I’m excited for.
“Getting back underway this pre-season has been very good, but tough. It’s a good experience and good to learn, which I’m excited to do throughout the season.
“I have a lot of goals: to enjoy my football, work hard for the team and play well. I want to do my best for the team, get results for the team and just play my game.”
