Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Newcastle United have handed professional contracts to five players after a successful season in Peter Beardsley’s second string.

The Magpies have insisted that putting faith in their youth system is a big part of their blueprint with Beardsley enthused by the progress made by some of his youngsters.

Here is a run-down of who has won a new deal.

Tom Heardman

Age: 19

Position: Centre-forward

Reserve team regulars will also have noted the progress of the 6ft 4in striker who has enjoyed a steady season in the Under-21s.

Heardman’s height and power gives Beardsley’s side a real option and has caused problems for second string defences this season.

The Gosforth lad attended Royal Grammar School and is a lifelong Newcastle supporter who used to watch on from the Gallowgate End.

Heardman has already been thrown in at the deep end in first team training and was also handed a taste of life on the senior circuit via a loan stint at Gateshead in the Conference.

He will step up in pre-season and may even get a taste of some first team friendly games.

Macaulay Gillesphey

Age: 19

Position: Defender

The lad from Ashington starred for the same junior team as Alan Shearer at the respected set-up at Cramlington Juniors.

The left-footed centre-back has made the step-up to the reserve team with no problems and looked comfortable.

Perhaps regarded as a late developler after joining the Academy at 15 he is proof that United are scouring the net at grassroots level as their blueprint to bag the best local talent continues. Gillesphey has been a regular in the reserves for the last three season but will be expected to step things up next season.

Liam Smith

Age: 19

Position: Midfielder

Smith has shown battling spirit already in his career after recovering from a back injury to win a pro-contract.

He missed almost nine months of action two years ago with the problem and the South Shields lad is delighted to be back in the fray.

Smith starred in the FA Youth Cup defeat against Chelsea in midfield and is already accustomed to playing on the big stage at St James’ Park.

He bases his game on Andres Iniesta and Steven Gerrard.

Jamie Sterry

Age: 19

Position: Defender

Newcastle have high hopes for the Geordie boy who has already broken into the first team squad.

Injuries to centre-backs Paul Dummett and Steven Taylor means he has travelled with the first team in the last few weeks. He knows he could be just a heartbeat away from a Premier League debut.

He was handed squad number 46 and was in the party that faced Manchester United recently.

Now the tough tackling defender must kick on and follow the footsteps of Dummett and Taylor as a local lad who has pushed through the ranks in the Academy.