HYDE United winger Paddy Lane has landed a dream move after signing for Sky Bet League One club Fleetwood Town.
It represents a move four divisions up the football pyramid for the 20-year-old who came through the Tigers’ academy.
Though the transfer fee has not been disclosed, it is understood Hyde will receive a sizeable sum and a generous percentage of any future sell-on for Lane who made 67 appearances for the Tigers scoring 13 goals.
Manager Dave McGurk revealed Hyde had approaches from four clubs for Lane, one of which was known to be Harrogate Town.
A delighted Lane said: ‘’I’ve made no secret about me wanting to move into league football and, although I’ve had a couple of disappointments in the past, I’ve just kept working hard and I’m absolutely buzzing and can’t wait to get started.
‘’I believe Fleetwood’s scouts had been watching me for a while during my loan period at Farsley (during lockdown) and at Hyde. I went in training there and they kept asking me back and eventually said they would offer me a deal which I was over the moon about.’’
Lane leaves Ewen Fields with fond memories, explaining: ‘’The environment at Hyde is really good all the way up from the youth team to the first team and I can’t thank people like Darren (Kelly) for giving me the opportunity in the first team and also Dave (McGurk) has been unbelievable for me.
“He knew I had what it took, and he got behind me all the way and made sure I kept working hard. He’s someone who I really trust, and he’s been unbelievable for my development as a player and a person.
“The volunteers do a great job behind the scenes to keep the club going and it will always have a special place in my heart.’’
McGurk added: ‘’Last season Paddy had four clubs come in for him and it never quite worked out for him.
“Out of all the clubs that came in for him, Fleetwood was the best one as I think he has a real chance to develop there. We’re sad to lose him but delighted at the same time.’
‘’It’s a massive thing for the football club as we want to promote youth through the academy. They did brilliant work with Paddy before handing him over to us and we’ve improved his game again and he’s got his move.
“We’ve only played a small part though as it’s Paddy that has had that hunger with the way he has looked after himself away from training, getting nutritionists involved and that’s what he needed to do to get to that next step.’’
Stephen Crainey, Fleetwood’s development squad head coach, said “Paddy was brought to my attention and, when I got close eyes on him in training and from day one, I could see a lot of things in him.
“In terms of his football, he’s got good knowledge, a good left-foot, good athleticism, and he’s a top player – I can’t wait to see where I can push him to see where he can get to.
“He’s been a credit to himself since the day he walked into the building as his application has been spot on. In terms of mixing with the group I had last season, he’s been different class and hopefully he can push himself and become involved with the first team at some point.”