Future is bright for talented duo

ON THE BALL . . . Darcy O’Connor (left) and Jordan Anderson.

FOOTBALL:

TWO former Hathershaw College students are hoping to carve out successful careers in the world of professional football.

Darcy O’Connor, aged 18, has signed his first professional contract having already made his first-team debut for League Two side Rochdale on the final day of last season.

Jordan Anderson, aged 17, has signed second year schoolboy forms for Championship big guns Blackburn Rovers.

Defender O’Connor, who still lives in Hathershaw, was handed his full debut by manager Keith Hill in May as Rochdale beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 at Spotland.

He said: “I was nervous, but I really enjoyed it and I thought I did okay. I’m hoping I can build on that now and play regularly in the first team next season.”

O’Connor was first tagged by Hathershaw College when still at feeder school St Martin’s.

He played for Failsworth Dynamos for six months before being snapped up by Athletic aged seven.

He was at Athletic for five years before being released; he was picked up by Rochdale soon afterwards.

Anderson, also a defender, attended Broadfield Primary School, where he was spotted by the College at the same time he was putting in regular starring performances for Chadderton Grasshoppers.

He was snapped up by Blackburn five years ago and has already featured for the reserve team.