Centre-back Michael Stickland signed his first professional contract in June 2022, having completed his scholarship with the club's Academy.

The young centre-half made his First Team debut in a Carabao Cup clash at home to Swansea City in August 2021, replacing fellow Academy graduate Tom McIntyre.

A composed defender, Stckland has captained the Under-23s on numerous occasions and made seven First Team appearances in total in the 2021-22 season.

He subsequently earned his first league minutes as a late substitute to help us secure three points at home to Middlesbrough in September 2021.

A persistent injury ruled 'Stickers' out of the entire 2022-23 campaign, however his recovery was complete ahead of the current campaign, playing in every competitive fixture so far, and keeping four clean sheets to date.