SWINDON Town have announced the signing of 18-year-old forward Oscar Massey.

The versatile winger was released from League One side Plymouth Argyle at the end of last season and will join up with Town for pre-season training before his first professional contract begins on July 1.

Following the news that experienced defender Mathieu Baudry had agreed a new one-year contract at the club on Tuesday, Massey becomes the first fresh face to join Town since Scott Lindsey was appointed head coach.

In a statement from Town, the club say Massey’s arrival will help in both the short and long-term and that the recruitment team had been monitoring the teenager’s progress “for some time.”

Town said: “A prolific goal scorer at youth level, Massey joined Plymouth Argyle’s academy from his hometown club Truro City when he was 10 years old, working his way up through the ranks and appearing for their Under-18s when he was just 13.

“During this period he also represented England at Under-15 level in a team that featured the likes of young Tottenham Hotspur forward Dane Scarlett.

“Town have been monitoring the progress of Massey for some time and moved quickly to secure his services following his recent release from Argyle.”

Speaking to Swindon’s in-house media team after signing his first professional contract, Massey described why he wanted to join Town and what he believes he can offer.

The 18-year-old said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Swindon Town.

“This is a great club and the new manager is really ambitious and believes in giving young players an opportunity, so that played a huge part in my decision to come here.

“I’m a versatile striker that can operate on both wings. I love to run, and I’m comfortable with both feet, but most importantly I’m really keen to develop and show I deserve a chance in the first team. Hopefully I can achieve that this season.”

Meanwhile, Town’s head coach discussed why he was keen to bring Massey into the County Ground.

Lindsey said: “We are really pleased to have Oscar onboard as a first-year professional.

“He’s an aggressive and prolific goal scorer who loves to get at defenders, and he’s got a proven track record at youth level, so I’m really looking forward to working with him and playing a key role in his development.”

Town’s technical director, Sandro Di Michele, said: “Oscar is a great prospect and we’re really excited to have him here at the County Ground.

“I’m confident he will start to fulfil his potential as a player working under Scott Lindsey and the rest of our coaching staff.”