Local lad Lewis delighted to sign professional with the Iron

Second year scholar Harry Lewis spoke to iFollow Iron following the penning of his first professional contract with the club, which will come into effect from July 2022.

Speaking on the deal, Lewis said: “I’ve supported the club since I was young so it’s been my aim to get a contract here since I signed for the academy aged 12."

Talking through the journey so far, he revealed: “I remember I came in and did alright on a trial day but I dropped off and didn’t come in as much because I wasn’t enjoying it. I spoke to my Dad and he told me to stick at it and see where I get.

“I got to Under-16s and then got offered my scholarship, a bit later than everyone else because I got an extended period where it was still being decided if they wanted to give me one or not and I got it, and then kicked on from there.”

Speaking on the influence of his father, Lewis said: “He’s the main reason why I started, he pushed me from when I was younger. When I was younger, I thought why’s he doing this, but it’s all paid off now to finally get a contract.” 

In December 2021 Lewis was a part of the Iron Under-18s side which faced Manchester United at Old Trafford, a game which Lewis scored a goal in.

He said: “Since then, I’ve been on the bench (at senior level), made my debut and signed my contract so it’s been a bit surreal the past few months.” 

Speaking about his professional debut against Carlisle United on New Year’s Day, he said: “I came on a little bit shaky getting used to it. I fell over a few times, gave the ball away, but I got into the game and thought I did alright by creating a few opportunities.”

Talking on the admittedly shaky start, he added: “I was thinking 'not today, if I’m going to have a stinker don’t let it be today'. Luckily, I got into the game and started to get the ball and move the ball more."

Lewis also added his thoughts on playing in front of the home crowd for the first time, saying: “When I was warming up I’d looked around and saw my Dad, and also a few of my mates from school. It's a bit surreal. 

“I used to be in the stands watching and now I’m warming up and playing. It was very nerve-wracking.”

On the transition to entering the first team bubble, he stated: “The first week was difficult, getting used to the intensity and moving the ball quicker, but the longer I’ve been here the more you adapt and get used to it. I feel like I’ve improved a lot as a player."

Reflecting back on the extended period which Lewis was granted with to potentially receive a scholarship, he said: “It doesn’t knock you when it’s like that but you do start to think to yourself am I not good enough to be offered it early or straight away. 

“You just have to constantly work on yourself to improve and to try and get a contract early which is what I’ve done here from getting my scholarship late and the contract early, so I’ve clearly developed well and improved myself.”

See much more from Harry Lewis on iFollow Iron.