BOBBY BEAUMONT has switched North Wales for the north east in his bid to make it in football.

Eighteen-year-old defender Beaumont, who Wrexham fans thought might have been offered a professional contract at The Racecourse, has signed for Sunderland where he will play in the Under 23s side.

"I had a trial here for 10 days and they offered me a 12 month deal with the option for another 12 months," sad Beaumonr, the son of former Wrexham defender Nigel.

"The Stadium of Light is a great stadium and my digs are only five minutes away from the training ground.

"I'm really looking forward to the new season. It's going to be different. It's been hard for all clubs during lockdown to make plans and this season is going to be different for everyone."

Beaumont, who captain Wales Schools U18s last season, also featured in three Scottish Challenge Cup games for Wrexham but was not offered a deal to remain at The Racecourse where he has been since the age of 13.

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"I am very proud," said Nigel, who made more than 100 league appearances for Wrexham from 1988 to 1992.

"He has been with Wrexham since he was 12 or 13 and come through the youth set-up.

"Wrexham have got a very good youth set-up, it is a shame they are losing players because of the predicament we are in.

"Bobby is proud to play for Wrexham and wear the badge. I keep telling him he is there on merit and because of his own ability, not because I played for Wrexham.

"I played for Wrexham but they got rid of me!"

Nigel says being handed the captaincy is another positive step in his son's development.

"I am really pleased for Bobby," said Nigel. "Being captain, you set an example to other players.

"Someone has got to trust you to give you the armband and the fact you are leading the team, players should look up to you."

Nigel, who also played for Bradford in the Football League before joining Wrexham, was also a centre-back and the 53-year-old is not short of words of advice as Bobby strives to make a career in the game.

"Ask any young player, they all want to play for the first team," said Nigel.

"He is at an age where he wants to play football but he just needs to keep learning, keep improving and keep listening to the youth team coach or the manager.

"I keep saying to Bobby that he has got to keep improving and get his own game in order first before you do anything else."