Joe Maloney signed his latest Development Squad deal with a brief to “hit the ground running” when the Under-21 side reports back for training at Osterley later this month.
The 19-year-old was delighted to be signing a new one year deal, after his short term contract expired at the end of last season after completing a two year scholarship at Griffin Park.
“When I signed last year my aim was to make sure the next time it came to my contract decision, I would be getting another one,” said Joe.
“Now I’ve done that, I’m looking forward to next year and kicking on again.”
Joe felt that his football progressed in tandem with the season.
“It started off slowly once I started my pro,” said Joe.
“Because we had a lot of First Team players playing in the Development Squad and I was on the bench for quite a bit at the start of the season.
“Towards the end of it, I forced myself into the team, and think I played quite well – I played right back, centre mid and enjoyed it.”
With the resumption of training starting soon, Joe explained that he couldn’t expect to walk into Development Squad Manager Jon De Souza’s starting XI as an automatic right.
“It’s not like a Reserve Team where you would play regardless,” said Joe.
“You’re training to play in the team, so it’s a good competitive environment.”
The midfielder from Hanwell told Bees Player that his loan spell at non-league Burnham last season was of benefit.
“The experience was good,” said Joe.
“I learnt how to win a game; what you have to do at times to get through it.
“I learned and enjoyed it a lot.”
He looked forward to next season with some key goals in mind.
“First of all, in pre-season I want to start fit, said Joe.
"Hit the ground the running, catch a few people’s eyes, which I look to do, and cement a place in the Development Squad."
Watch the full Bees Player interview with Joe.