DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE have awarded youth team player Billy Bingham a contract until the end of 2010, writes MIKE SIMMONDS. The youngster, who plays in central midfield, began his career at Crystal Palace, but although he featured for the reserves, he didn

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE have awarded youth team player Billy Bingham a contract until the end of 2010, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The youngster, who plays in central midfield, began his career at Crystal Palace, but although he featured for the reserves, he didn't break into the first team at Selhurst Park.

Bingham turned out for Daggers in their 2-0 Essex Senior Cup defeat at Chelmsford City in January, and manager John Still is hoping his career progresses at Victoria Road.

"Billy has done quite well, so we are going to have a look at him for a year as we've done with a few of our young players," said the boss, who confirmed he would send Bingham out on loan to gain experience.

"I think it is important for a lot of them to get games.

"It's not good to just train all the time and although they play our reserve matches, first team football is better.

"We have a group of youngsters who we have invested some time and effort into, so hopefully we can produce some first team players.

"It has already paid off with Dominic Green's move to Peterbrough, while Tommy Tejan-Sie, Harlee Dean and Hakeem Araba are all doing particularly well, so we will keep pursuing it.