PETERSFIELD Town midfielder Ed Dryden is on his way from the Wessex to the Premier League.

Having impressed on trial with Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, the 18-year-old has signed a 15-month contract with the Potters and is moving with immediate effect.

Although disappointed to lose a key cog in his Sydenhams Premier/League Cup title-chasing machine, Rams boss Ian Saunders is delighted for Dryden.

He said: “I’m really pleased for the lad. Stoke have been very impressed with him and that reflects well on both his family and our football club.

“He has played superbly for us all season and it is no surprise he has attracted the attentions of, not just Stoke City, but a whole host of clubs who have watched him.”

During his youth football days, Dryden had a trial with Premier League leaders Chelsea and has also been on the books of Aldershot Town.

Speaking about the move, the teenager said: “It’s all happened in a bit of a whirlwind it feels like to me – I’m still surprised it is all happening, but it is very exciting to be joining Stoke City.

“After my trial at Chelsea and my time at Aldershot I’d forgotten really about having a career as a professional footballer, but it is all coming back to me now and it is really exciting.”

Details of what Petersfield Town will receive in return for the transfer are still to be announced.