21-year old forward Jerell Sellars informed his Twitter followers he will not be returning to Aston Villa next season. The versatile youngster never made a senior first team appearance with the club.
It’s always a sad day when a youth player is overlooked in football, but it is the way of the business. Jerell Sellars will leave Aston Villa after five years with the club – failing to make a debut with the first team.
Emotional day for me leaving villa, things never really worked out here.. But love to everybody that supports/believes in me! #ToBeContinued pic.twitter.com/FcNzRhlEmJ
— Jerell Sellars (@RelSellars) May 1, 2017
The Birmingham Mail was the first to report on Sellars’ departure following the player’s post. Moreover, they write Villa executives will make decisions on a number of other members in the youth teams. Sellars, a Lincoln native, joined Villa from the Lincoln City youth ranks in 2012.
Standing at 5’8″, Sellars is a capable attacker on any side of a front three. He was never quite able to beat out fellow forwards: Keinan Davis, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, or André Green for a place on the bench.
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Even during the claret and blues injury crisis two months ago, other youth team stars were preferred.
At one point manager Steve Bruce introduced: Corey Blackett-Taylor, Callum O’Hare, and Rory Hale to the bench in one league match. The former ended-up making his first team debut.
It’s unknown at this time where Sellars will land next. Undoubtedly, other teams in the Football League will retain interest in a 21-year old forward who has performed well at the under-23 levels.
Sellars spent the final two months of 2016 at Wycombe Wanderers, making eight appearances.
From Villa’s perspective, it’s best to trim the squad of players not ready contribute in 2017/2018. Sellars was not going to beat out Kodjia, Hogan, Agbonlahor, RHM, Green, Grealish, Adomah, Davis, and any other summer signings for a place in the first team.
Hopefully he lands a deal with a team in the Championship. Best of luck, Jerell!