JON Guthrie says that he owes a huge thank you to his local community – including the charity set up after the death of his best friend – for allowing him to make his sensational switch from Pewsey Vale to Crewe Alexandra.

After spending over 14 weeks on trial with the League Two club, the tall 19-year-old defender, from Milton Lilbourne, signed an 18-month contract with Steve Davis’ side yesterday and will wear the number 32 shirt, despite previously never having had interest from a professional club.

Guthrie’s accommodation and living costs during his trial in Cheshire were paid for by a package put together by a host of Pewsey organisations, including the Moonrakers pub, Fishlock & Dyer Electricians, Pewsey Radiovision and Charlie’s Charity, the foundation set up in memory of the teenager’s St John’s School friend and former Pewsey Vale teammate Charlie Lamb, who was killed in a car accident in 2009.

“I can’t really thank everyone enough but hopefully I’ve done it a little bit by getting the contract in the end,” said the Alex new boy.

“To think that I’m a professional footballer now is really weird.

“When I first got told (that I’d be offered a contract) and even after I sat down and told my friends and family, it still didn’t sink in.

“When I started my trial I knew I’d have a chance if I did my best but deep down, I never really thought that they’d actually sign me.”

Guthrie paid tribute to his late friend Lamb and said: “We were good mates and it’s nice that he still managed to help me even now. I’m so grateful.”

Jane Lamb, who set up Charlie’s Charity after the death of her son, revealed that Guthrie’s former team-mate had an unlikely connection to the Railwaymen.

“We used to live in Cheshire and I remember taking Charlie to watch Crewe when he was about 11 or 12. Now he’s got a friend who’s going to play for them,” she said.

“Jon’s already sent me an Alex scarf and we want to go up there to watch him sometime soon.”

Guthrie was initially spotted by scout Lee Arnold whilst playing for Sydenhams (Wessex) League Pewsey in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase against Corsham Town last September.

His brother James, 21, is at Chippenham Town while older sibling, Rob, 22, plays for Vale.

Dad Neil says that he can hardly believe his son’s extraordinary breakthrough into the professional game.

“We owe a big thanks to everyone who helped him and especially Jerry Kunkler (Moonrakers pub landlord), who came up with the idea of putting the package together for his trial,” he said.

“It’s like a fairy story and hopefully this is just the beginning.”