CO-OWNER Jason Whittingham says Worcester Warriors’ emerging “golden generation” reminds him of Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’.

Lock Andrew Kitchener, 23, has become the second homegrown star to sign a new contract in as many days, following in the footsteps of Ted Hill, 20.

The talented pair, both capped at England U20s level, are among a wave of academy products that are making an impact in the first team.

Back in 1992, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and brothers Gary and Phil Neville burst onto the scene for Man Utd before going on to guide the club to multiple Premier League titles.

Whittingham believes Warriors also have a special group of youngsters that could bring success to Sixways with director of rugby Alan Solomons aiming to win the Gallagher Premiership in the next five years.

Hill and Kitchener are the first two players to agree extensions and Whittingham revealed there would be four more re-signings announced next week.

“We have got such a good crop of players coming through now,” said Whittingham who runs Warriors along with Colin Goldring.

“It’s almost like we have a ‘Class of 92’ thing going on like Manchester United.

“We have a golden generation and someone like Ted is almost like a stake in the ground for those other guys. If he is staying, we are going to stay here now.

“Solly spoke about this five-year vision and Ted is a part of that.

“There are another four we are announcing next week and people can see what Solly is talking about because the pieces are fitting together.”

Warriors’ youth system has a rich history of producing talented players yet struggled to hold onto them.

Whittingham described Hill’s new two-year deal as “possibly the biggest signing in a generation of rugby at this club.”

Worcester-born Hill has scored 10 tries in 33 appearances since making his debut in two years ago and made his England bow last November.

“We have spent time with Vince (Hill), Ted and his agent because as owners we feel that it is that important we get involved,” Whittingham said.

“I genuinely believe that Ted is possibly the biggest signing in a generation of rugby at this club because of the significance of it saying that Worcester no longer losses it’s academy prospects.

“It always used to. People used to leave in droves.”