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Pompey deals decided....for academy graduates

Discussion in 'Portsmouth' started by Wooperts_duck, Apr 11, 2017.

  1. Wooperts_duck

    Wooperts_duck Well-Known Member
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    Jez Bedford and Theo Widdrington, both 18, have been offered one year professional deals to continue their footballing careers at Fratton Park. This, assuming they sign, will probably result in loan spells away from Pompey next season in order to gain experience

    Academy manager Mark Kelly knows decision time is always 'very difficult' as for those who stay several more are informed they'll not make it... not at Pompey - at this stage - anyway, so are shown the door.

    He told portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'It's always a very difficult time of year when you have to decide who gets a professional contract. But Jez and Theo have performed well over the year and deserve their deals - we look forward to seeing them continue to develop with Pompey.'

    Unfortunately we cannot keep ALL of the players coming through and Harvey Bradbury - son of former Pompey striker Lee, Nick Hall, Kyle McDowell, Ousman Saidy, Tommy Scutt and Eddie Wakley will leave at the academy end of their scholarships.

    Kelly added: 'All these boys have been with us for a long time and it's tough when you have to give some of them such bad news. They've been part of a brilliant group and we're sorry to lose them - some of them can count themselves extremely unlucky.'

    If Pompey had the 'resources necessary' the chances are more would have been retained but facts of the matter are we haven't, therefore these decision had to be made. But it goes without saying they'll leave with the clubs' best wishes for the future:

    'But we're a League Two club and do not currently have the structure or resources necessary to keep hold of so many young players. We wish all of the lads who are leaving us the very best for their careers and our door is always open should they need any advice or assistance in the future.'

    Attacking midfielder Bedford, a prominent figure in the Pompey reserve side whilst featuring for the academy too, has been rubbing shoulders with a number of 1st team players involved in the second string at times. Bedford's been part of the Blues side that's made it to the Premier League Cup semi-finals.

    Central defender/defensive midfielder Widdrington - son of Tommy, who used to play for the lot down the road - has also been involved in the reserves at times this season but his main involvement been with the academy side, which he captains.

    It'll be interesting to see how these two develop but, as it's always good to see those who come through the clubs setup then becoming part of the 1st team, hopefully we'll one day cheer them on at the Park?

    Read more: http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=580112#ixzz4dwRDC9y1
     
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  2. Wooperts_duck

    Wooperts_duck Well-Known Member
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    JEZ BEDFORD

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    THEO WIDDRINGTON
     
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  3. Wooperts_duck

    Wooperts_duck Well-Known Member
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    Former Academy striker, Harvey Bradbury (Lee Bradbury's son) has joined Watford on a two-year deal.

    Let's hope we won't regret releasing him.....
     
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