please log in to view this image Portsmouth FC are delighted to announce the latest batch of scholars to sign apprenticeships with the club. Dane Bailey, Tadi Bare, Max Hammond, Dexter Lee, Aston Sizer, Fraser Thomas and George Wilson all visited Fratton Park to put pen to paper on their deals. Academy manager Greg Miller said: “The staff and I never fail to get excited at this stage of the campaign, as we welcome seven new scholars into the U18 programme for the next two seasons. “Each of them arrives with a high level of talent, but we want to use these two years to develop them on and off the pitch so they can maximise their scholar journey. “Five of the seven have had one or more seasons in the Pompey academy and we’re always pushing to try to achieve consistently high numbers of internal recruits each season. “The players are in a privileged position to have the emotional and football-oriented support that our fantastic staff offer – and I am sure that they will have a great experience. “Our vision remains that we want academy graduates to progress to the first team and for these new recruits, that will be no different. “I wish them all well and hope they and their families enjoy being associated with this great football club.” Dane Bailey Dane joined late in the U16 season from Reading and can operate across the front line. Acting In his principal position of striker, he loves to move off the ball and go beyond the opposition defensive line. When chances have come his way, he has demonstrated a composed level of finishing in a short time with us. Tadi Bare A new player to the academy at the end of the U16 season, Tadi is a combative and industrious defensive midfielder. High fitness capabilities ensure that he moves well supporting the team attacks and defensive transitions. Tadi will be critical in supporting the team’s defensive build-up play. Max Hammond Max has only been in the academy for a single season, but his dexterity to play anywhere across the front line has made him a great asset for the team. He is extremely quick and loves to use this to evade opponents or when driving with the ball, help create goal opportunities. Dexter Lee Dexter suffered a season-ending injury early last term, but has worked hard to get himself ready to undertake pre-season. A physical centre-forward who loves to make runs beyond the opposition defence, he has managed to upskill his finishing considerably since his arrival two seasons ago. I am sure he will contribute to a number of team goals this season. Ashton Sizer A member of the academy for several seasons, Ashton is a strong and commanding central defender who loves to engage in 1v1 ground and aerial duels. He has already had the experience of U18 games, having been a part of the squad last season, while only an U16 player. In possession he is calm and adept at playing as the right or left-sided centre-back. Fraser Thomas A highly energetic attacking central midfielder who has demonstrated a high level of assists in each of his first two seasons at the club. Fraser has already impressed in the U18s and we will be hoping he can use his ball carrying and creative skills to support the team’s goal scoring. George Wilson A local lad who has also been in the academy for several seasons, George is a tall central defender whose aggressive defensive style and competitive will support his team’s penalty box defending. A real leader, often captaining the squads, George organises those around him very well.
