Webster Tipped for Premier League Future
Monday, 23rd May 2016 09:53
Former Portsmouth coach Paul Hardyman believes incoming new Blues recruit Adam Webster will ultimately go on to play in the Premier League. The 21-year-old centre-half’s move to Town - which will see Matt Clarke go in the opposite direction along with a fee in excess of £500,000 - is set to be confirmed this week.
Hardyman was assistant youth development officer at Pompey when he brought Webster to Fratton Park as a 10-year-old 11 years ago. The former left-back, who also played for Sunderland and Bristol Rovers, was Portsmouth’s first-team coach until the end of 2014/15.
McCarthy: The Kids Are Alright
Tuesday, 3rd May 2016 06:00
Boss Mick McCarthy says one or two of the new intake of full-time academy scholars have already impressed both him and some of the club’s senior pros. Last week, Town announced that 10 youngsters, many of them local, will begin two-year scholarships in the summer.
McCarthy says they are already familiar to him from Playford Road, although most tend to be some way off the first team at 16, with the occasional exception.
“They’re generally miles off the first team at that age group, certainly coming in, he said. There’s the certain odd one that stands out, as Dozzer has, as Bish did actually, as a kid with his ability.
Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that midfielder Giles Coke will be released at the end of the season, the 30-year-old having missed the whole of the campaign with knee problems which have required a number of operations.
Lawrence Back for Brentford Clash as Williams Closes in on Return
Wednesday, 1st Mar 2017 14:18
Top scorer Tom Lawrence is available again after a two-match ban and an ankle injury for Saturday’s home game against Brentford, while his Wales international team-mate Jonny Williams is closing in on his return following shoulder surgery, however, Teddy Bishop won’t be involved against the Bees due to a groin problem.
“Tom’s just had a bit of a problem with his ankle so he’s had to take care of that, but he’s trained today and he’s looked good,” manager Mick McCarthy said regarding 10-goal Lawrence, who has missed the last two games having amassed 10 bookings. “I’m sure he’s desperate to play.”