‘Apology welcome but I need answers’

THE home club of paedophile football coach Bob Higgins has apologised for ‘considerable failings’ – but a Portsmouth victim has said he still needs answers.

Southampton Football Club published its letter nearly two years after Higgins was jailed for more than 24 years in June 2019.

His trial heard he used his ‘supreme position’ of power over boys’ football careers to abuse them.

Higgins was jailed for 46 charges of indecent assault on 24 victims between 1971 and 1996.

Now Southampton has published its letter, and said it would publish more details of its failing when a Barnardo’s report has been completed.

It comes as the independent Sheldon Review into sexual abuse in football is expected to be published today.

The letter said: ‘Upon completion of the independent review currently being undertaken by Barnardo’s, we will publish what we have learned of the failings at the club that allowed and facilitated abuse to take place at that time, and how that abuse could have been prevented.

‘It is very clear that, historically, there were some very considerable failings that allowed this abuse to start and continue for such a long period of time.’

Portsmouth man Lee Smith, now in his 40s, was trained by Higgins as a youngster at Southampton. He was 13 when he was abused by Higgins.

Today he told The News: ‘I’m sure everyone involved in the trial welcomes the latest statement of apology from Southampton FC.

‘They are in some way trying to reach out to survivors and trying to build bridges, but we still need answers.’

Mr Smith waived his right to anonymity to speak out. In 2019 he demanded an apology from Southampton.

The Southampton letter, published yesterday, added: ‘For a professional football club not to prevent this abuse or be able to provide support for anyone speaking up to report it, is inexcusable.

‘This, along with the impact on the lives of the survivors of the abuse, as well as the families around them, is something we are very sorry for.’