We must let them flourish

Robbie Blake has vowed to keep on blooding youngsters as Bognor look to finish strongly in their Isthmian premier campaign – starting with the visit of Billericay Town at Nyewood Lane on Saturday.

The Rocks manager has introduced under-18 players such as Danny Howick, Joe Briffa and Tom Holland to first team action and says he is keen to continue to develop the pathway.

Blake says he wants his squad to have a main corps of experienced players sprinkled with talented hopefuls as he assess the remaining fixtures but with an eye on a summer of recruitment and the new season.

Rocks go into the clash with the Essex outfit on the back of a 2-0 reverse at Bishop's Stortford but with a victory at Potters Bar Town before that.

Blake said: "We had seven or so teenagers involved at Stortford and gave them (Stortford) a hard game... in truth we weren't far off them at all. Considering they are going for the title it shows you we are getting there but, of course, it will take time.

"We're a club that is incredibly well run and a credit to the town but the reality is we don't necessarily have the budget of other clubs in our area who are looking to recruit the same players.

"It makes sense for us to be clever where we have to spend some money but at the same time look to the youngsters coming through our youth system and Danny, Joe and Tom are great examples. And there are more we have our eye on, too.

"Jamie (Howell) has a great knowledge of who’s coming through and we want to show these youngsters there is a path for them and encourage them to continue their development then play for us – and after that as they hopefully flourish.

"We have David Birmingham with us in the dugout these days and he has brought an extra dimension to our set-up, plus we now have excellent post-match tactical analysis thanks to Russ Chandler, so it's very encouraging."

Central defender Craig Robson is still out with a broken finger and Isaac Olaniyan needs more time to recover from a shoulder injury. But skipper Harvey Whyte is nearing a return and Pompey loanee Alfie Bridgman is back after a stint on youth international duty with Malta.