Hearts go out to the proud young men who deserved an audience
JACK Whatmough tells the story of how, on the morning of Southend United’s visit to Fratton Park, he was pulled aside by caretaker boss Andy Awford.
It was November 2013 – and the youngster from Gosport was informed he would that evening be making his Pompey first team debut.
His dad, a Manchester City fan, had never before visited Fratton Park. That night, he was among eight of the Whatmough family present for the 2-1 defeat.
The talented centre-half has, of course, gone on to make more than a century of appearances for the Blues.
Yet spare a thought for those six youngsters who, on Tuesday evening, sampled that first team thrill they had long visualised – albeit deprived of loved ones being present.
The ongoing tragedy of coronavirus and heartbreaking stories such as Blues fan Dom Merrix do, of course, trivialise football.
However, it’s impossible not to feel sympathy for the academy six whose first team unveiling arrived in a silent stadium sapped of atmosphere and intensity.
Man-of-the-match Charlie Bell rightly earned generous applause from a social-distanced home directors’ box, yet warranted so much more.
The midfielder from North End proudly Tweeted afterwards: ‘Been waiting for this opportunity all my life. As a kid born in Portsmouth and with it always in my heart it’s a huge pleasure to make my first team debut. Hopefully many more to come.’
He wasn’t alone. Fellow debutants Harry Kavanagh and Harrison Brook similarly posted emotional messages to accompany photographs of their personalised team shirt.
As for Alfie Bridgman, an unused substitute, dad Glenn had Tweeted a picture of his son’s number 28 before the match.
No doubt the parents of Alfie Stanley, Harry Jewitt-White and Seok Jae Lee were also applauding.
Moments for all to treasure. Pompey-bred youngsters who have clambered through the academy system to make their first team bows.
It was impossible not to be moved by the infectious passion of the beaming Kavanagh during post-match duties. The greatest moment of the Waterlooville rightback’s life – so far.
Still, such a shame the Fratton faithful were not there to witness so many encouraging displays, irrespective of the 1-0 defeat against West Ham under-21s.
Admittedly, there were fears of a landslide following the Hammers’ fourth-minute opener, yet Pompey’s rookies settled down admirably.
In the second half they oozed confidence and conviction, particularly Bell and left-back Harvey Rew, as they adjusted to new surroundings magnificently.
The outcome was irrelevant, Kenny Jackett’s side had already qualified for the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy.
Such is the harsh nature of football, sadly the reality is some of those on display may never get another opportunity for Blues first team football in the future.
Still, Bell, Kavanagh, Stanley, Lee, Brook and Jewitt-White take a bow – there may not have been an audience for the occasion, but the city applauds you.
Hopefully we will all see you again, very, very soon.
– NEIL ALLEN