Gosport boss Gale ‘very surprised’ ex-Borough loanee Kavanagh has been released by Pompey

Gosport Borough manager Shaun Gale admitted his 'surprise' at seeing former loan defender Harry Kavanagh released by Pompey.
Harry Kavanagh in action for Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy at Peterborough.Harry Kavanagh in action for Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy at Peterborough.
Harry Kavanagh in action for Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy at Peterborough.

And he has already been in touch with Kavanagh to offer his support after he was delivered the news of his Blues exit.

Gale worked with the 19-year-old earlier this season while he enjoyed a spell on loan at Privett Park prior to the Southern League season curtailment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Kavanagh put in several eye-catching performances during his brief time with Gosport

The player is now coming to terms with being told he will not be handed a new Pompey contract beyond this summer - ending 13 years at his hometown club.

Having worked with him at close hand, Gale said: 'I was very surprised that Pompey allowed Harry to leave.

'I’d like to (bring Harry to Gosport), but I think Harry is better than us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Kids grow and kids develop at different rates and one thing he has got, he plays with his heart on his sleeve.

‘He gives everything and he’s worked his socks off.

‘I know Harry’s family and I know him very well from having him at Gosport and with us. He’s a terrific lad and it’s a shame (his release).

‘It’s all about opinions and I just said to him to go again, to keep his head up and go again.

‘All I can do is offer him a bit of advice and a bit of support - that’s not necessarily me trying to get him to come to Gosport, I want him to do what’s best for him and if that’s a crack at another pro club then I’d tell him to go for it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The one thing with him is he’s a level-headed kid, he realises he needs to play football, and a lot of these kids haven’t had men’s football.

‘There are a lot of people taking good youngsters out of non-league football so it’s not the end of the world if he has to drop into non-league.

'But that’s a decision he’ll make over a period of time, he’s in no rush, it’s a big shock to him and it’s a sad time.'

Two other Pompey prospects who spent time on loan at Gosport this season - Irish pair Eoin Teggart and Gerard Storey - are also being released by the Blues.

But Gale ruled out any potential moves for the duo.

The Boro boss added: 'They were two great kids as well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'They’re back in Ireland now so I don’t see for us - as a non-league club to try to get them back and then we have to put them in digs.

‘If they don’t go on trial at other pro clubs, then I’m sure they’ll stay in Ireland because they’ve got a good standard of football over there as well.'