Pompey seeking Aldershot link-up to aid youngsters' development

Paul Cook is eyeing utilising Pompey's links with Aldershot to aid the development of his youngsters.
Pompey youngster Adam May    Picture: Joe PeplerPompey youngster Adam May    Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey youngster Adam May Picture: Joe Pepler

Gary Waddock was earlier this month appointed manager of the National League club.

It is a second spell at the Recreation Ground for the former QPR midfielder, who previously led them to the Blue Square Premier title in 2007-08.

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Waddock, of course, spent time at Fratton Park last season after arriving as assistant manager under Andy Awford in December 2014.

He would later oversee the team as caretaker boss for the final four matches following Awford’s exit.

Now, following a spell assisting Martin Allen at Barnet, he is back in management.

Cook has already discussed the possibility of loaning some of the Blues’ promising young players to the Shots next term.

And it’s a partnership he feels can be beneficial.

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Pompey’s boss said: ‘Looking at the size of our squad, you have to consider players like Adam May and decide what is best for their future.

‘He is such a good, young player, as is Brandon Haunstrup, and if these lads don’t play regularly it is not good.

‘We want them to be active, playing games. It is about staying around us or going out to play.

‘Down the road at Aldershot there is Gary Waddock now and that is going to be a good link for us.

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‘It’s a natural place for them to play and Gary wants to play footy. It’s also a good level of football, so I would imagine Portsmouth and Aldershot will have a good link.

‘The short-term reality is we need some short-term success, but we must also have a long-term plan.

‘These lads are going to be good players for this club.’

Both May and Haunstrup were handed new one-year deals by the Blues this term.

Left-back Haunstrup made five appearances this season, including his League Two debut against Northampton on the campaign’s final day.

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May, who was given his own Football League debut by Waddock in April 2015, turned out three times.

The profitable Academy has also produced Calvin Davies, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alex Bass – the trio becoming first-year professionals this summer.

Davies and Oxlade-Chamberlain have already tasted first-team football, having been involved in the September Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Exeter.

Bass, who ended the season injured, has been a regular presence on Cook’s bench as goalkeeping back-up.