Portsmouth confirm resignation of academy chief Mark Kelly

The Blues youth stalwart leaves Fratton Park amid a major academy player overhaul that's prompted his exit.

As reported by The News, Pompey will release a host of fledgling talents at the end of the season.

Harry Kavanagh, Eoin Teggart and Gerard Storey have confirmed their departures, while Taylor Seymour, Harry Anderson, Charlie Bell and Harvey Rew haven't been offered new deals.

There is also uncertainty over Alfie Stanley's future.

Kelly's been left frustrated by the decisions made, having recommended several should be offered new deals but been overlooked. As a result, he handed in his notice on Friday morning.

The former Pompey winger changed his role in the youth ranks last summer. Having served as academy manager since 2014, Kelly took up the position of player development manager.

His remit was to produce an improved conduit between the youth and first team, specifically helping players in the under-19s to under-23s age groups.

However, with a lack of talent to work with, Kelly feels it is pointless to continue.

During his time at Pompey, Kelly’s helped a swathe of youngsters break into the first team and go onto bigger and better things.

Of the current squad, Jack Whatmough, Ben Close, Alex Bass and Haji Mnoga have all come through the ranks under the ex-Republic of Ireland international’s tutelage.

In addition, Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie, Brighton centre-back Adam Webster, Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward, Millwall’s Jed Wallace, Cardiff midfielder Marlon Pack and Barnsley striker Conor Chaplin are all players Kelly’s helped progress.

Dan Butler (Peterborough) Brandon Haunstrup (Kilmarnock), Adam May (Cambridge) and Tom King (Newport) are among the others.

Kelly will now serve a three-month notice period before his departure. During that time, he will help the released youngsters find new clubs ahead of next season.

Ex-Barnsley head of coaching Greg Miller is set to be appointed new academy manager.