Highly-rated Portsmouth starlet handed another award after earning national recognition for impressive progress
The teenager was named Pompey’s Academy Player of the Season in 2024-25 and also scored on his Blues debut
A Pompey youngster has been identified as one of the country’s rising Academy stars amid an eye-catching season.
Tayo Singerr announced his arrival on the first-team stage in August by scoring on his Blues debut in the Carabao Cup against Reading aged 17, earning praise from John Mousinho.
The second-year scholar has since netted nine goals in 14 games during an impressive loan spell with Moneyfields, helping them into fourth place in the Isthmian South Central Division.
Now the talented striker has been recognised by the League Football Education (LFE), who oversee the apprenticeship programme for 16-18 year-old players at Football League clubs.
Singerr is among 11 players singled out for their outstanding efforts on and off the pitch in the latest edition of ‘The 11’ - an accolade handed out twice a year.
And the highly-regarded youngster takes his place among players from Blackpool, Norwich, Bristol City and Peterborough.
‘Tayo has excelled’
‘He sets the standard for model behaviour across the academy and has quickly become a role model for younger players, leading by example through his attitude, professionalism, and daily habits.
‘Academically, Olutayo has excelled, completing his EPA (End Point Assessment) with a Distinction and remaining firmly on track to achieve DDD*. His commitment to his studies reflects the same discipline and drive he shows on the pitch.
‘On the pitch, Olutayo has adapted to men’s football admirably while on loan at non-league club Moneyfields, showcasing his physicality, composure, and willingness to learn in a demanding environment.
‘This follows the impressive achievement of scoring on his senior debut in the Carabao Cup – a moment that highlighted both his potential and his readiness for the next step in his development.’
Pompey’s 2024-25 Academy Player of the Season
The accolade acknowledges performance on the pitch and in the classroom, as well as assessing other factors, including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.
Others recognised include George Elder (Blackpool), Leo Pecover (Bristol City), Li-Bau Stowell (Preston North End), Lucca Mendonca (Peterborough), Niko Tkaczuk (Norwich), Rian Silver (MK Dons) Ronnie Harvey (Colchester), Samuel Okolie (Cambridge United), Seb Campbell (Plymouth) and Zachary Hambury (Leyton Orient).
Singerr, who was named Pompey’s Academy Player of the Season last term, was introduced off the bench against Reading in August for his debut.
Weeks later, he was loaned to Moneyfields, initially for a month, where he also scored on debut, this time in a 4-4 draw at Binfield.
He has continued to be in prolific form for the non-leaguers, including netting in each of his last three matches, most recently in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southall.
‘His attitude is brilliant, he wants to be here, he wants to work hard’
Speaking to The News in October, Moneyfields boss Callum Glen praised Singerr’s impact at the John Jenkins Stadium.
‘His attitude is brilliant, he wants to be here, he wants to work hard, he understands that. To be where we want to be, he’s going to have to play well here - and he is. To be playing at his age in this league against the physical attributes of centre-halves he comes up against is fantastic.
‘Tayo is one of the boys as well, which counts. When you get people from professional clubs, you sometimes worry they dip their toe in: “I’m only here for a short period, so I’m not really giving everything I’ve got”. But he’s a good lad.
‘He is doing really well and I expect him to have a great future in the game - unfortunately probably not at Moneyfields!’
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