Exclusive:'You could always tell' - Key figure in Luke Brooke-Smith's journey to Portsmouth provides valuable insight into the Blues' latest signing
The News caught up with representatives of Luke Brooke-Smith’s former club Cambridge FC to get to know Pompey’s newest addition a bit more.
New Zealand international Luke Brooke-Smith was this week unveiled as Pompey’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window.
Snapped up from Wellington Phoenix for an undisclosed fee, the 18-year-old signed a four-year deal at Fratton Park to help bolster John Mousinho’s forward ranks.
The move comes after just two seasons at A-league side The Nix, where Brooke-Smith registered 37 appearances in all competitions.
It also arrives just three years after NRFL Southern Conference outfit Cambridge FC sought special dispensation from league officials in order to play the emerging talent in their senior ranks - at the age of 15!
Former Wolves and New Zealand international defender Ricki Herbet was part of the Cambridge delegation that requested permission to play Brooke-Smith at such a young age.
The club’s technical advisor is also credited with discovering the youngster through his RH3 Academy and setting him on the path that has led him to Fratton Park.
With that in mind, The News spoke to the former White Caps coach to learn more about Pompey’s newest addition.
Here’s what he, plus Cambridge FC president Harry Bomans, had to say about Brooke-Smith as he settles into life with Mousinho’s Blues.
Q First of all, Ricki, as a club, you must be very proud of the progress Luke's made to earn a move to Pompey and the Championship?
RH: Yeah, very much so. He was a young player coming through the grades in the youth teams and we got him registered to play senior football at a very young age, recognising his talents.
He made his debut in the senior team at 15 years of age, which was great, and made a super impression. So yeah, we’re incredibly proud of him.
Q Can you explain how he came to be on Cambridge’s books at that age?
RH: So he was in my RH3 Football Academy programme for a number of years, and then his family moved down to Cambridge for schooling. He joined the Cambridge club after that.
He was part of our younger youth teams, and then clearly his progress started to continue and be recognised.
We applied for dispensation for him to play senior football, and then he joined the senior team. Things kind of transformed from there.
Off the back of how he was progressing, I contacted Wellington Phoenix, because I'd coached down there for five-and-a-half years. I contacted the coach and I said: ‘Look, I think I've got a player here who's good enough for you to probably take on board and sign now.’
Q Was his talent obvious? Did you see straight away there was a player there?
RH: Yeah, look, I think he's a very mature boy. I think from a physicality point of view and growth perception, he's always been quite mature, he was always quite advanced from other kids coming through at his age.
He was so much stronger and quicker. But you could also always tell that he had quality and that things were probably going to happen for him. Not only going through to the senior team at Cambridge and then playing at Hamilton, but also when making the New Zealand team that played in the 2025 under-20 World Cup in Chile as well.
Q. You mentioned the quality he possesses. Can you elaborate on what his best qualities are and what his best position is?
RH: His pace stands out. He's technically good. Luke’s really good in 1v1 situations as well. Strong.
The majority of people have played him wide, sort of more as a winger-type player.
But I think he's probably got a little bit more to him than that. I think he could probably play as a nice little 10 or a number eight from an attacking midfield perspective.
I think the Portsmouth fans will be excited with him.
Q Luke’s career has really taken off over the past three years. How do you view his development as a player?
RH: He didn't get a lot of time at the Wellington Phoenix. But I think everybody recognised the talent, the quality and the potential.
I think there'll be a lot of excitement with him going to a really good club like Portsmouth, what they can offer and where he could actually land.
They've got a very good player with a lot of talent and a lot of untapped talent.
I’ve no doubt that can be unfolded and released into an incredibly tough league like the Championship.
Q How do you think he'll cope with a move so far away from home at the age of 18?
RH: I think he'll be fine. I think he's got a good DNA. He's a strong kid.
When he was in New Zealand, I sent him across to Australia, where spent some time with Melbourne City. He also had time in Portugal with some clubs, integrating himself into that professional environment. So he’s had time away from home before.
Luke was always somebody who could embrace it, challenge it and get through it, so I don't think that'll be a problem for him. He’s a good kid.
Like I say, the fans will like him. I think he'll be an exciting proposition and addition to the club, somebody who can flourish and develop, and move his game to a higher level.
RH: I think they'll be excited with what they see. I think from his age and development point of view, I think there's going to be a little bit of a time component to it. But we've seen players like Nestory Irankunda come from Australia, who’s gone into playing at Watford, who's made a massive impact, went to the World Cup and is doing extremely big things.
I think Luke has that opportunity to excite fans. But I'd be saying just be a little bit patient because I think you're going to see a really good product.
Q The step-up from the A-league to the Championship is huge, as Pompey’s Australian contingent will testify to! Would you agree?
RH: I think it's going to be tough because the Championship is a really challenging league. It’s hard to get out of to get into the Premier League.
There'll be some tough, seasoned players in there and that will be a massive challenge for him.
‘But I guess I just look at what Luke’s potential looks like and the ability of the Pompey coaching staff to be able to move that forward.
Again, I say take a little bit of time, take a deep breath, enjoy what you see to start with. I think what you see to start with is only going to evolve and be better.
Q What would you say to those who believe a move like this has come too soon?
RH: I think it's always that crystal ball thing.
I think it was probably in Wellington Phoenix's best interest to keep a talented young player like that.
But I think it's that devil you do, devil you don't! When do you go? What's the next step? What's the best time to do it?
I think it will be interesting, and I come back to the question: can the Pompey staff be realistic and make sure that they give the player the best opportunity to develop and mature and progress? Because I think about the outcome. Whether it's in two months, three months, six months, 12 months, whatever... I think they're going to have a really good product which will be highly beneficial for the club.
‘Luke is an inspiration’
Cambridge FC president, Harry Bomans, was also contacted to provide a comment on Brooke-Smith’s move to Fratton Park.
He said: ‘We at Cambridge Football Club are excited to see Luke has made his next step in his professional career as a football player. It’s great to see all the hard work and dedication pays off.
‘Luke is an inspiration to our club's young players and testament to our player development programme in partnership with the RH3 Football Academy.
‘We wish Luke all the success at Portsmouth and will be following his progress with keen interest.’