From Portsmouth season-ticket holder to starring against West Ham - meet Charlie Bell

He’s the 17-year-old from North End who stole the show for Pompey.
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And Academy coach Liam Daish has urged Charlie Bell to build on his eye-catching first-team introduction.

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Bell comes from Pompey stock. Dad Danny is owner of Bell’s Window Cleaning and an avid Blues supporter, who took his son to the 2010 FA Cup final against Chelsea.

The former Mayfield School pupil has netted three times in 10 appearances for the Academy this season and serves as captain.

Now the ex-Fratton end season-ticket holder has come to the full attention of the Fratton faithful.

Under-18s coach Daish told The News: ‘Charlie’s a chirpy North End boy into his second year now and we know he’s got that technical ability.

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‘Last year the big point in his development was probably his concentration levels, which we addressed by giving him the captaincy, so he had to be a little more focused.

Former Mayfield School pupil Charlie Bell shone against West Ham under-21s on Tuesday night. Picture: Naomi Baker/Getty Images.Former Mayfield School pupil Charlie Bell shone against West Ham under-21s on Tuesday night. Picture: Naomi Baker/Getty Images.
Former Mayfield School pupil Charlie Bell shone against West Ham under-21s on Tuesday night. Picture: Naomi Baker/Getty Images.

‘This season he has been excellent and I felt grew into the game against West Ham the more confident he got.

‘He looked comfortable in his environment, you could see he was really enjoying what he was doing.

‘Charlie’s quite a street-wise kid and knows what it’s all about. I was really pleased with him.

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‘He also showed discipline in his role, he didn’t go wandering and doing what he wanted, which was good. He needs to build on it.

‘The lad probably seems himself more of an attacking midfielder, but he has to do his defensive duties as well – which he’ll do.

‘He’s got that little bit of quality, sees a pass and can handle a ball. There is also a bit of an edge about him, which is good.

‘Charlie’s doing well at the moment, he just has to keep his feet on the ground and work hard, which I’m sure he will.’

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Bell was among six debutants handed an opportunity against West Ham by Jackett, all coming from the Academy.

And he was impressed with Bell’s introduction to the first-team environment.

Jackett said: ‘Charlie has been in the youth side and impressed in the under-18s so far this season.

‘He played well on Tuesday night and showed some good tackling ability as well.

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‘Charlie hasn’t had the chance to train with the first-team this season because of the coronavirus situation, but he is well rated by our youth staff.

‘We keep in regular contact with the youth people, in terms of performances, results and who is doing well.’

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