Released Portsmouth Academy youngster Ethan Robb lands Brentford move

The 18-year-old has joined the Bees on loan from Bognor after a successful trial – and will link up their B side until the end of the season.

The former Blues youngster was released by the Fratton Park outfit at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

He joined Wessex League side AFC Portchester but was soon snapped up by the Rocks, who play in the Isthmian League premier division.

Robb served most of his Pompey days playing in the centre of midfield.

However, he enjoyed success playing in the centre of defence for Bognor until the season was interrupted by coronavirus – form that brought him to the attention of Brentford.

Last week he continued his impressive form as he lined out for the Bees’ B team as a triallist against a Wycombe Wanderers XI and Hemel Hempstead Town.

And his performances were enough to convince coach Neil MacFarlane to bring him on board.

Speaking to the club’s website, MacFarlane said: ‘Ethan came in on trial last week with us and he is someone who has played a number of games in midfield so far in his career, but he also has the potential to play centre back, which is where he found himself on Saturday against Hemel Hempstead.

‘He put in a really accomplished performance and, hopefully, he will get better and better in our environment and really grow as a player with us.

‘We’ve got a number of boys in and around the first-team environment and it’s important that we keep adding to our group to make sure we keep pushing forwards.’