US Portsmouth eager to boost their youth system in bid to keep pace with local rivals

Brodie Spencer, right, is the only member of US Portsmouth's first team squad who was at the club as a junior. Picture: Keith Woodland

Their under-18s are through to the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup after hammering Fareham Town 9-0 on the 3G at HMS Temeraire in midweek.

But that is the only youth team under the US umbrella - compared to the many sides which represent clubs like Moneyfields and AFC Portchester.

Of the current US first team squad, only Brodie Spencer was at US as a youngster - and he has only recently been signed after a spell with Portchester.

‘Looking at our youth is probably the next thing on our list,’ said first team boss Glenn Turnbull.

‘Moneyfields have a pathway, Portchester have a pathway, Baffins have a pathway … if we want to compete with those clubs that’s something we’re going to have to look at.’

The current US under-18s joined the club en masse after playing in the Portsmouth Youth League for Pickwick.

‘Bringing players through is massively important,’ said Turnbull.

‘Most of our first team squad were with me at Moneyfields.

‘If we bring a few reserves into the first team squad it does leave holes behind which need to be filled.’

US’ numbers are currently depleted due to a raft of injuries.

Defenders Tom Cain, Elliott Turnbull and Sean Snelling are still sidelined, as are strikers Jay Ripiner and Dan Sibley.

Callum Glen is suspended for Saturday’s Wessex League 1 visit of Downton, and new centre half Owen Haly is also injured.

Haly, formerly of Portchester and Baffins, was on US’ radar in the summer but decided to sign for Wessex Premier outfit Brockenhurst instead.

Captain Tom Jeffes, though, is available again.

Turnbull tipped Downton as one to watch prior to the season starting, but the Wiltshire club have lost their first four league and cup games.

Joint-manager Jody Rivers announced his resignation after last week’s 4-2 FA Vase defeat at Farnham.

This weekend is the start of a big period with further league games against high-flying Alton (next Tuesday) and Folland Sports before a home FA Vase tie with AFC Portchester on October 10.