Former Portsmouth striker signs for Bognor Regis Town

Former Pompey striker Bradley Lethbridge has put pen to paper to sign a deal with the Rocks after being released by the Blues.
Bognor's Bradley Lethbridge gets the better of a Kingstonian defender SUS-200202-194156002Bognor's Bradley Lethbridge gets the better of a Kingstonian defender SUS-200202-194156002
Bognor's Bradley Lethbridge gets the better of a Kingstonian defender SUS-200202-194156002

And Bognor boss Jack Pearce and coach Robbie Blake are delighted to have been able to snare the services of the teenage marksman ahead of the new Isthmian premier league season.

Pearce and Blake are working tirelessly to assemble the Rocks squad ahead of the return of football, with suggestions in some quarters that the league may well return in late September, possibly October, following the suspension caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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And Pearce said: “It’s great news to have Bradley with us going forward. We know of his capabilities and we believe there is a lot more to come from him. He has all the attributes to play at a higher level and he knows here at Bognor we can provide a fantastic opportunity for him to continue his development.”

Lethbridge, 19, spent a large portion of the past two seasons on loan at Nyewood Lane, netting 20 times in 71 games. An assortment of injuries during last season hampered his progress -- but he managed to bag seven goals in 28 outings.

Lethbridge, who signed third-year scholarship terms at Fratton Park last summer, made three appearances for Kenny Jackett’s side -- scoring in a 2-2 Leasing.com Trophy draw at Oxford in October of last year.

Speaking about Lethbridge before he signed the contract, former Fratton Park coach Blake told the Portsmouth News: “Brad has loads of ability but at times he isn’t as dedicated or professional as he possibly can be. If he can do that then you have a player on your hands. I know he is still young but that is what he has to do if he’s to get back in the fold.

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“When he first came to Bognor and he was fit and strong, he was bordering on unplayable. He was electric. He’s quick, strong, has an eye for goal and can assist goals.

“This season, he’s had a few injuries but perhaps, in my opinion, hasn’t gone on and showed the progression he should have done. This kid scored for Pompey in a competitive game away at Oxford, but he has to understand he must put in the work to get where he wants to be.

“When I was playing, at times you could get away with it by not being as professional as some players. You had 50 per cent being professional and 50 per cent not being professional. Now it is 100 per cent of players being professional. In terms of excitement and from a coach’s point of view, there is no-one better than Brad in full flow.”