'Tough, tough decisions': Portsmouth chief explains 11 Academy departures - and reasons to be optimistic

Andy Cullen has reiterated Pompey’s commitment towards creating a thriving Academy.

The Blues this week dropped the bombshell that 10 of their 11 second-year scholars will not be offered professional terms upon their graduation - plus third-year scholar Destiny Ojo.

The exception is Koby Mottoh, albeit purely on the proviso he impresses while training with John Mousinho’s first-team over the next fortnight.

It represents a devastating blow to those youngsters, some of which have been in the club’s Academy system since the age of nine and are locally-based Pompey supporters.

The news also raises concerns over the effectiveness of a youth set-up nowadays impacted by the strong recruitment presence of Southampton, Bournemouth, Brighton and Chelsea.

However, the Blues’ chief executive insists there remains key progress under Academy manager Greg Miller in pursuit of producing more home-grown talent.

Cullen told The News: ‘First and foremost, I appreciate how devastated those boys will feel on receiving the decision. These have been tough, tough decisions.

‘You have to be honest. I have seen other Academies in the past giving boys one or two-year contracts or third-year scholarships without really thinking they are going to make it, just to protect compensation rights.

‘That’s wrong, you must think about the individual and what’s best for them at the next stage. The notice we’ve given these players allows them to pursue their dreams and make the next step in life, whether in football or not.

‘As a club, we are totally committed. Since the owners came into the club (August 2017), we have increased the yearly investment in our Academy from £500,000 to £1m. They remain committed.