by Neil Weld
Pompey have completed the signing of Dan Thompson from Hampton & Richmond on an 18-month deal.
The 18-year-old striker will go straight out on loan to Havant & Waterlooville for the remainder of the season.
Thompson is delighted to join the Blues and hopes he can use his time at Westleigh Park to improve as a player.
He said: “It’s a dream move for me and I’m over the moon. Now I’ve got to stay focused and keep working hard for the boys and the staff.
“Going out on loan will give me more experience. Hopefully I can score a few goals and enjoy my football during my time there.”
Academy manager Andy Awford believes Thompson can have a bright future at Pompey.
He said: “Dan’s a young lad who we were given the chance to have a look at a few months ago. He came in to train with the academy and we liked him. He’s got good attributes and a lot of potential.
“He’s by no means the finished article, but he’s one we think could go on to do something in the future.
“The loan deal is a good opportunity for Dan to keep playing at a decent level. We’ve got a good relationship with Havant & Waterlooville. There are good people there like Derek Pope, Mick Jenkins and the manager Shaun Gale.
“We’ll still have him training with us during the week and the loan deal means he can also play in our youth team.
“We feel as a club that we’ve acted properly. We had good dialogue with Hampton & Richmond and have made a goodwill gesture to them. I’ve got a good relationship with their manager Mark Harper and he’s been in the picture throughout.
“I’m comfortable with how we’ve conducted our business and now I’m just looking forward to working with Dan and giving him the opportunity to show us what he can do.”