From AFC Portchester to Blackburn Rovers: Stamshaw ace's dreams come true after Portsmouth academy exit
Blackburn Rovers have pounced for the non-league talent on Pompey’s doorstep - with Premier League Bournemouth set do likewise.
AFC Portchester starlet Chase Whiffing has secured a dream move to Blackburn Rovers.
The 16-year-old has been picked up by Pompey’s Championship rivals, who’ve handed the winger a two-year scholarship at Ewood Park.
And Whiffing could be joined in the professional academy ranks by Royals team-mate Dylan Rees, as Premier League outfit Bournemouth run the rule over the midfielder.
Rovers swooped for Whiffing after he impressed on trial with the club last month, scoring for their under-21 side in the 4-1 Central League Cup victory against Preston North End.
That convinced them to make a move for the former Denmead FC youngster, who’s also made an impact on the Portsmouth youth football scene.
Portchester boss Gav Spurway moved to bring in Whiffing last summer, after being impressed with the Stamshaw teenager’s quality, dedication and attitude.
Senior league action arrived for him in March at Harrow Borough, before a further Portchester runout came on the final day of the campaign at Kingstonian.
Whiffing was in Pompey’s academy system before departing and later featuring for Pompey in the Community (PITC) at under-14 and under-15 level.
Rees, 16, has had senior league involvement for Portchester this term, picking up the club’s young player of the season award after PITC involvement.
A move to the Cherries for Rees would mean Pompey missing out two exciting non-league talents on their doorstep.
Spurway said: ‘It’s great news for Chase, he’s a brilliant lad and his attitude is absolutely spot on.
‘Chase is an attacking player who can player anywhere the front of the end of the pitch, I’m not surprised he’s impressed Blackburn.
‘He was at Pompey when he was younger but came out, but as soon as I saw him you could see there was something there and he had a chance.
‘You have to really be something to make it these days, but he’s always at the front for the running and wants to improve.
‘It’s the same for Dylan and, like Chase, he’s got his feet on the ground and has the support of a good family around him. It’s brilliant for them and brilliant news for the club.’
Whiffing becomes the latest talent from Portchester to join a pro club, following in the footsteps of Andy Rinomhota who went to Reading and played in the Championship for Rotherham United and Cardiff City.
With Rees set to follow, Spurway is pleased to see his club developing a reputation for nurturing young quality.
He added: ‘We are keen to give these boys their opportunities.
‘We don’t want to tie them down to contracts, because that could put off sides who would be prepared to have a look at them.
‘But it shows what we’re about - we want to keep developing young footballers and pushing on as a club.’