Former Portsmouth coach Paul Hardyman believes incoming new Blues recruit Adam Webster will ultimately go on to play in the Premier League. The 21-year-old centre-half’s move to Town - which will see Matt Clarke go in the opposite direction along with a fee in excess of £500,000 - is set to be confirmed this week.
Hardyman was assistant youth development officer at Pompey when he brought Webster to Fratton Park as a 10-year-old 11 years ago. The former left-back, who also played for Sunderland and Bristol Rovers, was Portsmouth’s first-team coach until the end of 2014/15.
"I think Ipswich will be a stepping stone for Adam to go on and do something bigger and better in maybe three or four years’ time,” he told the Portsmouth News.
"Let’s not forget, he is only 21 — he can use that experience to gain a better knowledge of the game and at 25 will easily be ready to step up again if Ipswich don’t get promoted themselves.
"I know there were a number of clubs interested in him and he is going to be a top, top player for sure. I think he can get to the Premier League, I honestly do.
"You have to be a bit lucky, for sure, but you also have to have the ability in the first place and there are not many ball-playing centre-halves like Adam coming through.
"He has the ability, the belief, he has never doubted himself — which is good — and is someone level-headed enough to take that step.
"I am really pleased for him and for the club because it is recognition everyone has done a good job. Hopefully he will go on further, who knows where he could end up.”