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.”

Photo: Action Images

bluehook added 10:01 - May 23 Ipswich - a stepping stone? Cheeky bestud.
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Stato added 10:04 - May 23 The strange thing for me on this deal is that so much our transfer business has been kept quiet until done under Milne but this one seems common knowledge but still some way off being done.
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muccletonjoe added 10:10 - May 23 I think we must assume this is pretty much signed and sealed otherwise the whole announcement will be a little pointless
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ParisBlue added 10:13 - May 23 My overriding memory of Paul Handyman was a playoff semi final for sunderland vs Newcastle. 0-0 at 90 minutes in a dire match, the Mackems get a penalty. Handyman takes it, keeper saves, Handyman in his frustration boots the keeper in the head and is sent off. Cue stunned silence (in he last minute of a local derby) at his stupidity.
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ParisBlue added 10:14 - May 23 Meant to add, Webster sounds promising
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Wallingford_Boy added 10:14 - May 23 bluehook - yes a stepping stone, you don't seriously think we are anywhere near being a "top" side do you?
4

PhilTWTD added 10:20 - May 23 BossMan Ian M doesn't really play a role in transfer business, that's done by Marcus and Mick. Like all deals info slips out one way or another!
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RoyalAscotBlue added 10:28 - May 23 "there are not many ball-playing centre-halves like Adam coming through." How long will it take Mick to 'coach' that out of him? In all honesty this guy sounds like a really good prospect and we should all be pleased that we are getting him. I do hope that this means Berra is on his way, Chambers will play in the middle, and Webster will play at right back.
3

Bluedandy added 10:28 - May 23 Walligford Boy - "anywhere near?" .... we are potentially one season away from the Premiership. Leicester City were a League One side in 2009.
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havinit69 added 10:31 - May 23 These are the sort of signings that I think will excite the fans, young, hungry and talented players from the lower leagues that are looking to further their careers. Admittedly we will face competition for these players, but surely this is a better option than signing the like of Giles Coke.
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unknown100 added 11:44 - May 23 This seems like a really positive signing, but i thought Matt Clarke sounded like he was going to be our centre half next year? you think they'd have got them both and forked out the extra money for Webster, they've been playing all season together Only time will tell, a lot of youngsters have been promising and just never come to anything
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itsonlyme added 11:57 - May 23 Good luck to the lad! Hope he is as good as reported.
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Wonky added 12:23 - May 23 Ball playing defender. Repeat.
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Tractamatt added 12:30 - May 23 Sounds a good player and why wouldn't he be in the Premier league with us. We do need a player of Ryan Fraser's class and flair and I'd like us to make Bournemouth a real offer to show our intent.
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hampstead_blue added 12:31 - May 23 A good reference fro his previous coach. No harm in his 'stepping stone' statement. I see it as true. I do like the idea of a ball playing centre half. Be nice to see the ball passed out from the back from time to time.
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Town4me added 12:49 - May 23 Leatherheadblue It sounds as if Webster has really progressed this year playing at CB. Wouldn't it be a little waste of that talent putting him back out on the right, where by all accounts he didn't shine so much?
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andreuserisonside added 13:00 - May 23 Pompey supporting mate rates him very highly. This is a promising signing and the first of several quality players required. Let's show some fa8th in Mick.our best boss since royale surely?
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onthehoof added 13:06 - May 23 Does anyone know how good the webster clarke partnership was for Portsmouth? If any good, might have been good to have both as future defence
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bigautographs added 13:21 - May 23 great, means he wont be with us for long!
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radiogaga added 13:47 - May 23 bigautographs - Remember people saying the exact same things about Cresswell, he was effectively an everpresent and consistently very good for 3 years for us, and then got the club big money from his sale. I'll be more than happy if Webster does that for us, even happier if he helps us win promotion along the way
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cyprustractorboy added 14:02 - May 23 Get j Williamson and Ryan Fraser on board we may have a chance
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Dissboyitfc added 14:02 - May 23 leatherheadblue.... why webster at RB? we really need to get away from the square pegs in round holes. Hopefully MM hasnt read your post and given him any ideas. Sounds like a really promising signing, bring it on!
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ArnieM added 14:03 - May 23 Yip we have bought some quality at last. And yes he will play PL in the not too distant future. ...... with Town!!
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itfc101 added 14:42 - May 23 All sounds good, let's hope he's playing in the premier league with ITFC next year!
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tractorboy12341234 added 14:45 - May 23 Sounds like a quality signing, but does this mean Smith is unlikely to get a new contract?
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