Agyemang backing new housemate to be Pompey hit

Patrick Agyemang has got himself a new team-mate and a house-mate.
Ryan Bird, left, is making his mark at Pompey. Picture: Ian HargreavesRyan Bird, left, is making his mark at Pompey. Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Ryan Bird, left, is making his mark at Pompey. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

And early indications are Ryan Bird will be a popular figure on all fronts.

The former Burnham striker has landed at Fratton Park on an initial one-year deal.

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An impressive trial spell, plus two goals against the Hawks, persuaded Guy Whittingham to pursue a permanent switch.

As part of the deal to bring Bird to the south coast, Burnham have negotiated a percentage sell-on clause in the contract.

The 25-year-old represents a gamble by Pompey, although not an expensive one.

He will now be part of a striker group including Agyemang, David Connolly, Tom Craddock and Ashley Harris.

Agyemang will also be his house-mate in Port Solent.

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And the former QPR man has been impressed with what he has so far seen of Bird.

He said: ‘I have not seen that much of Ryan but he looks like a striker who knows where the goal is.

‘He has definitely looked sharp in training, he’s looked good overall to be fair.

‘The lad’s got a good strike on him and is still young and very hungry because he has not played in the league before, so it is like having a youngster in the team.

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‘He seems to have that knack of being in the right place at the right time. Sometimes it is something I have missed.

‘Against Havant & Waterlooville he has blocked a shot and it has gone over the goalkeeper’s head – he has had another one and it has gone in.

‘Sometimes you think “I wish I got easy goals”.

‘When I get a goal I have to work much harder but there are some players that get those easy goals.

‘Then again they are not easy because you have to be there.

‘To score 42 goals in a season is fantastic.

‘I know people say it’s lower league but you’ve still got to score those goals so fair play to him.

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‘It’s good that the club have acquired him and hopefully he can get half what he scored last season, or even more.’

Bird has now moved to the area, following a growing Pompey contingent.

Andy Barcham and John Sullivan live in Chichester, while Danny East has moved to Waterlooville.

The Southsea group consists of Sonny Bradley, Tom Craddock, Ricky Holmes and Joe Devera.

Then there are Agyemang and Bird located in Port Solent.

He added: ‘I am excited for Ryan.

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‘He seems like a genuine guy and we are going to be staying together in the club house which is in Port Solent.

‘I’ll be getting to know him and he will be getting to know me, I am looking forward to it.

‘Hopefully we will all have a good season.’