Bognor's Pompey striker not surprised by release - but still harbours Football League hopes

The striker announced earlier this month he would depart the Blues at the end of his third-year scholarship. Lethbridge had been at Fratton Park since he was 13 and made three appearances for Kenny Jackett's side – scoring in the 2-2 Leasing.com Trophy draw at Oxford in October.

He has spent the majority of the past two seasons on loan at Bognor, netting 20 times in 71 games - and Bognor are keen to recruit him for the 2020-21 campaign. Their desire will be heightened by news Dan Smith is on his way out of Nyewood Lane to sign for Eastleigh.

By the 19-year-old's own admission, he didn’t do enough to earn a maiden professional deal at PO4. He was informed in January he wouldn't be offered fresh terms. But having been told by Jackett’s backroom staff and Bognor first-team coach Robbie Blake he has the ability to forge a Football League career, Lethbridge is now determined to fulfil his potential.

He said: "I wasn’t so surprised. I had a feeling it was coming and a lot needed to change for me to get a contract. I didn’t see myself getting it if I’m honest. It just showed me that I need to be a bit more committed.

"To be honest, I was quite glad I was told in January because it's made me want to achieve. I need to be training all the time otherwise when it comes to pre-season, it’s going to be very hard for me.

"The fact I was told early meant I could concentrate on myself. It’s let me get to a good fitness level and I think I can be ready to prove everyone wrong. If I am really focused and dedicated on and off the pitch then, I don’t want to sound big-headed, but I think I could have a career in the Football League.

"Even the coaching staff at Pompey me told me that I have the ability to go as far as I want to. It's about committing to everything on and off the pitch, training hard and eating right. That's what I need to focus on.’

Lethbridge made his debut against Tottenham under-21s in the early rounds on the road to last season's Checkatrade Trophy triumph. He also featured against Southend, while his sole appearance this term came at Oxford where he bagged his first goal for his boyhood club.

"I was shocked to be in the squad at Oxford because I’d just returned from injury and the manager had said I needed to get fit,’ added Lethbridge. "He saw I'd been working hard and I got my opportunity. I think I played well and I got my goal – I was over the moon to score.

"To score one goal in three games as a youth-team player, I’m quite happy with that. It’s not easy to score, especially against two centre-backs who play every week in League One. I was delighted and learnt a lot playing for Portsmouth. It’s a shame I'm not there any more but I know if I need anything I can go back and speak to them – we’re like a big family."