Brentford sign Bognor's ex-Pompey youngster

Robb, 18, joined the Rocks last summer after being released by Pompey. He impressed in the 13 games he played for the Jack Pearce and Robbie Blake’s outfit before the latest lockdown put paid to first team action.

And he obviously showed enough promise for the Bees to offer him the opportunity to further his career after the disappointment of leaving Fratton Park.

Robb arrived at Bognor as a central midfielder but had a successful move back to centre-half as the season - or at least what there was of the season - went on. He has featured 18 times for the Isthmian premier side.

Bognor general manager Simon Cook said: "The club are delighted to announce that Ethan has joined Brentford on loan until the end of the season.

"He joined the Rocks in the summer following his release by Portsmouth and quickly settled to become a key member of our first team. He impressed many with his calm reading of the game and skilful ball control and he has taken advantage of a recent trial period at Brentford to cement this move.

"With the closure of the transfer window yesterday, both clubs had to move fast to complete the necessary paperwork in time. However, Ethan is now a Brentford player and it is hoped that his performances will earn him a longer-term contract.

"Should he sign for Brentford beyond the end of this season, Bognor will of course be entitled to financial compensation.

"Everyone at Nyewood Lane wishes Ethan every success in his future career."

Robb joins another Sussex star at Brentford - Worthing teenager Fin Stevens joined the Bees last summer and has made a number of appearances in the first-team squad.

Robb will be in the Brentford B squad, having turned out for Brentford B as a trialist in their two recent fixtures with a Wycombe Wanderers XI and Hemel Hempstead Town. The youngster started Saturday’s match at Bisham Abbey alongside Tristan Crama in central defence as the side kept a clean sheet.

Brentford B Head Coach Neil MacFarlane told the Bees website he was pleased to add further strength to his squad ahead of the rest of the campaign.

He said: “Ethan came in on trial last week with us and he is someone who has played a number of games in midfield so far in his career, but he also has the potential to play centre back, which is where he found himself on Saturday against Hemel Hempstead. He put in a really accomplished performance and, hopefully, he will get better and better in our environment and really grow as a player with us.

“We’ve got a number of boys in and around the First Team environment and it’s important that we keep adding to our group to make sure we keep pushing forwards.”