Teenager's Brentford move enhances Bognor's reputation

Robbie Blake says teenager Ethan Robb’s loan move to Brentford is fantastic for him – and can be great for the Rocks too.
Ethan Robb has joined Brentford on loan / Picture: Lyn PhillipsEthan Robb has joined Brentford on loan / Picture: Lyn Phillips
Ethan Robb has joined Brentford on loan / Picture: Lyn Phillips

The 18-year-old has joined the Bees B squad for the rest of the season and will aim to land a permanent move to the Championship club, who are in the frame for promotion to the Premier League.

It’s been a steep rise for the midfielder-turned-central defender, who joined Bognor only last summer after being released by Pompey. Robb is on a contract at Nyewood Lane so if he does make the move to the south-west London club, the Rocks will be due a fee.

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Blake told the Observer he was tipping Robb to do well in his loan move.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the lad and great that Brentford have shown genuine interest in him.

“I remember saying to Jack (Pearce) after Ethan had been with us for just a couple of training sessions ‘This lad’s got a bit’.

“His composure and demeanour is just right. He’s comfortable on the ball and wants to listen and learn.

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“He came to us after Portsmouth let him go and when that happens to a young player, they need to show the right attitude to football, and Ethan certainly has.”

Blake said Robb’s move – like midfielder Tommy Block’s switch to Hibernian a couple of years ago – showed Bognor were a club who could develop young players and would not stand in their way if clubs at a higher levels showed interest.

But the Bognor assistant boss stressed that the sale of any stars would also be done in a way that protected the club financially.

“Bringing young players through is one thing we’re good at and we’d not hold them back with their career progression. We’re a very well-run club and this shows we’re a good club for a talented young player to come to.”

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Meanwhile Blake is not holding out high hopes of the Isthmian premier season restarting soon enough to be played to a finish. And he said it was ‘ludicrous’ to suggest two seasons’ results could be added together to work out promotion issues.

He said: “We all want to get back to playing but people are still dying and football has to take a back seat.

“The vaccinations are going well and let’s just hope we can get back together soon.

“In the meantime the priority is for everyone to stay safe and healthy.”