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Writer: pompeyrug 
Date:Friday March 7 2008
Time: 11:34AM
UK time is: 16:39:58
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Pompey chasing Havant striker
Pompey are one of several top flight clubs that are hoping to add Havant & Waterlooville youth striker Ryan Gates to their set ups. A number of scouts have watched the striker this season, who has scored an incredible 95 goals in 40 games! And all this as a 12-year-old…
Reading and Southampton are also keen on adding them to their Academy sides, with Arsenal making a late enquiry, with all 4 clubs interested in giving him a trial. The Arsenal interest has shocked Gates' father Derran Gates who told The News: 'I am totally gob smacked.
'They want to come and see him and take him up there to play against either Chelsea Youth or Norwich Youth. They want to see him in action.
'We'll see what club is best for Ryan. For this to happen to a 12-year-old, it's brilliant'.
That is some strike rate, as even at a youth level to score that amount of goals takes something special - and not everyone can manage this.
Gates Snr has admitted that Reading are the favourites at the moment to sign him, but you can never say never. It is quite frightening in many ways to think that so many clubs are all after a kid as young as 12-years-old though…
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Your Comments
we dont stand a chance if arsenal want to sign him as well.
pompeysno.9
With that goalscoring record can he play tomorrow? Good luck to the kid though - but not if he joins the scum!!
eastneydave
just becuase arsenal want him, it isnt nailed on they will get him - dont forget we got that keeper recently from qpr and the likes of arsenal were in for him too...
pompeyrug
It still sounds too early to tell at 12. You see kids all the time that are reported to be incredible at these young ages and never even get to a Premiership match as a player. But it'd certainly be worth taking him and seeing how he develops over the next few years. About 15 you should know if he'll really be special.
The_Legend_Of_Zola
your joking, right?
pompeycarpet
Not at all. At 12, he won't be anywhere near physically matured.
The_Legend_Of_Zola
Correct, 12 is too young to spot a future PL player. boys develop late and growth can change a young player greatly. Look at the number of late discovered players to prove that.
eastneydave
L:et's hope he stays with us. The scummers shouldn't get a sniff.
storagematt
At a young age club loyalty is a big factor. The money isn't that important and it will only be his peers who will decide on that factor. If he is a Pompey fan then if it is his decision that is where he will end up. If he is an Arsenal or Reading supporter then he will end up at whichever club he supports.
frattonaussie
Whilst that is true, most young kids support whoever is near the top... That's why it's good that it says in the article that his dad will be helping to make the decision because he wants what's best for his kid and will look out for his interests.
The_Legend_Of_Zola
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