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DYNAMIC DEFENSIVE PAIR SIGN ON
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Havant and Waterlooville have confirmed their first two summer signings with former Portsmouth left back Dan Butler arriving on a free transfer and central defender Jake Cooper making a £20k switch from newly promoted Premier League side Reading.
After the partings of Daniel Pappoe, Joe Oastler, Dan Strugnell and Rob Atkinson around a week ago, The Hawks were down to just three senior defenders, on the books. Quite clearly reinforcements were imperative, and although there is more business to be done, the additions already look like impressive ones.
At the age of twenty-two and twenty-three, respectively, the duo still have the capacity to develop and nurture the ability they possess even at this moment in time. The strategy of drafting in young, English talent, some who may have failed elsewhere and are looking for a second opportunity, is a strategy which has been kicked into life by Lee Bradbury and his set of backroom staff.
You would only have to go back as far as January of last season to provide evidence of this particular policy, John Swift released by Chelsea and Jack Barmby released by Manchester United, handed chances with Havant. They repaid the faith though, with some eye catching displays going some way to helping the club secure promotion to League One.
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Bournemouth have used the same transfer strategy in the past and continue to do so, although they were relegated from the Premier League last season in their first ever campaign in the top flight, they have been reaping the benefits from this policy.
The first summer signing Dan Butler came through the ranks at South Coast neighbors Portsmouth and made the breakthrough into the first team in 2012, going on to make 121 appearances for the club. He had been at the club since a boy, also enjoying loan spells with Aldershot and even his new club Havant & W. Much was expected and hoped for his future, Chelsea and Manchester City among some of the clubs to have taken an interest in his talents at different stages of his career.
But in more recent times Butler had been dislodged from his first team spot by Andrew Taylor, and was let go following the end of his contract, paving the way for his permanent move to West Leigh Park. The 23 year old is recognised as a very attacking minded full back, with his fitness particularly important in his ability to bomb up and down the line.
Fellow recruit Jake Cooper was likewise regarded highly by his previous club, Reading. The 6’4” centre half received call-ups to the England under-18s squad at one point but only ever made one appearance for The Royals’ first team – periods on loan at Southend, Colchester and Swindon Town providing him with his Football League experience.
Nevertheless some people still expected him to force his way into plans at the Madejski Stadium, but with the club’s promotion to the top flight, manager David Moyes deemed Cooper as surplus to requirements and a transfer worth £20k was arranged with Havant. Powerful in the air but assured with the ball at his feet, Cooper should fit right in with his new club and will look to establish himself as key player in the heart of The Hawks backline.
This is only the beginning of Havant’s activity when it comes to bringing in players, during the transfer window. The boss Bradbury is also rumoured to be interested a winger, another defender or two and a central midfielder. While the release of former fan favourite Adebayo Akinfenwa means that a new striker is almost a certainty, with the big hole brought about by him leaving, yet to be filled.
Last Update: Akinfenwa heads list of departures
Next Update: Havant snap up Smith
