Pompey's greatest money-spinner continues at pace

No price tags were evident – that time is still to come.

Presently, Pompey’s talented FA Youth Cup squad are focused on overhauling Newcastle following Wednesday night’s victory against Metropolitan Police.

Beyond that lies the lure of a full-time contract, the passport to life as a professional footballer.

The Blues’ youth production line has proven prolific through a succession of coaching influences.

Similarly, revenues generated by the departure of home-grown products has long been a steady income for the club.

Since the Pompey Supporters’ Trust instilled self-sufficiency upon accession to power in April 2013, the club have collected transfer fees for five players.

Academy-reared duo Jed Wallace and Adam Webster have brought in a combined £1.55m.

Completing the numbers, Sonny Bradley, Nigel Atangana and Adam Barton have attracted total windfalls of around £168,000.

The importance of a thriving youth set-up remains significant, particularly in times inhabiting the lower realms of the Football League.

For those outside the Premier League, the resale value of recruited first-team members dwindle with worrying regularity.

In contrast, Academy products represent booming profits courtesy of transfer market recognition of both talent and potential.

Certainly it’s an area the Blues thrive in, with Conor Chaplin the latest prized asset.

The striker continues to be a popular draw among scouts, not that peering through the shop window necessitates a purchase, irrespective of latest Bournemouth rumours.

Wallace tells the tale how he was watched 55 times by Wolves – the last occasion being a 2-2 draw at Carlisle United in which he netted from long range.

Barely six weeks later he was finally recruited by his long-time admirers for a fee around £800,000.

Keen to avoid joining others scrambling to meet the £275,000 release clause, Wolves were tempted to substantially increase their offer. Canny work from chief executive Mark Catlin.

Wallace, was a member of the Academy side which hammered Bristol City in the FA Youth Cup in December 2011.

Sam Magri was eventually moved onto QPR, although Ashley Harris – who netted twice that night – was released and is now at Moneyfields.

Another team-mate, Ryan Williams, was sold to Fulham the following month for £295,000.

Incidentally, the Australian winger had netted twice against Manchester United the previous season.

United’s goalscorers in their 3-2 FA Youth Cup win included Paul Pogba and Will Keane, with Jesse Lingard a sub and Tyler Blackett also present.

Last summer, Webster moved to Ipswich in a deal which brought Matt Clarke and £750,000 to Fratton Park.

He was part of Pompey’s 2012-13 FA Youth Cup campaign which ended at Bolton in December 2012.

The defender scored in a 2-1 defeat, with Rob Holding among the hosts’ scorers. Holding also moved this summer – in a £2m switch to Arsenal.

Of that Pompey side, Jack Whatmough and Ben Close remain at Fratton Park, while Nick Awford, Bradley Tarbuck and Jack Maloney made first-team appearances.

It is understood, at the current Category 3 level, it costs Pompey between £175,000-£225,000 a year to run an Academy.

A hefty amount which has prompted Crawley, Brentford and Wycombe to scrap such a set-up.