Bromley sell Reeco Hackett-Fairchild to Portsmouth for a club record fee

BROMLEY have sold attacker Reeco Hackett-Fairchild to League One side Portsmouth for an undisclosed club record transfer fee.

The fee from Portsmouth triggered an automatic release clause included in the 21-year-old’s contract following his signing from Charlton Athletic in July 2019.

A club statement said: “Despite losing a prized asset, the club are extremely proud to add Reeco to the number of players who have represented the club with such professionalism, developing under the guidance of the club and Neil Smith.

“Whether it be players on loan, or our own, Reeco joins a number of players such as Louis Dennis (Portsmouth), Luke Woolfenden (Ipswich Town), Brandon Hanlan (Gillingham), Rarmani Edmonds-Green (Huddersfield Town) and Alfie Doughty (Charlton Athletic), who have all gone on to play in the Football League following spells with the Ravens.

“This further enhances the reputation of the club in the professional footballing world, which is something we take great pride in.

“The club and first team management are fully aware that this leaves a hole in the squad, but as always, the board of directors will support Neil in his efforts to bolster the squad and remain on track for achieving the aims set out at the start of the season.”

Manager Neil Smith was keen to thank Hackett-Fairchild for his efforts while at Hayes Lane, with the attacker netting eight goals in 25 games for the club this season.

“I’d like to sincerely thank Reeco. When he came in on loan from Charlton last year, he really helped the cause during a difficult time. Signing him permanently in the summer was a major coup, as I know plenty of other club's were after him then too.

“He started the season like a house on fire and gave us the start we really needed as a team. He’s done so well that he’s attracted the attention of Portsmouth, and for him to sign for them is a massive achievement for not only him, but the club too.

“It shows we’re doing something right. We’ve done it before this too, even with loan players who’ve come in from Championship club’s and then gone back and straight into their first teams.

“We’re disappointed to lose him but also very pleased for the young man.”

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett has given his new signing the number 18 shirt and a two-and-a-half-year contract at Fratton Park.

“He’s a left-footed player, who’s comfortable in any of the attacking positions," Jackett told www.portsmouthfc.co.uk.

“He’s got a lot of ball-playing ability, as well as an eye for goal, so we’re delighted to bring him here to work alongside the rest of our forward line.

“Am I expecting him to come straight into the first team? Probably not. But his job is to push the other guys in order to earn a place in the side – he’s certainly capable of doing that.”

Bromley sit in fourth-place in the Vanarama National League table with 50 points from their 30 games and welcome League One side Gillingham to Hayes Lane on Tuesday night (19:45) in the second round of the Kent Senior Cup.

Admission prices have been reduced to £5 (adults) and £1 (under 16s).

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