Ben Close has signed several new deals and contract extensions, several of these in the past year or two alone – on Sunday he was handed another.
A two year extension to his existing deal will now see Close remain with Pompey until the summer of 2020.
The academy graduate has been very much a first team regular under Kenny Jackett with 20 of his 47 appearances for the Blues coming this season alone, which also brought his first goal when he scored in November’s win at Blackpool.
Close, 21, told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘It’s a great feeling to commit myself to this club and I’m grateful to have had the chance to play more games this season. The gaffer’s put his faith in me and I’m just trying to play as well as I can. Thankfully, I’ve had a good run in the team and that’s earned me a new contract.’
Since making his first team debut in September 2014 against Yeovil in the EFL Trophy – or whatever it was called then – Close has found himself in and out of the side, in fairness a number of injuries have troubled him, but all being well, despite some issues this term, these are behind him?
I do think Close has a decent future in the game and I like him – especially as he’s come through our own system – but I still feel he’s a little lightweight. However, there’s no reason why he cannot work on his physicality.
The more regularly he plays, knowing he is indeed a regular, finding further increased belief in his own ability, the better he’ll become – the best years are certainly ahead for Close and to secure him is a good thing.
PLAY UP POMPEY
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2017-18 Prediction League – December
Shrewsbury (a) Saturday 23rd December 2017 – click here.
Wimbledon (h) Tuesday 26th December 2017 – click here.
Northampton (h) Saturday 30th December 2017 – click here.
