Portsmouth legend Awford mixed emotions over Williams Fulham move

Portsmouth legend Andy Awford is disappointed seeing Aussie teen Ryan Williams sold to Fulham.

The winger made the move to Craven Cottage on deadline day.

Pompey academy coach Awford told The News: "He went up with the first team but it was almost half a job done because we didn’t see the finished player.

"I understand that it was a great opportunity for him to move to a well established and well run Premier League club and he couldn’t turn that move down.

"So I’m delighted for Ryan. It’s a great opportunity for him. But from the club’s point of view, I’m disappointed we didn’t get the chance to keep hold of him and bring him through a bit more.

"I know it’s a case of 'needs must' sometimes – especially with the club in the situation it is.

"I don’t know the ins and outs of the deal.

"But he hadn’t made a first-team start for us and ideally you would have liked to see a player become a first-team regular and do well for a couple of seasons here before he goes on to get a move."