Charley Kendall has seen a bold move pay off – as he agrees a new pro deal with Lincoln City.
The 21-year-old from Eastbourne has signed a contract with the League One outfit.
He will remain with his current club Eastbourne Borough on loan for the rest of the season.
Kendall took the brave step of cancelling his contract at QPR, where he was playing in the under-23s.
He instead opted for first team football at local club Borough, where he had already been on loan.
A tally of 11 goals so far this term has caught EFL attention.
Borough boss Danny Bloor believes that decision has been rewarded.
Bloor said: “He signed a new deal at QPR and went back to them.
“But during the summer he realised he wanted to take a different pathway.
“He didn’t see the 23s system at QPR as for him.
“He came back to us because he wanted to back himself.
“There has been interest but Lincoln City have made an offer and we have accepted it.
“He will be training with Lincoln and still playing for us.”
Bloor believes Kendall has shown the way for others who might feel they are stuck in the under-23s system.
He said: “There are a lot of boys sitting in the 23s knowing it is highly unlikely they are going to play in the first team.
“Charley has thought he going to actually go and play a good standard of football.
“He has scored goals. He scored a hat-trick against Slough.
“He has bow got his just rewards.”
Borough sold goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli to MK Dons last season and have seen Freddie Carter go to Gillingham as scholar.
Bloor said: “Young boys take different pathways and I think this is massive for my coaching team and everyone at Eastbourne Borough.
“I’ve managed a long time now and Charley is the most driven, focused young player I’ve ever come across.
“Last Saturday, coming back from Bath on the coach, the boys were all watching Netflix and Charley was watching the Premiership’s greatest goals.
“He is driven. His desire is incredible.
“He is totally focused on what he wants to achieve and fair play to him.”
Kendall is available for Borough tomorrow as they host Hemel Hempstead in Vanarama National League south.
SATURDAY (3pm unless stated)
Pitching In Isthmian premier: Corinthian-Casuals v Worthing, Hornchurch v Lewes, Horsham v Bowers and Pitsea, Wingate and Finchley v Bognor.
Isthmian south east: Ashford v Hastings, Burgess Hill v Whitehawk, Chichester v Haywards Heath, East Grinstead v Sevenoaks, Lancing v Three Bridges.
SCFL premier: AFC Uckfield v Pagham, Eastbourne Town v Lingfield, Hassocks v Bexhill, Horsham YMCA v Varndeanians, Little Common v Broadbridge Heath, Littlehampton Town v Saltdean, Loxwood v Eastbourne United, Newhaven v Alfold, Peacehaven v East Preston, Steyning v Crawley Down Gatwick.
SCFL division one: Billingshurst v Midhurst, Dorking Wanderer Res v Worthing Utd, Forest Row v Storrington, Mike Oak v Arundel, Roffey v Oakwood, Selsey v Seaford, Shoreham v Epsom, Wick v Hailsham.
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