Now Here's An Idea

Now if Richard Duffy does end up at Portsmouth (as seems more likely at this moment) then he will be according to yesterday's Mail On Sunday be joined by the winner of a 'Football Idol' kind of competition.

The Mail On Sunday reported Portsmouth to be part of the ultimate football fantasy by handing a Premiership contract to a complete unknown.

Thousands of amateur park players from around the country will compete to impress Pompey boss Harry Redknapp with the winner getting a 50,000 a year deal to play at Fratton Park

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie confirmed last night. 'This is the chance for any player who thinks they are good enough to turn professional at a very high level.

'We will guarantee them a one-year's contract - then it's up to them to see if they can make a career out of it'

The project - called Search for a Star - is the brainchild of former West Ham and England defender Alvin Martin.

He is organising regional five-a-side heats throughout the country with the winning teams going through to a national final to be televised by Sky Sports. Redknapp, beset by injuries and suspensions this season, said. 'It's very exciting. I will be keeping a close eye on it and hopefully pick the right player'.

So it seems that Duffy who has worked hard for his chance could be joined very soon buy someone who has impressed through a talent like competition to play in the same team. Possibly not dis-similar to the open day trials that Nick Cusack used in his summer in charge (athough you hope for Portsmouth's sake that the end results are more impressive!)

So what has this got to do with the Swans other than just a passing interest. Well, an interesting one and just a suggestion for Swansea to try and jump on this somehow. There could possibly be players coming through this competition who may not be up to standard for a Premiership / First Division club but could be beneficial to ourselves. Maybe there is the possibility that something could be written into the Duffy deal assuming of course that it does come off?

It is of course only an idea but could it be worth exploring?

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