May 31 2008

John Bostock

John Bostock insists he only left Crystal Palace for Tottenham to continue his development.

The 16-year-old wonderkid will sign for the Premier League outfit once a fee has been agreed between the two London clubs or a compensation package through a tribunal.

Despite nurturing the midfielder since the age of seven, Palace season ticket holder Bostock has no qualms about walking away from the club he supports.

He told the Daily Mail: "I don't know if Palace fans will ever be able to understand why a genuine Palace supporter left the club, but I was frustrated with the way I was playing under the style of football at the club.

"When I made my debut against Watford, I was ready to commit my future to Palace and could see myself playing a hundred games in no time, but I was stagnating. I need to be at a club where I can continue my development.

"Tottenham have always shown a lot of interest and I believe I will be pushed to improve my game. In the youth team at Palace, it is too easy. Even though most of the players are two years older than me, it is not a challenge. In my last game for the club, against Watford (youth), I scored two and it was just too easy.

"I like Tottenham's playing style, I will be training with the first team and playing for the reserves in my first season. I could have gone to big clubs, like Chelsea or Barcelona, but Spurs offers me the best career progression. That is my belief."

Bostock became Palace's youngest-ever player when manager Neil Warnock handed him his debut aged 15 against Watford last October.

Palace fans are furious with Bostock's lack of loyalty citing money as the reason for moving north of the river.

Bostock said: "I know people think I have left Palace for the money, but there is another side to this. I don't think about the money and it never played a part in my decision. People need to understand that I loved playing for Palace.

"I've had emails from supporters telling me they never want to see me at Selhurst Park again, but Palace are my team and that won't change. I've got great memories of the place and if I ever play there, I will go back with my head held high. Neil Warnock gave me my debut and I won't forget that."