Former Portsmouth starlet nets new club after Birmingham, Wycombe and Brentford trials

The former Academy skipper trialled at Birmingham, Wycombe, Brentford and Colchester following his heartbreaking Fratton Park release in April.

However, on Friday he was unveiled by Farnborough, following a successful trial with the National League South club.

Payce, an attacking midfielder, earned a deal after impressing in several of Boro’s pre-season friendlies – and now has the opportunity to rebuild his career with Spencer Day’s side.

The 18-year-old subsequently featured off the bench for the final 17 minutes of Friday night’s 2-2 friendly draw against Dorking.

He links up with ex-Pompey winger Ricky Holmes, who rejoined Farnborough earlier this month having departed at the end of last season.

Payce, who made three Pompey first-team appearances, has signed a 12-month contract with a club which last season finished 12th and knocked League Two Sutton United out of the FA Cup.

Farnborough boss Day told the official website: ‘Adam is an exciting prospect who skippered Portsmouth last year, chipping in with numerous goals and assists.

‘I’m pleased he’s chosen us to help his development and despite his young age, has already shown numerous moments that shows he can have a great future in the game.’

Payce’s Pompey release surprised some supporters after skippering the under-18s and netting 14 goals in 31 appearances in 2022-23.

He made his first-team debut aged 17 years and 20 days in a Papa Johns Trophy encounter with Crystal Palace Under-21s in November 2021.

The midfielder went on to total three senior outings, all arriving in the same competition, most recently against Aston Villa Under-21s in October 2022.

Payce was also a regular in the Blues’ Hampshire Senior Cup campaign, representing them in March’s quarter-final defeat at Bournemouth.

However, following graduation from the Blues’ Academy, he was released along with fellow second-year scholars Jamie Howell, Gabriel Kamavuako and Elliott Simpson.

Pompey did retain Josh Dockerill, although the talented youngster sustained ACL damage to his knee in the pre-season friendly at Gosport earlier this month.

He will now miss the 2023-24 campaign in his fight for fitness following the agonising set-back after an encouraging start to pre-season.