Gordon Bartlett has tipped Tom Pett to have a successful career in the professional game following his departure this week from Wealdstone to League Two Stevenage.
Stones’ midfield wizard signed a one-year deal with Boro’ for an undisclosed fee following a medical on Friday, with Bartlett’s side set to benefit from add-ons written into the deal should Pett be successful at Broadhall Way.
We revealed last month that Stevenage were leading the chase for Pett and the 22-year-old joins a growing line of players including Jermaine Beckford, Carl Martin - who has just returned, Marvin McCoy, Kieron Forbes, Alan Massey and Alex Dyer to move from Grosvenor Vale into the pro ranks.
Bartlett claimed he knew this day would come from the moment he signed Pett from Potters Bar two-and-a half years ago and he has no doubt he will succeed in full-time football like those who have gone before.
He said: “I can honestly say I always knew he would go on to play full-time football and I know he can make it in the professional game.
“With full-time training he will become bigger and stronger and it will develop him mentally as well.
“I’m delighted for Tom that he has got his dream of a professional contract as he is a diamond of a lad and has deserved it with the progress he has made over the last three years.
“It has not just been about his ability but his application and desire. He has been a great character to have in the changing room. You would always see him after games getting in with the kids for photos and videos or taking time to talk with the fans and that tells you a lot about the sort of character he is.”
When discussing his possible departure at the end of last season Pett admitted his first game in Stones colours at Lowestoft in 2012 had been something of a culture shock.
Bartlett too admits the potential in his rough diamond did not really surface until he excelled in the 2013-14 promotion push.
He recalled a conversation with his young charge about missing chances which sparked the scoring surge that brought 18 goals in the campaign.
“In his first full season Tom gave himself goal-scoring opportunities, but he did not take them," said Bartlett.
“I remember talking to him and saying to look at Scott McGleish’s reaction when he misses chances. Scott is always disappointed when he doesn’t score where Tom would just accept these things.
“All that changed in the season just gone. He has always had the capacity to get 20 goals a season and just that self-belief he was going to score has made all the difference.”
Bartlett is under no illusions the loss of Pett coupled with the departure of Glen Little earlier this summer leaves Stones much work ahead if they are to fill the void.
However, being able to send another player off the production line into league football will believes do them no harm when it comes to attracting other rough diamonds to the Vale.
He added: “I’m disappointed to lose a player of his quality and they are massive shoes to fill, but my philosophy has always been we want to see young players progress.
“It sends a massage out we are building a reputation where if young players have the chance they want to come and play for Wealdstone because we can help them realise their dreams of professional football.
“Over the last few years there have been people like Marvin (McKoy), Kieron (Forbes), Alan (Massey), Alex (Dyer) and now Tom. There seems to be one a season at the moment.”
