Former Brisbane Roar teenager Thomas Waddingham already off the mark for his new club in England
It wasn’t the result he wanted, but teenage Australian striker Thomas Waddingham hasn’t wasted any time in finding the back of the net for his new English Championship club.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former A-League prodigy Thomas Waddingham has made an immediate impression in the English Championship, scoring on debut for Portsmouth.
The 19-year-old ex-Brisbane Roar striker’s stoppage-time goal on Sunday morning (AEDT) at The Hawthorns after coming on as a second-half substitute was the only highlight for a Portsmouth side that was thrashed 5-1 by hosts West Bromwich Albion.
“It’s obviously not the result we wanted, but to come on and score my first goal is a pretty surreal moment,” Waddingham told his new club’s website.
“That was a very proud moment for my family and a dream for me. I thought I had nothing to lose because of the score and just wanted to work as hard as possible.”
“To come on and score my first goal it's pretty surreal, a very proud moment for me and my family, just a dreamâ€
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 25, 2025
Thomas Waddingham with a goal on debut for Portsmouth. You love to see it 🤩
🎥 EFL pic.twitter.com/hiDfjKhcZP
Waddingham’s $395,000 move to Portsmouth was confirmed last week.
“The week has flown by pretty quickly. I signed, had a couple of training sessions and was then thrown straight into it.” he said.
“England was always the dream for me, so I’m happy to be here and want to keep on moving forward.
“I haven’t had a moment to stop and look around yet, so I’m looking forward to getting properly settled in.”
While disappointed with team’s performance, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho was happy for Waddingham.
“I’m really pleased for him,” Mousinho said of the Australian under-20 international.
“For him to come on and make an impact so quickly, he’ll be absolutely thrilled with it.
“It’s an important thing for Tom to get a taste of the level. He came on and he probably could have had a couple, but he took his goal well.”
Portsmouth – whose squad already includes former Central Coast Mariners left-back Jacob Farrell and injured Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi – is set to soon confirm the signing of defender Hayden Matthews from Sydney FC.
Originally published as Former Brisbane Roar teenager Thomas Waddingham already off the mark for his new club in England
‘Pathetic’: Postecoglou incident says it all
Ange Postecoglou has been forced to address his future after the Tottenham manager sunk to a new low with an ugly incident caught on camera.
The Tackle: Why it’s crunch time for Sydney FC
Sydney FC has hit a crossroads in its season and it’s not about to get any easier while Melbourne Victory coach Arthur Diles must be applauded for his decision making. Robbie Slater and Marco Monteverde break it down.
Auckland goes top of the A-League in last minute thriller
Auckland FC has climbed to the top of the A-League table with a stunning 95th minute winner against the Western Sydney Wanderers in a game full of opportunities.
Mary Fowler act stuns after Matildas drama
Mary Fowler is back in action for Manchester City and she’s produced more fireworks after her Matildas teammate left the club this week.
Arsenal ‘fuming’ after overcoming red, Liverpool one step closer
Despite a nervy win, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious after a controversial refereeing call. Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester City both registered big wins.
Socceroo set to remain in Europe
A Socceroos defender is expected to continue his career in Europe rather than join an A-League club, while a second forward could be leaving Macarthur FC to play abroad.