Bostock makes his excuses and leaves

Last updated : 31 May 2008 By Nik Taylor
John Bostock says he was forced to leave Palace for Tottenham because the style of play did not suit him.

The precocious 16-year-old is set to sign for the White Hart Lane club once the two sides can agree on a fee.

Having made his first-team breakthrough midway through last season at the age of just 15, Palace fans had expected to see Bostock gradually move into a regular role for the Eagles.

However Bostock, a Palace fan, has decided he must move across London to continue his development as a player.

"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," Bostock told the Daily Mail.

"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.

"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."