FLYING winger Archie Woolford has a “high ceiling” in his development curve, according to Portland United boss Kyle Critchell.

Woolford, a former AFC Bournemouth Academy prospect, broke into the Blues’ first team last season and scored three times in 14 appearances.

He also netted six goals in 13 games for the Blues’ reserves but Critchell is wary of a player who sometimes has distanced himself from the game.

He has started pre-season in blistering form, registering a hat-trick in the 4-3 loss to Poole, who ply their trade two divisions above Portland.

It comes after Woolford committed to the islanders for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign, becoming their 19th recruit of the summer.

Highlighting his latest signing, Critchell told Echosport: “One that I believe has a high ceiling.

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“Archie has at times fallen out of love with football, so we’ve come up with a plan this season that will suit his needs.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to try and push him further than what he did last season.

“But, it’s a relationship that works both ways. I hope he’s able to stay in love with the game and stay as confident and as happy as he is now.

“If he does that, I’m excited to see what he can do this season.”

Asked why Woolford has fallen out of love with the game on occasions, Critchell responded: “I think it was just when he was younger.

“For whatever reason when he was in the Bournemouth Academy he didn’t get the fulfilment and enjoyment out of football. It was probably a little too serious.

“I need to make sure that the environment is both ways and happy for everyone to come into.

“Whilst we’re all ultra competitive and want to win, we have to understand that at this level players do participate for many different reasons.

“It’s about my leadership skills, I need everyone to get fulfilment out of what they do at Portland United.

“We’ve got a really good group of young players and people that enjoy themselves while wanting to better themselves.”

Portland get their competitive season under way with an FA Cup preliminary round clash at home to Hamworthy Recreation on Saturday, August 3 before hosting Sherborne Town in their opening league match three days later.