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Simmons out to impress Bromley

<C6>Devonshire Cougars<C6> players Lejuan Simmons (left) takes part in a pre-season training drill with Shaki Pearman at Elbow Beach

English non-league side Bromley FC are running the rule over Devonshire Cougars winger Lejuan Simmons with a view to him joining their academy team.He has been recommended to the club by ex-Bermuda Football Association (BFA) technical director Derek Broadley, who believes Simmons has the potential to make his mark in the UK.The 17-year-old will spend this week training alongside former Boulevard wide man Quadir Maynard who joined the Conference South side’s academy programme at the start of the season.Murray Jones, Bromley’s academy coach, said Simmons had shown early signs of promise and will be monitoring the youngster’s progress throughout the week.“It’s an opportunity for him and it will give us a chances to see what sort of character he is and more importantly what he’s like as a footballer,” said Jones, who spent several years working alongside Broadley at Crystal Palace’s youth academy.“I’ve spoken to Derek (Broadley) and he’s given me a good idea about Lejuan, but I always like to meet players before I make a decision on them. We’re looking at what options are available to him if he does wish to stay in the UK. If he does come it has to be the right one for all parties concerned.“I probably haven’t seen enough of him yet but he has shown some potential. He’s very similar to Quadir and I’m sure he’d improve in a full-time programme.”Should Simmons complete a move to Bromley, he would have to take his BTEC qualifications at Kelsey Park Sports College, where his Bermuda Under-20 team-mate Maynard is currently studying.Although Maynard has forced his way in Bromley’s reserve team, scoring on his debut, he hasn’t made as big an impact as Jones had anticipated.“Quadir’s doing okay. He’s played some reserve games but probably hasn’t done as well as I’d thought he would have if I’m being honest,” Jones said.“He’s making some in-roads and he’s definitely improved since he first came here. I’m looking for him to kick on a little bit further than he has done and maybe next season will be his year.”Broadley also recommended Boulevard winger Angelo Simmons to Bromley but yesterday Jones said they would not be pursuing any interest.“I’ve had a conversation with Derek about Angelo Simmons but we haven’t taken it any further,” he said.