Former Spurs midfielder John Bostock received death threats when he was 15

John Bostock

Former Crystal Palace youngster John Bostock has revealed that he received death threats from fans of the south London club when he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, report the Croydon Advertiser.

At 16 years of age, the midfielder was one of England’s most coveted young talents and made the £700,000 move to Spurs after a Football League tribunal had set the fee.

However, Simon Jordan, the Eagles chairman, branded the paltry sum “scandalous” and the move opened a debate on whether it was fair bigger clubs could scoop such a prestigious talent for such a small figure.

Bostock went on to spend five unsuccessful seasons at White Hart Lane and admits the well publicised transfer was difficult to cope with.

“It’s been tough. [I had] death threats when I was 15, 16 moving from Palace to Tottenham.

“There’s been a lot of ups and down but just having a strong family base has really kept me strong.

“I’m married and my wife’s been a strength and a rock to me. Regardless of what people think or what they believe, I realise I have a certain amount of ability and potential,” he said.

Despite a certain number of fans directing anger and criticism in his direction following the move the Camberwell born 22-year-old insists he still follows Palace, who face Chelsea tomorrow, despite leaving them in acrimonious circumstances.

“Palace is the club I love. I was a season ticket holder there since I was five and I didn’t really leave on great terms which is something I regret.

“To make my debut for them was a dream come true, probably the highlight of my career.

“Every week I look at their results. Since Tony Pulis has come he has turned the club around and I’m really buzzing for them – I hope they can stay in the Premier League,” he admitted.

Currently plying his trade with Belgian division two side Royal Antwerp Bostock also claims his dream of making it in England’s top tier is still very much alive.

“It’s every young player’s dream to play in the Premier League.

“For me that dream hasn’t changed. One thing I’ve learnt is that talent is not enough.

“It takes way more than that to be a player in the game. I’ve got a lot of work to do to really achieve success in the game,” he declared.