So if he becomes first choice, who is the oñe in midfield to make way, Morrell, Pack or Lowery ir even Scully?
So, 13 signings made, and for a change, we own 11 of them, with only 2 on loan to us from other clubs. At least we aren't relying on 4 or 5 loan signings this season, with the usual risk of loaning clubs trying to recall them in January !!
I would have thought that either Tom Lowery or Joe Morrell would be at risk, as we surely don't need three defensive midfielders starting a match.
I think Tom Lowery's injury and Robertson's impressive mini cameo against Forest Green Rovers have answered the question. I feel sorry for Tom Lowery who I regard as very much part of Pompey's future. In the first half against Bristol Rovers i thought he played well and seemed to try to position himself to pick up 2nd balls when the ball was played long to Bishop - something that was missing last season. As you imply Pack's selection is "concreted in" but sometimes I wish he would play a little further forward. Sometimes he is almost a third centre back.
please log in to view this image Oldham Athletic have announced the signing of former Portsmouth and Sheffield United right-back Kieron Freeman. The 31-year-old defender joins Latics on a six-month deal, having played in all of England’s top four divisions.
R.I.P. Lawrence Churcher, Pompey's oldest fan aged 102..... https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1193086307?-11209:804
Pompey (along with Cambridge United) are interested in signing 20 year old, 5' 10" striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji on loan from Arsenal. He has scored goals for their youth and reserve teams, but failed to score in 11 games on loan to Accrington Stanley last season!
Pompey have finally signed Tino Anjorin from Chelsea on a season long loan!! All thanks apparently to Jon Harley who knows the player well from his Chelsea coaching days..........Signing number 14.
I have to wonder what players are told when they are signed. I am sure Chelsea have asked for some reassurance of their player getting game time although their prime motive may be to reduce their wages bill. Stevenson and Devlin were probably promised opportunities when signed. and have performed very adequately in the cup games they have played in - particularly Stevenson. However, since signing they have been pushed two steps down the pecking order by two loan signings.(Lowery's injury perhaps has allowed them to recover a step for the time being.). .Can this be considered a 'fair go?' If we get promoted perhaps the end will justify the means I suppose, and if we get a run of injuries all may get their chance. However, we have to presume that Stevenson and Devlin were signed in the belief they would potentially be adequate members of a promotion chasing league 1 team. There now seems the likelyhood of them getting few opportunities and wanting to move on at the end of the season - as will the two loan players. Are we building anything sustainable?
Pompey's match away to Northampton on Saturday 14 October has been postponed due to us having three players called up for international duty. The players are Paddy Lane (Northern Island), Regan Poole (Wales), and Terry Devlin (Northern Ireland Under 21's)
Pompey have been giving a month's trial to 22 year old 5' 10" winger Josh Martin, who is currently a free agent. He came through the academies of both Arsenal and Norwich City, and spent time on loan at Barnsley last season. With Anthony Scully out injured, and Ronan Curtis not quite ready to play again after his serious injury, is he worth a short term contract until say January?
please log in to view this image Portsmouth have signed winger Josh Martin on a two-month deal, as a Free Agent. His girlfriend lives in Warblington ! The 22-year-old has been training with the club in recent weeks, following his departure from Norwich at the end of last season. Pompey boss John Mousinho said: "He's done really well with us and we know what qualities he can bring. "Josh is an excellent player and actually had a couple of other options, but we're delighted that he's chosen to sign with us." Mousinho made the move to bolster his squad after an injury to Charlton loanee Tino Anjorin during their FA Cup first-round defeat at Chesterfield.
please log in to view this image Portsmouth goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi has agreed a deal to join Finnish side FC Lahti. The 22-year-old has only recently returned from a loan spell at Chelmsford after being recalled by the League One outfit. The young shot-stopper has made 19 appearances this season for Chelmsford in the National League South. He kept six clean sheets, and only conceded 19 goals. He was immediately made the first-choice goalkeeper at Chelmsford by manager Robbie Simpson, playing every minute of every league game for the club until mid-November when he suffered an injury and was eventually recalled. Oluwayemi is now set to leave Fratton Park on a permanent basis with a full agreement secured with the Finnish outfit and the deal is expected to be completed imminently.
Pompey being linked with interest in 27 year old Sheffield Wednesday's 5' 11" midfielder George Byers, who was on loan to us from Swansea City back in 2021. He helped Wednesday win promotion to the Championship last season. Also with Wigan Athletic's 25 year old striker 5'11" tall Callum Lang. Derby County are also apparently interested in signing the player. Finally, Pompey are one of six EFL clubs named as interested in signing 25 year old Cliftonville striker Ronan Hale who has scored 8 goals in 12 games this season.
please log in to view this image Pompey are extending winger Josh Martin's contract until the end of the season. Also, sad news that Man. City loanee Alex Robertson' hamstring injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season, and he has returned to his own club for treatment.
please log in to view this image Pompey have resigned 6' 7" keeper Matt Macey, who is a free agent since leaving Luton Town last September. He was on loan to us for the latter half of last season, and in 21 games, he kept 10 clean sheets and only conceded 15 goals. He has signed a one year contract. Still only 29 years of age, he will compete with Will Norris for the first team. Hopefully, we can then loan out reserve keeper Ryan Schofield who doesn't inspire confidence the few times he has played for us in the cup matches ! Third choice keeper 19 year old Toby Steward is a brilliant prospect who has been performing really well as first choice this season for Gosport Borough.
