Here are two interesting articles I found whilst browsing the web today: http://pompeypages.com/2012/05/16/mattock-released-from-baggies-sign-him-up-appy/ http://pompeypages.com/2012/05/16/hughes-id-only-return-in-the-blue-of-portsmouth/ I think the first one is certainly more interesting than the second one. From what was reported during January, Mattock wanted to come back to Pompey, and even sent Appleton an apologetic text after his loan move was blocked by the powers that be at West Brom. I would certainly love to see Appleton sign this promising young left back. His age and talent both fit in with Appleton's view of our future, and if we could negotiate wages that we could afford with him, maybe the link between the manager and player may be enough to secure his services next season - what a fantastic free transfer that would be! As for Hughes, I cannot see it ever happening. Although League 1 is probably a level which would suit him best, I don't think we would be able to come to an agreement with him in terms of wages. His heart is obviously still with Pompey; he has even pledged to the supporters trust recently, but... Who knows, stranger things have happened. If the incredibly unlikely happened and we managed to sign these two (plus a couple of players linked recently), I think we would start to have the foundations of a very strong squad: -------------Ashdown---------------- ?--------Rocha----Magri----Mattock --------------Hughes--------------- Etuhu-------------------------Harris ---------------Futacs---------------- ---------Maguire---McLeod---------
