Isn't it the same thing happens to many young players? They sign for a higher league side at a young age and end up warming the bench, if they even make the match day squad, and end up getting very little playing time, if any, causing their development to stall until they are eventually released. Bit like another young highly rated player I remember, a certain Ryan Williams. Perhaps the fortunes of Magri and Williams served a warning for a (sensible) Jed Wallace, and indeed should serve as a warning for all decent young players.
So, lets just have a quick summary of the squad Awford has so far for next season: Goalkeeper Paul Jones Defence Joe Devera Ben Chorley Danny East Nicky Shorey Adam Webster Jack Whatmough Dan Butler Midfield Andy Barcham Romain Padovani Ricky Holmes Johnny Ertl Wes Fogden Danny Hollands Jed Wallace Forwards Ryan Taylor Ryan Bird Craig Westcarr David Connolly Tom Craddock Patrick Agyemang We seem to have too many forwards and I wouldn't be surprised to loose Craddock at least, we seem pretty strong in midfield and if we get Atangana I doubt we'd need any more there, but the loss of Bradley and N'Gala have left us a bit weak in depth in defence and we obviously need another goalkeeper since we cant rely on the youth team for back up - it wouldn't be fair on any of them to say the least. That's it for this summary. Give it a month or so and I'll do another one.
Good work MAJR - I think we need a squad of approx 24-25 players to keep things fresh - so space for another 3 maybe.
The News is reporting that we'll complete the signing of Atangana today. This depended upon the League Cheifs and the PFA granting permission for the transfer sanctions to be lifted, which aparently they agree to yesterday - at least in this case: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/pompey-to-complete-midfielder-signing-1-6128988
Confirmation of the singing of Atangana on a two year deal: http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/article/pompey-sign-atangana-1640811.aspx
Really pleased with this signing - exactly the type of player we need in midfield and also that we are looking beyond the obvious in our search to finalise the squad. Additionally that we have been given sanction to do so - it means the troubled transfer past is really behind us at last.
I noticed a comment in the News today that the only monies left to pay now are the former footballers - which means that all the other creditors have been paid according to the terms of the CVA - and that the amounts still outstanding have been significantly reduced. That's what fan ownership does for you........... manages the business side effectively.
fantastic signing.......and if you check out the pic on the PFC web site, you can see some sneaky artists impressions of the "NEW LOOK" fratton park in the background
If Awfs has seen Nigel play for the Hawks, and was impressed with him, than that is good enough for me We appear to have a good midfield squad to choose from, next season.
The News is running a story hyping Atangana, using an interview with someone who has been associated with Havant and Waterlooville for 30+ years: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/best-ever-atangana-backed-to-be-pompey-hit-1-6131762
Romain Padovani has left - mutual consent. Shame actually, he showed glimpses of promise. I was hoping he would improve under AA.
Agree with your comments, 3rd eye. Sadly inconsistent though. Wish him well, perhaps Lee Bradbury could sign him for The Hawks - he would do a good job for them.
I also read that he's gone back to Nice and signed with a 3rd tier club there - Fréjus Saint-Raphaël - had to copy and paste that, would never have remembered it.
Maybe he had some problem with the culture shock and wanted to go back to France. This website http://www.boursorama.com/actualite...--r-padovani-3232b71580ffc0614c6e1a6b2e6094b2 says he's signed a two year deal with them. I particularly like Google translate's...traslation of this websites version of the story http://www.foot-national.com/foot-f...s-recrues-en-quete-de-revanche-off-59065.html because it says "The three players will be keen to take revenge on France after going abroad"
News today is that we are going to sign Swindon forward Miles Storey on a season long loan http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/11296753._/ this only leads me to expect an annoucement that we've released a striker or two in the near future In other news Trevor Carson is going to join Cheltenham Town http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.u...n-Cheltenham/story-21282467-detail/story.html so let's bring back Jamie Ashdown!
Well MAJR - no Jamie Ashdown return to FP, as Awfs has signed 28 year old keeper Michael Poke from Torquay on a free. Ex-Saints youngster I believe, otherwise, I don't know anything about him. More interestingly, we have signed 24 year old midfielder James Dunne for a five figure fee from Stevenage Borough. Apparently highly rated, ex-Arsenal apprentice, who spent second half of last season on loan to St Johnstone. Stevenage had to sell him, as they would have had to pay an additional £30,000 to former club Exeter City if he made one more appearance for the club. We certainly have a strong midfield squad for the coming season.
See we have quietly signed Mike Harris to be our Head of Youth - saw his Salisbury team play on BT Sport a couple of times - they played good football....another very astute bit of business by Awfs and the board. Feeling good about it all - but trying to stay the right side of calm and realistic.
Crystal Palace's young defender Alex Wynter looks set to join League Two Portsmouth on loan, according to Sky Sports. The 20-year-old had made two first team appearances for the Eagles, although they were both in cup fixtures. He has spent much of his time on loan at clubs such as Colchester United, where he made six appearances at the tail end of last season and scored his first professional goal in a 4-1 win over Brentford. The U’s were apparently interested in brokering another temporary deal for the youngster but he seems to have opted for life on the South Coast.
Just seen his picture on the BBC website and this guy seems to be brimming with coolness and intelligence!! Hope he does well for you!!!
