We have a triallist goalie - Brian Murphy - ex QPR, to possibly replace Poke. He played this evening in the 2-0 win at Woking.
27 year old triallist winger Gareth Evans has signed on a free from Fleetwood. Still in need of a right back though.
So its farewell Paul Robinson, who has left Pompey by "mutual consent". Robbo says he is gutted at his departure - so will most of the Pompey fans.
Robbo playing as a triallist in a pre-season friendly for AFC Wimbledon today. He has just scored against Cheltenham
Was surprised by his departure - one of the few last season who really did do a job. Can only wish him well and hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the behind.
Very sorry that Robinson has left. From reports he was something of a rock in defence last year and was touted to be captain this year by some. Although by 'mutual consent' I notice he was very sorry to leave. Looking at the starting line-up for the Gillingham game (supposedly close to the expected line-up for the opening league game) the only names I recognise from last season are Jones, Atangana & Tubbs. Webster , Close, and Hollands were on the subs bench. Given the extent of the 'clean-out' Atangana and Hollands are not two I would have expected to survive. I get the impression that Cook has discharged everyone he has been contractually able to. Perhaps nothing has been learnt from the last two disappointing seasons, but if there was anything in those seasons to build on those who learnt the lessons have gone. I feel a little like I did at the start of our first season in league 2, - commencing with an unknown side. Hopefully the difference is that this team has not been recruited at the last minute. A great deal of faith has been placed into Mr Cook.
Hi pompeydownunder . A lot of fans will be very sorry to see him go. He was indeed a rock in defence last season, infact at the end of the season he and Adam Webster formed a useful looking partnership, which although it was 'work in progress', looked extremely promising for the future. Apparently, Paul Cook is looking for an experienced centre back to replace him . Personally, I can't wait for Jack Whatmough to return from his injury later this year, as he is the future to my mind. We have just signed an 18 year old centre half - Matt Wright - on loan from Ipswich Town, until January 2016. Time will tell !! Looking forward to start of the new season next Saturday.
There seems to be a bit of talk around Home Park that Pompey are to put a bid in for our Rueben Reid. He has been our top scorer over last 2 seasons and played half of last season with injury so being top was quite a decent effort. Now the vast majority would not like to see him go as a 20 goal a season striker is not easy to come by for the sort of money we have knocking about. Question is are there rumours at your end as well or is this another fans fantasy with no legs?
Haven't heard that rumour yet, sensiblegreeny. We did try to sign Reuben Reid from Yeovil, before Plymouth got him. Apparently we are looking to sign one more striker before the transfer window closes - he will do nicely
I never liked you lot......worse than that bunch down the road from you. You don't want him he's a donkey. Honest he is, would I lie to you?
There is definitely a strong rumour going around and the Assistant Manager managed to answer the question tonight on the football hour without actually answering the question - all we can take from that is he didn't scotch the rumour, so it definitely has legs. Paul Cook likes to play a lone striker up front and I don't think it's Tubbsy's best position. We are definitely looking for another striker, that's been confirmed by Cook. So it could well be Rueben Reid who they're after.
Oh dear, not the sort of news I wanted to hear. Reid has not been the greatest of goal getters in his career but has sort of blossomed over the last couple of seasons. He isn't the best lone striker either but has played that for us at times. Now if honest I would take Tubbs overs Reid because he has been far more consistent than Reid for quite some time. Maybe if you offered a million or so and Tubbs in part exchange it might be easier to sell to us. Give it some thought and get back to me....
It's been more or less confirmed that Robinson left because he wasn't guaranteed a starting place every match. Also that Paul Cook tried to persuade him to stay but there was an offer on the table from last year and he decided to go because they would guarantee him a starting place. I went to the Gillingham friendly and was quite pleased with what I saw. Finishing was pretty dire, for both teams 0-0 was about right, but the players are nothing like last year. The defence was good, held their shape well and had plenty of pace. All the players though seemed to be very aware of where their team mates were, and the ball went to the right shirt and wasn't given needlessly away. Second half was pretty scrappy but there was enough on show to be optimistic for the season. I can't see us starting off too well winning the first few games, but once they get into their stride I think we will end up right towards the top of the league.
I can't actually see him px-ing Tubbs, he was the winner of the golden boot last season - would be a reckless move in anyones book. I think Cook is looking for an as well rather than an instead of. Sorry
Darn.....you have too much money obviously. Our owner will bite your hand off for a pound. Ex City Banker says it all. I'll just have to revert to "Reids a donkey" if my other ploy hasn't worked.
Not sure the Pompey fans will fall for that one - they've been nagging about RR since before last season.
We have signed utility player Ben Davies who has been playing at right back pre season, on a 12 month deal. Cookie also hoping to sign triallist keeper Brian Murphy before the weekend.
