please log in to view this image Pompey are running the rule over Jonathan Douglas in their bid to strengthen midfield options. The former Ipswich Town and Brentford player last night turned out for the Blues’ reserves in their Premier League Cup clash with Leicester City. Partnering Theo Widdrington in Pompey’s engine room, the 36-year-old’s display was watched by boss Kenny Jackett and assistant Joe Gallen from the Nyewood Lane stands. Douglas, who departed Portman Road in the summer, played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with the Premier League club. Academy boss Mark Kelly, who took charge of Pompey’s side, was impressed by the veteran’s showing. He said: ‘Duggy did well in there with Theo. ‘It’s a bit hard when you walk through the door and he’s playing with a few youngsters but I thought he did really well. ‘He has been in and around the training ground doing a little bit. ‘He has been training with us during the week and was obviously available for the game. The rest is down to Ken (Jackett).’ The combative midfielder made 62 appearances and scored three goals during a two-year stay with Championship Ipswich. His previous clubs include Leeds, Swindon and Brentford, while he has appeared eight times for the Republic of Ireland.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury and has had his loan deal with Portsmouth terminated. The 29-year-old had joined Portsmouth on loan for the rest of the season on deadline day, but limped off on his debut in the 2-2 draw against Doncaster last Saturday. At first it was through that he would be out for two months but after the Forest medical team have made their assessment, the injury is worse than they anticipated. Talking in the Nottingham Post, the Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett said: “He is very unlucky because his availability has been very good this season. “He has played in under-23 games, games we have seen and, obviously, John Keeley (goalkeeping coach) has kept a close eye on him since he left last time. “Unfortunately for him, it just shows you perhaps stepping up into first-team football is slightly different. “The estimation from our medical people and Forest is he will do well to play again this season.” Jackett confirmed that Portsmouth might look at signing him again in the summer, with Henderson unlikely to play for Forest again after plunging down the pecking order at the City Ground. The former West Ham keeper has only made 16 appearances for Nottingham Forest after joining on a free transfer from Charlton in the summer of 2016.
Pompey have ruled out a switch for Jonathan Douglas - but remain in the free-agent market. The veteran midfielder was handed a chance to impress in Tuesday night's 1-1 reserve draw with Leicester under-23s. However, following 90 minutes in the Nyewood Lane encounter, the Blues have decided against following it up. The 36-year-old was hoping to win a deal following his summer release from Championship side Ipswich. But Jackett is to look elsewhere in attempts to add experience to the central midfield area. Pompey's boss said: 'Jonathan did a few days for us and it’s not one we are going to pursue. ‘We were pleased to look at him and we are looking in that midfield area, but I didn’t think he necessarily complemented what we already had. ‘We are always looking at free agents and will continue to do that. 'We have people in on quite a regular basis - some that you guys pick up on, some you don’t - and we will definitely be looking to the free agent market to see if there is somebody that can help us.'
Portsmouth are considering a deal for King’s Lynn Town defender Cameron Norman, reports HITC. The defender linked up with the Evo-Stik Southern Premier League side in the summer after being released by Norwich City, but it appears the youngster may have found himself a ticket back to the Football League. Norman’s stats have been remarkable since joining the Norfolk-based side, scoring nine goals and contributing a phenomenal twenty-one assists as The Linnets have soared to the top of the table. The 22-year-old is on non-contract terms at the club meaning he can make a permanent switch to a new side immediately as a free agent, with Portsmouth reportedly facing fierce competition from the likes of Oxford United, Doncaster Rovers and Northampton Town. The Verdict What incredible stats for a defender. Yes Norman is an attack-minded fullback, but his goals and assists this season have been a pure revelation, and the 22-year-old is undoubtedly one of the stars of the non-league game. Portsmouth are in need of a boost as they chase down a playoff spot, and Norman’s explosive nature could really prove to be a weapon in the third tier. Pompey boss Kenny Jackett needs to get this deal done.
Triallist from Horndean aims to win Pompey deal. please log in to view this image Olly Long signs his first professional contract at Newcastle United Olly Long is targeting a professional contract at Pompey. The Horndean talent is currently on trial with the Blues after leaving Newcastle United last month. Boss Kenny Jackett is casting his eye over Long, 18, this week at the club’s Roko training base. The attacking midfielder is a Pompey fan and former season-ticket holder. He revealed it would be ‘amazing’ to put pen to paper on a deal with his boyhood club. And he believes he can push for a first-team place. Long said: ‘It’s a massive club with a huge fanbase. The fans are terrific. ‘I used to go to games with my dad and had a season ticket for years. I know the club inside out, really. ‘I used to travel both home and away supporting them. ‘All my friends and family are Pompey fans so to play for them would be amazing. ‘I’m a creative midfielder and I like to weigh in with both goals and assists. ‘My priority is to continue developing and improving while enjoying playing football. I want to keep pushing for a place in the first team. ‘I believe I am capable of pushing for a place in a first-team squad if I keep working hard and developing.’ Long was signed by Southampton at the age of 12 after previously being with the Hawks. He then moved to Newcastle United four years later. After signing a pre-contract agreement with the Magpies in 2015, he penned his first professional contract a year later when he turned 17. However, Long departed St James’ Park last month. While he was at Newcastle, he kept a close eye on Pompey’s progress. Long now wants to help continue the Blues’ rise up the football ladder. He added: ‘While I was in Newcastle, I obviously kept an eye on how the club has been doing. Being in and involved with a side every day you begin to support them but I’ve always followed Pompey and how they are getting on. ‘I’ve supported the club since a very young age. I know what the fans have been through over the past decade. ‘I want to be part of a group that takes this club back to where it belongs. ‘It’s a Premier League club and the fans have proven that through the years. It’s a classic stadium and a special place to play football.
please log in to view this image Portsmouth centre-back Matt Clarke has signed a new contract with the League One club until the summer of 2020. The 21-year-old has made 101 appearances for Pompey since initially joining on loan from Ipswich in August 2015 before making a permanent switch. "I'm really pleased to have signed a new deal," Clarke said. "I originally arrived with the sole mission of helping get Pompey out of League Two. We've done that now, but want to continue that progression." What great news !!
please log in to view this image Pompey are among a number of clubs looking to sign 24 year old defender Donervon Daniels on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic. Former WBA youth player born in Monserrat, 6'1" tall. Recalled from a loan spell at Rochdale in January, he is due to be released on a free transfer at the end of this season.
please log in to view this image Josh Yorwerth battles Danny Rose for the ball during Crawley's clash with Pompey last season. Pompey are reportedly tracking Crawley defender Josh Yorwerth. According to Mail Online, Kenny Jackett is closely monitoring the Wales under-21 international. Paul Cook’s Wigan have also been linked to the Cardiff City academy graduate. Yorwerth moved to the Reds on loan from Ipswich in September 2015 before making that switch permanent the following summer. The 22-year-old has made 92 appearances for Crawley and has been a key player in Harry Kewell’s League Two play-off-chasing side this season. Yorwerth penned a new contract to keep him at the Broadfield Stadium until 2020 last September. However, Crawley reportedly want to offer the Bridgend-born talent a fresh deal this summer to fend off any potential suitors. One interesting point is that Josh Yorwerth is a former young Ipswich team mate of a certain Matt Clarke, and they are both central defenders. One could suggest that Kenny Jackett is attempting to bring in a decent replacement for young Matt, prior to his likely big money transfer away from Fratton Park in the summer ?!
please log in to view this image Former St Johnstone midfielder Paul Paton Northern Ireland midfielder Paul Paton has been linked with Pompey. According to the Daily Record, Paul Paton is currently training with the Blues. The combative midfielder is a free agent following his January 31 release by Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone. The 30-year-old has this season made 19 appearances for the Saints before his two-year deal was cancelled six months early. Paton has also turned out four times for Northern Ireland, despite born in Paisley. 5'10" in height, and a combative central midfielder - just what we need !!
Chelsea youngster Ruben Sammut training with Pompey please log in to view this image Pompey are running the rule over Chelsea midfielder Ruben Sammut. The Scottish talent has spent a couple of days with the Blues at their Roko base as Kenny Jackett weighs up building a squad for next season. Sammut, 20, has made seven appearances for the Chelsea's under-21 side in the Checkatrade Trophy this season. The player's contract is up in the summer, but Sammut does have a Chelsea future if a move elsewhere isn't agreed. Pompey boss Kenny Jackett said: 'We've had Ruben Sammut in for a couple of days. 'He's playing for Chelsea's under-23s on Sunday and is going back there. 'It's not like he's necessarily being released by Chelsea, but we're in contact with the big clubs and, at times, it can help players progress while we have a look at them as well.' Pompey have turned down the option of signing triallist Paul Paton. The former St Johnstone midfielder trained with the Blues this week..
please log in to view this image Danny Rose has signed a one-year extension to his Pompey contract. The new deal will keep the 30-year-old midfielder at Fratton Park until the summer of 2019. Rose is currently recovering from a broken leg suffered in the 3-1 home victory over Northampton at the end of December. Assistant manager Joe Gallen said: “It’s great news for us and Danny that he’s going to be here for next season. “We’ve missed him in the team since he broke his leg and we’re pleased that he’s on the road to recovery. Good news for us Pompey fans
please log in to view this image Pompey, Shrewsbury and Burton Albion are all apparently interested in signing Leyton Orient's 22 year old striker Macauley Bonne. Bonne has hit 20 goals for National League Orient; in 40 matches; following a summer move from Colchester United, signing a two-year deal at Brisbane Road at the time. Tallish lad at 5' 11". The forward has made two appearances for Zimbabwe, whom he qualifies for through his parent. Ipswich-born Bonne came through the ranks at Ipswich Town, before a move to Colchester, where he spent time out on loan at Lincoln City and Woking.
