Drew Talbot signs after leaving Chesterfield

[Claygate]

From the OS:

Read more at http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/arti ... xWkFM2D.99

Pompey have swooped to sign Drew Talbot on a two-year deal from July 1.

The versatile 29-year-old is a free agent after leaving Chesterfield, where he made 277 appearances.

He was part of the side – managed by current Blues boss Paul Cook – who secured the 2013/14 League Two title.

Although predominantly used as a full-back, Talbot has also previously performed in midfield and as a striker.

Pompey’s assistant manager Leam Richardson said: “I’ve worked with Drew before and he’s a fantastic signing for this club.

“He’s everything that our fans like about a player – he’s robust, works hard and is very fit. He’s a great lad and we expect big things from him.”

Talbot started his career at Sheffield Wednesday and helped them claim League One promotion in 2005 by scoring in the play-off final.

He then moved on to Luton before signing for Chesterfield in 2009, where he also won the Football League Trophy in 2012.

[Mickemo]

Prob a good signing but this signing ex Chesterfield players habit is wearing a bit thin now.

Cook spread your net higher & wider

[POLPERO99]

Yes, seems a decent fella. Hard Working, fit , from Chesterfield, etc, etc but is he really what we are looking for . We need one , really decent , proven goal scorer even if we have to pay over the odds for him .

[rumourmonger]

Yes, seems a decent fella. Hard Working, fit , from Chesterfield, etc, etc but is he really what we are looking for . We need one , really decent , proven goal scorer even if we have to pay over the odds for him .

If the rumours about Ben Davies going to sign for Grimsby are correct then yes we do need a decent right back.

[Locky_McLockface]

Yes, seems a decent fella. Hard Working, fit , from Chesterfield, etc, etc but is he really what we are looking for . We need one , really decent , proven goal scorer even if we have to pay over the odds for him .

If the rumours about Ben Davies going to sign for Grimsby are correct then yes we do need a decent right back.

Since Pompey and Davies have been discussing his contract extension since Christmas, there is clearly an impass between the two sides. I think Cook mentioned that he was on squad players wages, so I would expect that Pompey have offered a reasonable increase in salary. I suspect that Davies wants a two-year contract, which Pompey would be unwilling to offer someone of his age.

We have long been talking about signing Kieran Freeman, and here we are signing Talbot. This only strengthens Pompey's negotiation position - we no longer need a first choice RB.

If Davies has been offered an acceptable contract by Grimsby (and I've also heard Wrexham mentioned too), then his days at FP are numbered.

EDIT:-

Just read on the Snooze that Davies is definitely leaving, the implication being that we will not improve our offer, he will not accept the current offer, so they have called time on negotiations.