Curse of PotY strikes again: Bye Enda

[Lost in Transportation]

Off to Sheffield Utd: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/footb ... -1-7953185

Also rumours that Kyle Bennett will also fly the nest.

[Locky_McLockface]

That's a shame, if it happens but this was always on the cards. He's far too good for League 2, and would probably be the best, certainly amongst the best LBs in League 1. He was always going to attract attention.

There was a story in the Snooze a few weeks back saying that he "could see himself staying" - I just wish he'd been honest, and say that he has to look after his family, and who wouldn't turn down a massive pay rise if offered it by another employer.

Thank you, Enda, if you are off to the Champs, and good luck.

[RubiconCSL]

What are the bones of the article? I can't get that bl**dy website to load at work. Too many adverts.

Off to Sheffield Utd: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/footb ... -1-7953185

Also rumours that Kyle Bennett will also fly the nest.

[Pompey Penguin]

Good luck Enda; one of Cook's best signings. Rare to see a lower league FB who can defend and attack that well.

There was a moment on Saturday during the first half when a long pass towards Stevens in front of me in the North Stand was over hit; he jumped, headed the ball to keep it in play and then nutmegged the full-back as the ball dropped. Pure magic, and something to remember.

[RubiconCSL]

Out of contract too isn't he? So no money for him Can't blame him though, I'd do the same if it offered me a lot more money. It's a short career as a footballer after all.

[Locky_McLockface]

We got him on a Freebie, too, so we can't really complain

[Selsey Bill]

The News/Sports Mail player of the season is poised to quit Fratton Park this summer upon the expiry of his contract. Paul Cook is desperate to retain the talented left-back, who has made 99 appearances for the Blues. However, Pompey are unable to compete with the wage offer on the table for the 26-year-old – nor the lure of Championship football. It had long been feared the club could lose out on the services of Stevens, who has also earned PFA recognition during the campaign. Now such concerns are to become a reality as he prepares to depart the south coast for nothing. And it is League One champions Sheffield United who are swooping as they prepare for a Championship return. The likelihood of losing one of his star players within days of capturing the League Two title is a massive blow to Cook. Stevens has been an integral part of the Pompey side and one of the chief assist-makers during a magnificent campaign. It was his cross which was deflected into his own net by Daniel O’Shaughnessy on Saturday to break the deadlock against Cheltenham. Cook regards the likeable Irishman as the finest left-back in League One and League Two, while has also tipped him for future Republic of Ireland honours. Yet with Pompey holding off contract talks until their fate was certain at the culmination of the season, it appears they have now lost him. Stevens arrived at Fratton Park on a two-year deal in June 2015 following his release by Aston Villa. He had endured something of a nomadic career in England, with loan spells at Notts County, Doncaster (twice) and Northampton. The defender also made nine appearances for Villa, six coming as Premier League starts. However, under Cook’s tutelage, he has developed into an outstanding attacking left-back, inevitably capturing the attention of other clubs. At a gala dinner on Monday night, he was named Pompey players’ player of the season – for a second successive campaign. It was just reward for a consistent performer so highly regarded among his title-winning team-mates. Along with Stevens’ anticipated exit, the Blues are seeking to finalise the futures of a host of other members of their first-team squad. Cook was today meeting the players in turn to reveal whether they are part of his plans in League One next year. Skipper Michael Doyle, Gareth Evans, Jack Whatmough and Kyle Bennett are the notable players out of contract. Stanley Aborah, Noel Hunt and Amine Linganzi are also among the 16 whose deals are expiring

[Pompey Gary]

Maybe not just about the money, if he's got any ambition of playing for Ireland (which any Irish player would) then he's much morely likely to get a call up playing for a Championship club. Ireland aren't particularly strong at LB at the moment (or indeed in a lot of positions to be fair...)

[Pompey1985]

Championship might be a bridge too far.

[PakefieldBlue]

Was always going to happen I guess, real shame not to have got a transfer fee.

[Selsey Bill]

[quote="Pompey1985"]Championship might be a bridge too far.[/quote

I think he'll be OK. He's a class act, and of all the players we might lose, he will be the hardest to replace. It's a shame Bennett looks like he is following suit as the pair have formed a very good understanding down that left side, especially of late.

[richisbradders]

Ben Davis was hard to replace, and we sort of didn't do that, and we won the league anyway. Life goes on.

[Weybridge]

Ben Davis was hard to replace, and we sort of didn't do that, and we won the league anyway. Life goes on.

We did! We got the mighty Aaron Simpson in from Wolves. Huge impact.