Pompey's summer recruitment

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Lost in Transportation
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Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Lost in Transportation »

Barring multiple Devon Loch performances from the teams around us (Charlton need 2 points from 2 games, Scunthorpe 3 points from 3 games and Plymouth 6 points from 4 games to be out of reach), Pompey have another League One campaign to build towards this summer.

Optimistically Kenny Jackett has quite a lot of manoeuver to work with as this year's budget cannot be said to have been used that efficiently.

For one thing, the club paid up the contracts of five senior players this season: Baker, Bennett, Lalkovic, Main and Talbot.

For another, the quality of loans to output has been low for various reasons: Deslandes, Henderson, Holmes-Dennis, Kennedy, McCrory, O'Keefe, Ronan, Walkes.

If none of these loanees returned, would people be that upset? Only Walkes has provided an argument for retention but there's still plenty of rawness about him.

Then there are the players out of contract this summer: Bass, Bedford, Haunstrup, Kabamba, May, Naismith, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Widdrington.

There are two obvious departures this summer for me in Kabamba and Naismith as neither look like kicking on for League One. Haunstrup is a definite player I would want to stay and I think there's a player in May having watched him. The rest are promising youth who if they have hit their targets this season should be retained. That includes giving the unfortunate Oxlade-Chamberlain a six month deal due to his broken leg. Its hard to judge given the lack of exposure though.

Those under contract going into 2018-19:

GK McGee
RB Thompson
LB Donohue
CB Burgess, Clarke, Whatmough
CM Close, Rose
RW Lowe, Evans
LW
CF Pitman, Hawkins, Chaplin

So big summer ahead and I'm expecting plenty of action. Don't think I have forgotten anyone but probably have.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Selsey Bill »

I suspect Matt Clarke will be sold, though I really hope not. Also from the 39 minutes I saw of Tareiq Holmes-Dennis I'd love to see us get him back on loan. We also lack a Michael Doyle type captain as it is blatantly obvious that Pitman and Evans (Kenny's choices) are not leaders.
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Lost in Transportation
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Lost in Transportation »

Selsey Bill wrote:I suspect Matt Clarke will be sold, though I really hope not.

If so, we'll need a couple of centre backs. A minimum of one is required as we seen what form/injury has done this season
Selsey Bill wrote:Also from the 39 minutes I saw of Tareiq Holmes-Dennis I'd love to see us get him back on loan.

My problem with that is we have Haunstrup and Donohue as left backs already. Its not a priority position and since he has had a set-back in his recovery perhaps not likely given Jackett's statement about wanting early business.
Selsey Bill wrote:We also lack a Michael Doyle type captain as it is blatantly obvious that Pitman and Evans (Kenny's choices) are not leaders.
Agree.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Selsey Bill »

Lost in Transportation wrote:
Selsey Bill wrote:I suspect Matt Clarke will be sold, though I really hope not.

If so, we'll need a couple of centre backs. A minimum of one is required as we seen what form/injury has done this season
... and unfortunately, we cannot rely on the injury prone Jack Whatmough.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Pompey Penguin »

I was going to leave this until the end of the season, but here are my thoughts on the squad for 2018-19. I realise that not all these players are under Pompey’s control, but I have occasionally used names as examples or markers for what is required. I am assuming we continue to play 4-3-3 (or similar), but if Jackett is thinking 4-4-2, 3-5-2 (or similar) then the priorities change.

Goalkeeper. McGee has done OK this season, and very well for a young goalkeeper. Bass needs to go out on loan (if re-signed). So we will need another goalkeeper, either to replace McGee as first choice (Henderson?) or a career-end player willing to act as reserve.

Right-back. Yet again, we go into the close season needing a RB. I am not convinced by Thompson (although I think Jackett is) and many supporters don’t rate Walkes (although I do and would sign him). Evans adds an emergency option, which is useful in managing squad size. We could probably muddle through, and this wouldn’t be a priority signing.

Left-back.
I would be happy with Donohue and Haunstrup. Pity neither can play RB, although Haunstrup did on Saturday 2nd half to no great effect.

Centre-back. Playing four at the back I am happy with what we have. Burgess, Clarke, Whatmough, with Thompson and Hawkins for emergency use. If you don’t trust Whatmough to stay fit, then you have the difficulty of finding a competent CB who is willing to be second reserve. If Clarke goes, then another CB would be needed, but I would hope this would be part of a wider use of that money (like when we sold Hateley or Crouch and built a team on the income). Five at the back and the equation changes.

Midfield. Rose looked OK until injured, and Jackett seems to like Close. Thompson is useful in a defensive role, and I assume we re-sign May and that he will find some game time as he has ability. Otherwise, we need to sign someone and there are two options. Sign a really good DMF and let Rose and Close move slightly forward (4-1-2-3), or sign someone creative with Rose and Close dropping slightly back (4-2-1-3)

Attack.
Lowe is good, and got better as the season went on, which is encouraging. Evans will get enough playing time here and there, but shouldn’t be first choice anywhere. So right-side is OK. Left-side has been poor this year, and the fact that Jackett played Lowe there for a while shows how poor. Kennedy, Naismith, Bennett and Lalkovic rarely looked the part. We desperately need someone who is a threat on the left, especially if we go for the more defensive option in midfield. Pitman is good, but we can’t rely on him scoring another 25 goals, and someone other than Lowe has to contribute. Hawkins is a useful reserve, and a very useful bench option. Someone has to decide what we are doing with Conor Chaplin; it is not helpful or fair to the player to put him through a third season of in, out, reserve, don’t know (I would say that he only has a role if we play 3-4-1-2 as a second striker, but then I don’t know where we play Lowe).
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Pompey1985 »

Have any of Jacketts signings actually done anything? Pretty sure we were heavily linked to Thompson this time last year.

Other than Pitman has any really improved on what we already had?

I like Donahue but he is no Enda (nor bought to play left back).

The loans have all been in my opinion poor.

Hawkins is bang average. I just don't see anything to suggest we are going to see a different Calibre of player moving forward.
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Lost in Transportation
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Lost in Transportation »

How would I recruit?

GKs: Definitely bring in competition for McGee. Rumour in the media of Tom King from Millwall who is a similar age and experience to McGee. Keep Bass (new contract) and give him experience on loan if possible.

RBs: Competition needed here too but I'm not convinced that it should be Walkes directly providing the opposition. Needs a more attacking RB if you want the option to go 3 at the back and neither Thompson or Walkes really fulfill that criteria. Go for a younger player. Also Oxlade-Chamberlain gets a short term contract to see him through his long term injury.

LBs: Like Penguin, no need to recruit with Donohue and Haunstrup (new contract) at the club.

CBs: Definitely need one more centre back even if Clarke stays. Josh Yorwerth of Crawley regularly linked. Not entirely convinced about Burgess's ability to progress beyond this level.

DMs: Holding midfielder is a specialist role that needs filling. Ruben Sammut of Chelsea has trained with Pompey on a few occasions in the last few months. Keep Widdrington (new contract)

Utility: Here I would take Walkes into the squad for his versatility given he covers a multitude of roles.

MFs: Needs an upgrade here as we need someone better than Rose and Close to lift the quality. Keep May (new contract)

AMs: We got Lowe and Evans. Young Bedford (new contract) I would keep also. Need at least one left-sided AM and Ronan Curtis of Derry City has been linked who predominantly plays there. An attacking in the hole player I would like to see also.

CF: An forward with pace and movement is needed to give more options. We got a clever forward in Pitman and a big forward in Hawkins. Then there's Chaplin who I'm not sure where he fits.

Ideally nine players in. That would give a decent size squad and multiple options. Rumour I have seen is that there will be a development squad next season which fits with the ethos of the new ownership if that happens.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Selsey Bill »

Lost in Transportation wrote:Need at least one left-sided AM and Ronan Curtis of Derry City has been linked who predominantly plays there.
Kenny Shiels, Derry City's manager has quoted in the press this afternoon: 'I can say it quite categorically – Ronan Curtis will not be going to Portsmouth.'
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Pompey Penguin »

Lost in Transportation wrote:Rumour I have seen is that there will be a development squad next season which fits with the ethos of the new ownership if that happens.
The strategy of the owners is an important factor, and one that we tend to forget as we play fantasy football with squads. They are clearly committed to the academy and development of young players, and a development squad would be an important step in this process. There also seems to be a focus on signing good young players from the lower leagues. Our loan strategy appears to follow this line with opportunities given to players on a loan/trial with option to sign (allegedly) basis as a way to get young players from the higher leagues as potentially more than just a stop-gap for a few months.

Jackett's comments yesterday suggest that we are going to see more of this.
The Scottish market, the Irish market, League Two and the National League. You need to look right the way along.
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/foot ... -1-8472209

Personally, I find this approach far more interesting than the "sign a name" strategy.
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Lost in Transportation
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Lost in Transportation »

Selsey Bill wrote:
Lost in Transportation wrote:Need at least one left-sided AM and Ronan Curtis of Derry City has been linked who predominantly plays there.
Kenny Shiels, Derry City's manager has quoted in the press this afternoon: 'I can say it quite categorically – Ronan Curtis will not be going to Portsmouth.'
Its certainly paternalistic as an attitude by Shiels. One I get but whether the lad and his agent thinks its a goer tends to be more important in these matters.
Pompey Penguin wrote:
Lost in Transportation wrote:Rumour I have seen is that there will be a development squad next season which fits with the ethos of the new ownership if that happens.
The strategy of the owners is an important factor, and one that we tend to forget as we play fantasy football with squads. They are clearly committed to the academy and development of young players, and a development squad would be an important step in this process. There also seems to be a focus on signing good young players from the lower leagues. Our loan strategy appears to follow this line with opportunities given to players on a loan/trial with option to sign (allegedly) basis as a way to get young players from the higher leagues as potentially more than just a stop-gap for a few months.

Jackett's comments yesterday suggest that we are going to see more of this.
The Scottish market, the Irish market, League Two and the National League. You need to look right the way along.
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/foot ... -1-8472209

Personally, I find this approach far more interesting than the "sign a name" strategy.
Agree with this. Its methodical in its approach. We're not buying ready made players but players with development potential. Walkes is a good case. There's something there about him but he isn't yet convincing as a starter in any position.
Watching wheels spin and dust settle.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by blue architect »

Very interesting take on what the squad should be next year - thanks.
I note that no-one has included Naismith in their new squad. I totally agree - he has flattered to deceive this season and his last few appearances have been shocking. His lack of application and disinterest in a match surely rubs off on other players. I believe he is also divisive in the dressing room. Get rid.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Pompey Penguin »

Lost in Transportation wrote:DMs: Holding midfielder is a specialist role that needs filling. Ruben Sammut of Chelsea has trained with Pompey on a few occasions in the last few months. Keep Widdrington (new contract)
Theo Widdrington has gone.

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/foot ... -1-8477678

I think he has a good chance of still finding a place at NL / L2 level, and may yet work his way up a bit higher than that at his peak.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Locky_McLockface »

Lost in Transportation wrote:
For another, the quality of loans to output has been low for various reasons: Deslandes, Henderson, Holmes-Dennis, Kennedy, McCrory, O'Keefe, Ronan, Walkes.

If none of these loanees returned, would people be that upset? Only Walkes has provided an argument for retention but there's still plenty of rawness about him.

Then there are the players out of contract this summer: Bass, Bedford, Haunstrup, Kabamba, May, Naismith, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Widdrington.

There are two obvious departures this summer for me in Kabamba and Naismith as neither look like kicking on for League One. Haunstrup is a definite player I would want to stay and I think there's a player in May having watched him. The rest are promising youth who if they have hit their targets this season should be retained. That includes giving the unfortunate Oxlade-Chamberlain a six month deal due to his broken leg. Its hard to judge given the lack of exposure though.
I find Kennedy odd. Having seen him play a couple of times, I though he looked a very good signing - but then he's been in and out of the team since. Presumably he's not found favour with KJ, but perhaps if he was able to buy a house locally, and feel more settled, then he might play with more consistency?

In all honesty, I'd like to keep him, Walkes, Ronan and O'Keefe. Deslandes has to go back, he's clearly a waste of space.

I think it's likely Naismith will go, he clearly doesn't want to be here. I don't think Kabamba has what it takes, however he might flourish in the reputed Development Squad, so open mind really with him. Haunstrup has to stay, he's been a revelation this season.
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Pompey Penguin »

Locky_McLockface wrote:I find Kennedy odd. Having seen him play a couple of times, I though he looked a very good signing - but then he's been in and out of the team since. Presumably he's not found favour with KJ, but perhaps if he was able to buy a house locally, and feel more settled, then he might play with more consistency?

In all honesty, I'd like to keep him, Walkes, Ronan and O'Keefe. Deslandes has to go back, he's clearly a waste of space.
Jackett has put Kennedy's uninspired season down to injury. I don't know the truth of that, but he has certainly flattered to deceive, and I think we need someone a lot better on the left side if we are playing 4-3-3. At least, someone at Jamal Lowe's level of goals/assists/threat.

After his first match for 60 minutes, Ronan has been disappointing. I suppose it depends on how much you believe in his potential as a no.10; he certainly isn't a left wing player. O'Keefe tries hard and adds energy; you can't fault him for that, but again I really think we need to upgrade to add someone clearly better than the Close/May/Rose mix. I'd also keep Walkes and let Deslandes go.
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Lost in Transportation
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Re: Pompey's summer recruitment

Post by Lost in Transportation »

Latest player linked is Lee Brown from Bristol Rovers, a left-back.
Watching wheels spin and dust settle.
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