Don't get too carried away by transfer gossip

Close season, where Twitter becomes rife with names fans would like Pompey to sign.

There’s nothing better to ease the pain of play-fff defeat than a signing that would make a statement to the rest of League Two.

We know already talks are ongoing to keep Ben Davies and Danny Hollands at the club, and we know Adam Webster will join Ipswich Town for a fee in excess of 500K, with Matt Clarke signing permanently for Pompey.

It is also emerging that Chesterfield attacking midfielder Jay O’Shea has been subject to a couple of bids from his former boss Paul Cook, both of which have been rejected according to the local Chesterfield media.

And the only other rumour that might have some substance at this stage is released Huddersfield attacking midfielder Duane Holmes.

The whispers regarding Holmes have materialised from the fact he’s followed a few Pompey players and Pompey’s official Twitter.

This mind sound a bit presumptious, but it might mean there is something in it.

It’s a sign of how social media plays a massive role in modern football, and Holmes is one to watch.

But it seems some Pompey fans have bit the bait offered by bogus transfer rumour accounts, these are simply made up.

I very much doubt we are in talks with Matty Taylor.

And on a wider note, I’d urge Pompey fans to broaden their horizon further than ex-players and others who we’ve been linked with in the past.

That includes Reuben Reid, who, according to Plymouth fans, has been very hit and miss this season.

I must admit I’m not sure, as a set of supporters, what our obsession is with wanting former players to return.

For a start they have to be good enough, then they have to be wanted by the manager and finally, be affordable.

You can’t say that about Gary O’Neil, Matty Taylor or Stephen Henderson I’m sure.

All of which can comfortably find another Championship club so wouldn’t be considering a venture into League Two.

Do not latch on to rumours circulating on the internet that are blatantly made up.

Instead, put your trust in Paul Cook to sign enough quality players to ensure we are up there next season.

Right now we are seeing teams sign players left, right and centre, many of whom will be subject to disgruntlement from their set of supporters six months down the line.

Just because a player is a ‘new signing’ doesn’t mean they are better than what you currently have.

Be grateful we are not in need of an overhaul.

Northampton, Oxford and Bristol Rovers added about six or seven players last summer, strengthening what they already had.

It worked for them, it’ll work for us.

Quality over quantity!