Chelmsford U-turn for Harris

The forward had returned to Pompey after just five days with the Clarets, after boss Dean Holdsworth was sacked on Monday.

Nick Awford also departed, having both only joined the Skrill South side last week.

The situation prompted Pompey to consult the Football League over whether the month-long loan deals could be voided to enable the pair to be sent out to another club.

The answer was negative – but Chelmsford decided they now want Harris back.

Now the Purbrook youngster has linked-up with caretaker boss Kenny Brown’s team once again, although Awford remains at Fratton Park.

Guy Whittingham said:

‘Ashley is now going to stay at Chelmsford

‘He and Nick are both under contract for the month, there is nothing we can do about that, but they want to keep Ashley anyway.

‘What we have said with Nick is, at the moment he is back training with us but if anything happens and they need a player then he can go and join in as well.

‘I just think there was a bit of confusion (at Chelmsford). I don’t think it got sorted straight away with everything going on at their end and the new manager coming in.

‘I just don’t think it was made clear they wanted Ashley.

‘The Football League couldn’t cancel the loans, but now it looks like Ashley will be there for the month anyway.’

Harris joins Josh Warren at Chelmsford, who is now in the second month of a loan spell and was not sent back to Pompey.

Meanwhile, Trevor Carson is expected to be given the all-clear by Bury to play against Stevenage tomorrow.

The fellow League Two club have given no indication they are concerned about him becoming cup-tied.

Although John Marquis will not be in the squad, having been denied permission by Millwall.

There are no fresh injuries worry for the FA Cup fixture, however, Whittingham is still waiting for the Jake Jervis situation to be resolved.

He added: ‘We are trying to get to the bottom of this training compensation thing, that is what we really need to do and people are trying hard to find out the situation.

‘It has not moved on this week yet.

‘I wouldn’t say he definitely won’t be available for tomorrow, we still haven’t heard anything so will wait and see.’