Comment: Jones departs Pompey after failing to win Cook over

But under Paul Cook at Pompey that never seemed likely to happen.

And his decision to accept a position as third keeper at Championship Norwich sums up how far his stock appears to have fallen.

Brought in by previous boss Andy Awford after an impressive stay at League One Peterborough, Jones showed glimpses of his unquestionable talent.

A League Cup game at Stoke, which the Blues lost 3-0, sticks in the mind with the 6ft3in stopper in inspired form to ensure the scoreline remained respectable (it could have been a lot worse).

But despite continuing a lengthy ever-present run started at the Posh, Jones was unable to really hit it off with the Fratton faithful in a campaign to forget for all associated with the club.

And with Awford parting company with Pompey following their worst season in Football League history, new boss Cook decided to look elsewhere for his No1.

Brian Murphy arrived on the eve of last season as Jones – who avoided media duties – appeared to lack the vocal presence, aerial dominance and bullish character sought by Cook.

Murphy it turns out was not the answer, but the boss opted to play loanees ahead of out-of-favour Jones as the Blues narrowly missed out on promotion, despite fielding five different keepers.

Cook, though, now has a man who ticks all of his boxes in David Forde and that, unfortunately for Jones, spelt the end of a mixed stay on the south coast.

– JEFF MARSHMAN