Brett Pitman: I didn't want it to end this way at Portsmouth - but I'm not angry

Brett Pitman lamented the unsatisfactory ending to his once brilliant Fratton Park career.
Brett Pitman insists he bears no anger at his Pompey treatment following his Fratton Park departure. Picture: Joe PeplerBrett Pitman insists he bears no anger at his Pompey treatment following his Fratton Park departure. Picture: Joe Pepler
Brett Pitman insists he bears no anger at his Pompey treatment following his Fratton Park departure. Picture: Joe Pepler

Yet the prolific striker insists he bears no anger over the treatment which prematurely curtailed his Pompey days.

Pitman’s inevitable Blues exit was announced on Thursday afternoon, following an outstanding 42 goals in 99 appearances.

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Despite being fit and free from injury, his final Pompey outing under Kenny Jackett was 18 minutes off the bench at MK Dons on December 29.

He made just four more squads, yet was largely exiled from the club during 2020, instead forced to train with Bournemouth under-21s.

Now the player who netted 25 times in the 2017-18 campaign has been shown the door by Jackett.

Pitman told The News: ‘To be honest, I would rather remember the good times at Pompey than the other things which happened.

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‘Most of all, I would like to be remembered for the goals I scored and lifting the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley, I can’t imagine there have been many Pompey captains down the years who have been able to do that.

‘However, this season was pretty much a non-event for me personally – I wouldn’t like that to define my time at the club.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of my time at Pompey and, when I’ve been on the pitch, certainly I have loved playing for those unbelievable fans.

‘It’s just a shame for me that I couldn’t play in front of them a lot more towards the end.

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‘Ultimately, the manager does what he thinks is right for the team. Whether I agree with it or not, it wasn’t going to have any effect on his decision.

‘I can have my opinion and he will have another I guess, it is what it is.

‘I still think – and I still know – that I could have had a massive impact on the team there. Given the opportunity to play week in, week out for Pompey, I know I would have scored a lot of goals.

‘I’m not angry. I’m still healthy, my family’s healthy, obviously it has been tough times for everybody.

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‘I’m actually disappointed. It would have been nice to have finished it differently.

‘It would have been lovely to score the winner in the play-offs, the fairytale ending – but it wasn’t to be.

‘Above all, I’m thankful I had the opportunity to play 99 games in front of the Pompey fans.’

Pitman was released by the Blues on Thursday along with Oli Hawkins, Adam May and Matt Casey, while Luke McGee had earlier departed.

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There was also an emotional farewell to Christian Burgess, who has joined Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a free transfer.

Now the 32-year-old Pitman is seeking a new club after three seasons at Fratton Park.

The ex-Blues skipper added: ‘I last spoke to Kenny on Thursday.

‘He rang to say: “We’re not going to renew your contract, thanks for your efforts”. That was it. I guess someone had to ring me.

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‘We never really had a big falling out. But actions speak louder than words, I guess.’

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