Disappointed Portsmouth defender makes Academy admission following latest batch of departures

After making his Blues first-team debut in October 2018, the 20-year-old has progressed to 15 appearances and one goal.

However, along the journey he has witnessed friends and staff leave the club.

At the season’s end, Liam Daish departed as lead professional development phase coach, while well-regarded and long-serving head of academy and welfare Jon Slater retired.

While Pompey have recently come under criticism for an apparent lack of pathway from the Academy to the senior side.

Mnoga told The News: ‘For me, personally, most of my academy coaches are now leaving.

‘Mark Kelly, who was quite big in my career to date, Jon Slater who was massive in my career and is someone I’ve known since I joined the club, and then Liam Daish who I’ve known for a long time.

‘For me, it’s quite disappointing to see them going because I’d always catch up with them when I go in from the first-team or on loan and they’ve been pleased with me.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth defender Haji Mnoga sets stall out ahead of Fratton Park return and explains how he can save Danny Cowley money in the transfer market

In the summer of 2021, Pompey released Alfie Stanley, Harvey Rew, Eoin Teggart, Harry Kavanagh, Taylor Seymour, Charlie Bell, Tom Bruce, Gerard Storey and Harry Anderson.

This saw no second or third-year scholars retained at Fratton Park, while Harrison Brook and Seok Jae Lee also declined new contracts.

Mnoga is adamant some of those who left were good enough to take the next step.

However, this year has seen a trio progress with Harry Jewitt-White, Alfie Bridgman, Toby Steward and Dan Gifford all signing new deals.

He added: ‘I was disappointed when Alfie and Harry (Kavanagh) went because I’ve known them basically my whole football life.

‘Even before I was at Pompey, I’d be playing against them, so that was really disappointing for me.

‘From my age group, I’m the only one who is still there.

‘I don’t think it’s a case of players not being good enough (when they’re released). It comes down to more what the plans of the first-team are and the club’s development plan.

‘I think that’s the main thing.’