Forget fine-tuning - Why Portsmouth squad requires massive overhaul to challenge again

It was left to Iain McInnes to rally the dispirited troops outside Home Park in the absence of an emotional Paul Cook.
Kenny Jackett requires a busy summer of recruitment to maintain Pompey's status as promotion challengers. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesKenny Jackett requires a busy summer of recruitment to maintain Pompey's status as promotion challengers. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Kenny Jackett requires a busy summer of recruitment to maintain Pompey's status as promotion challengers. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Pompey’s boss had declined to address the media following the May 2016 play-off elimination at the hands of Plymouth, instead seeking solace on the team coach.

Typically on such occasions, fate had been sealed in the most heartbreaking of circumstances – namely a stoppage-time winner for the hosts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yet there were mitigating circumstances, with a wretched late-season injury list weighing heavily on performances, nonetheless there remained hope for the future.

Following that body blow in his first Fratton Park season, Cook recognised that side required fine-tuning.

David Forde, Danny Rose and Carl Baker arrived that summer, while Webster’s departure funded the permanent capture of Clarke. He also lost right-back Ben Davies.

Which brings us to Monday evening – and a third play-off semi-final loss in five seasons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But for Cameron McGeehan’s missed penalty, Kenny Jackett’s Blues could have been in a play-off final at Wembley. Fine lines and all that.

However, unlike 2016, there is little optimism among the Fratton faithful that this team can bounce back.

The truth is, this side does not require tweaking, it necessitates a large overhaul of playing personnel.

Key departures and existing team weaknesses ensure major surgery is required ahead of the anticipated mid-September start of the 2020-21 campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pompey fell just short on Monday – those players left will finish nowhere near the promotion spots next season unless drastic action is taken.

Firstly, goalkeeping is the squad’s greatest strength, although Craig MacGillivray will understandably see no future here and perhaps may crave regular football elsewhere.

The issues are elsewhere in the squad, particularly at the centre of defence.

Sean Raggett’s loan is up, Christian Burgess has departed, Paul Downing was written off by the manager in his first season and surely has no future with the Blues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That leaves just Jack Whatmough, previously a first-team regular but still feeling his way back from another serious injury.

At right-back is James Bolton, who emerged as a dependable defender and grew into his role after a difficult start. Yet for periods of the season, the manager overlooked him.

In terms of left-backs, Steve Seddon has returned to Birmingham and Pompey want to keep out-of-contract pair Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup.

Haunstrup is understandably loath to stay as a back-up and craves regular football, while Brown must be given a deal which appeals – otherwise they’ll be no-one.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Skipper Tom Naylor remains a star performer at League One level, although will surely be questioning his own future after being dropped for the two most important games of the season.

Similarly, Ben Close was left out of both play-off squads, although Bryn Morris has re-emerged as an option and is favoured by the manager.

Certainly Pompey are healthy on the right wing, with Ryan Williams – the Blues’ best performer in the second leg – and Marcus Harness.

On the left flank they have Ronan Curtis, should he stay. Reading and Blackburn were in for him in January, it remains to be seen whether other Championship clubs can lure the Irishman away this summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His back-up is Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, who has made just one appearance since promoted from non-league football in January and must be frustrated over his lack of recognition.

Jackett has long struggled to settle on a number 10, yet Gareth Evans and Andy Cannon are still around, while he has two strikers on the books.

Oli Hawkins is a third, yet looks likely to be released imminently upon the expiry of his contract.

John Marquis has plundered 14 goals, but Pompey have failed miserably to get the best out of one of the most sought-after forwards at this level when he arrived last summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The other is Ellis Harrison, who has been excellent on occasions and looked a fine buy, but struggled upon the resumption of the play-offs and questions remain over whether he can be a prolific scorer.

At least there will be opportunity to recruit, with the post-coronavirus footballing landscape likely to yield a crowded marketplace of free transfers – and available at reduced wages.

This is no time for tinkering. The play-off semi-finalists require a massive overhaul if they are to once again be an effective force in 2020-21.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.