Former Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Charlton winger Ricky Holmes left in limbo by Northampton

Former Pompey winger Ricky Holmes could be on the lookout for a new club.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Northampton manager Keith Curle has admitted he is currently not in the position to offer the 33-year-old fresh terms on his contract which expired on Saturday.

Holmes, who announced plans to retire earlier this year because of a back injury, signed an appearance-based deal with the Cobblers in November.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has since made 10 appearances for the League One strugglers but was an unused substitute in Northampton’s goalless draw with Sunderland yesterday.

Curle said talks are ongoing with the 2014 News/Sports Mail Pompey Player of the Year.

But because of the newly-introduced squad limit (22) and the January transfer window opening on Saturday, Holmes’ place in the Cobblers’ set-up could be used to bring in potential new signings.

Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle, Curle said: ‘There's ongoing conversations with Ricky.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We're mindful of the fact that we've got to create a number of places in the squad due to the 22-man limit.

Former Pompey favourite Ricky HolmesFormer Pompey favourite Ricky Holmes
Former Pompey favourite Ricky Holmes

‘At the moment I'm not in a position to offer Ricky a contract as that would take up a place which we'd potentially need if another player becomes available.’

The Northampton boss added he was aware Holmes could go elsewhere should another club declare an interest in the former Sheffield United and Charlton wideman.

‘We know we run the risk that Ricky could get an offer from somewhere else because now he's proved his fitness, he's proved his value and he's also proved that he's over the injury he had,’ said Curle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We're aware that he will be free to leave if another offer comes in but we both understand that.

‘I had a conversation with Ricky the other day and he understands the position that I'm in on behalf of the football club.

‘We're not currently in a position to commit because there are other priorities within the team that I need to bring in to make sure that we stay competitive in this division.’

Northampton are currently 19th in the League One table – three points above the relegation zone.

Holmes played 62 times for the Blues, scoring twice.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than £1 a week.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.

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.