How Kenny Jackett has entered a sixth Portsmouth transfer window requiring a left-back

Certainly Kenny Jackett has been in this position before.

As Blues boss, he has recruited seven left-backs – while had the good fortune to inherit Brandon Haunstrup.

Now he has re-entered the market for another, albeit strictly on back-up terms.

Lee Brown remains Pompey’s first-choice left-back. Judging by his displays so far this season, it is deservedly by some distance.

Free from the Achilles problem in his left leg which dogged him since the tail-end of the 2018-19 season, the 30-year-old appears rejuvenated.

Jackett needs Brown’s reliability, dependability, leadership and experience. It will take a special player to dislodge him, when fit.

Cam Pring was unable to. Now he has returned to Bristol City at their behest, seeking his presence to resolve selection issues at left-back created by injury.

As a consequence, Pompey seek a replacement for the rapidly improving 22-year-old.

Considering Brown’s troublesome hamstring and with fixture congestion stacking up through Blues involvement in three competitions, any deputy will still be required to play, however.

Aside from Brown, the sole left-back alternative on Fratton Park’s books is second-year scholar Harvey Rew.

Undeniably highly regarded, the 18-year-old signed professional terms in October 2019 and has since made two first-team outings, both in the EFL Trophy.

The debate is whether a Pompey team with aspirations of reaching the Championship should be calling upon the services of an Academy player to fill the left-back role.

Such is the speciality of the left footer, unfortunately there aren’t more senior options to stand in should it be required, thereby affecting the team’s balance.

Perhaps James Bolton could stand in as Anton Walkes did previously? The truth is, the spot created by Pring’s departure will realistically be filled by another left-back.

Curiously, Jackett has been challenged with recruiting for that position in six of his transfer windows since arriving in the summer of 2017.

Firstly, following the exit of Enda Stevens to Sheffield United, he signed Tareiq Holmes-Dennis to serve as left-back.

However, following sustaining a serious knee injury on his Pompey duty which ultimately would prematurely end his career, the hunt was on for Holmes-Dennis’ replacement.

That transfer window would see Dion Donohue join from Chesterfield, while Damien McCrory came on loan from Burton.

Then, in January 2018, Jackett raided former club Wolves for Sylvain Deslandes, a full-back who would make two appearances and clearly lacked necessary quality.

Requiring a regular left-back, in the summer of 2018 Brown arrived on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers, having turned down their offer of a new deal.

During the 2018-19 campaign, he and Haunstrup shared duties as the Blues finished fourth in League One and claimed the Checkatrade Trophy.

However, when both were injured in January 2020, Steve Seddon arrived on loan from Birmingham and hugely impressed.

Pompey were again interested in Seddon during the summer of 2020, yet with Birmingham taking their time over granting his availability, instead turned to Pring.

And how they would still love Seddon back.

Still, it was Pring’s first season at League One level, having earned his experience through loan spells climbing up from non-league level.

He now leaves Fratton Park having enhanced his reputation, demonstrating capabilities as an attacking full-back with admirable energy and improving defensive game.

Yet largely, Pring’s 15 outings arose during Brown’s injury absence. When both were fit, Pompey’s vice-captain was the preferred choice.

Once again, Jackett is presented with a transfer window in which to sign a Pompey left-back.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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