How Portsmouth squad looks ahead of possible transfer restrictions amid 22-man squad proposals

Football League proposals for a salary cap possess significant repercussions for League One and League Two members.
Kenny Jackett's work in the transfer market will be restricted if the salary cap and proposals for 22-man squads are approved. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesKenny Jackett's work in the transfer market will be restricted if the salary cap and proposals for 22-man squads are approved. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Kenny Jackett's work in the transfer market will be restricted if the salary cap and proposals for 22-man squads are approved. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Although the two divisions will potentially operate under different wage levels, they would share the requirement of employing a 22-man squad.

All players aged below 21 are exempt from that calculation, which in Pompey’s case would be contracted pair Haji Mnoga and Harvey Rew.

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In addition, Joe Hancott has a deal until the end of December, while Harry Kavanagh, Alfie Stanley and Eoin Teggart are classed as third-year scholars.

Effectively, as it stands, should the salary cap be introduced in time for the 2020-21 campaign, Pompey will be able to make five signings this season.

Looking at Kenny Jackett’s squad, the Blues are well-stocked for goalkeepers, with Alex Bass and Craig MacGillivray genuine number one contenders, a battle which should continue should both remain.

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The other keeper is Duncan Turnbull, who turned 22 in May. Standing at 6ft 7in and an accountancy graduate from the University of Notre Dame, he will serve as third choice in 2020-21.

In terms of defenders, there are presently three contracted – James Bolton, Paul Downing and Jack Whatmough.

Of those, only James Bolton was a first-team regular last season, making 33 appearances and scoring twice.

Downing surely does not have a Fratton Park future under Jackett, despite signing a three-year deal last summer.

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His last League One outing was in September’s 2-2 draw with Burton. Even if not regarded as surplus to requirements, he must have his own strong opinions on whether he wants to remain.

Then there’s Jack Whatmough, who has returned from a third serious injury to his left knee and made two appearances last term.

Although his quality can never be questioned, more match action is required to discover whether he has recovered from his latest time on the sidelines.

In midfield, Jackett has nine contracted senior players. It’s clearly a sizeable number, yet it should be remembered the Blues boss effectively plays with five midfielders in matches.

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Ronan Curtis, Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness and Gareth Evans represent the attacking options and a strong pool to choose from.

Then there’s Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, who has been restricted to just one appearance since joining in January from Bromley. Surely his time will come.

Elsewhere, the versatile Andy Cannon has operated either as a number 10, an attacking midfielder, in the holding role or on the right.

That leaves Ben Close, Tom Naylor and Bryn Morris as options for the two holding midfield roles.

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Finally, in the attacking positions are John Marquis and Ellis Harrison.

The pair, both recruited for fees last summer and contracted until 2022, represent polished performers at League One level and excellent assets.

Having failed to win promotion last season and lost a number of players, particularly loanees, Jackett must recruit during the summer to maintain ambition of reaching the Championship.

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However, it won’t just be financial implications restricting Pompey’s ability in the player market – but also squad number limitations.

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