Jack Whatmough gives candid update on Portsmouth contract discussions with deal set to expire in June

Jack Whatmough surveyed his Pompey future and declared: I’m ready to open contract talks when the club are.
Jack Whatmough in action at Plymouth. Picture: Graham HuntJack Whatmough in action at Plymouth. Picture: Graham Hunt
Jack Whatmough in action at Plymouth. Picture: Graham Hunt

The fans’ favourite is yet to enter negotiations about extending his Blues deal beyond the end of the season.

Whatmough made his comeback from a hamstring injury in roaring fashion in last night’s 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle.

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He was introduced as a half-time substitute for Rasmus Nicolaisen and helped Kenny Jackett’s side collect a point at Home Park.

Whatmough’s bounced back from a third serious knee injury in emphatic fashion and has arguably been Pompey’s best performer this campaign.

The Gosport centre-back’s two-year contract comes to a close in June 2021. He’s one of nine players who are in a similar situation.

Whatmough admitted he’s still to hold discussions with Pompey in regards to penning fresh terms at his boyhood club.

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Given the precarious financial situation due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – coupled with the implementation of a League One salary cap – he understands why he’s yet to be offered a new deal.

But Whatmough made it clear he wants to continue donning the star and crescent – and is ready to listen to any Blues offers that come his way.

‘I haven’t spoken about it, I’ll be honest with you, we haven’t spoken,’ Whatmough told The News.

‘That’s it. There’s nothing more I can really touch on. It’s down to the club.

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‘From my point of view, everyone knows my feeling. It’s just down to the club.

‘If they want to talk then whenever they want to talk, I’ll listen and talk to them.

‘I understand the situation, massively. Every single club has lost money because of a lack of revenue.

‘That is a big part of ours with the size of our fan base. We can’t have fans at games at the moment for understandable reasons.

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‘I understand the club, where they are and where they’re at. But the minute they want to talk then I’m open to it.’

Craig MacGillivray, Duncan Turnbull, Haji Mnoga, Tom Naylor, Ben Close, Bryn Morris, Andy Cannon and Ryan Williams’ deals all come to a close in June.

All bar keeper Turnbull have featured this season, while the club hold options for an additional 12 months with MacGillivray, Mnoga and Close.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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