Joe Gallen explains his search to unearth Portsmouth's next gem

Joe Gallen is searching to unearth the next Pompey bargain.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Blues assistant boss revealed he's been surveying the soon-to-be free agent market in an attempt to find a gem.

During the suspension of the season amid the coronavirus outbreak, Kenny Jackett and his backroom team have been using their time to prepare for the future.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Squad planning has been a key focus, with the Pompey manager selecting areas of his side he believes will need strengthening at the end of the campaign.

Players out of contract is one avenue that's proven to be a happy hunting ground in the past.

The likes of Tom Naylor (Burton), Craig MacGillivray (Shrewsbury), Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers) and Nathan Thompson (Swindon) were all snapped up for absolutely nothing.

Gallen revealed he’s been picking out those he believes would improve the Blues, before running the rule over their past performances and stats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And some of those are currently performing in the Championship.

Tom Naylor, left, and Craig MacGillivray were both signed on free transfers. Picture: Joe PeplerTom Naylor, left, and Craig MacGillivray were both signed on free transfers. Picture: Joe Pepler
Tom Naylor, left, and Craig MacGillivray were both signed on free transfers. Picture: Joe Pepler

Gallen said: ‘There has been a lot of looking at players for the future. Football-wise, that’s been the main one, really.

‘We’ve been chatting to Phil Boardman (head of recruitment) about targets and players and trying to keep your hand in.

'There have also been a lot of meetings on the phone with Kenny about when we get back.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I haven't been doing it 24/7 but most days you have a look around and flick through players.

‘There are out-of-contract lists coming out for players, which is always a good one.

‘There are hundreds and hundreds of players who are out of contract from the Championship downwards, so we’re looking at those lists and going through it.

‘You end up talking to agents and looking at players through the various platforms on the computer, which is good.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We are looking to pick up some players for the following season.’

Last summer, Ryan Williams returned to Pompey from Rotherham as a free agent.

Meawhile, both James Bolton (Shrewsbury) and Paul Downing (Blackburn) arrived on the south coast without costing a penny.

Gallen added: ‘You can definitely get a bargain and that's what we have been looking at.

‘Guys that have come in on free transfers have done very well for us.

‘Tom Naylor has been very consistent since coming in then people like Craig and Ryan have done well, too.’

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.