Mark Catlin reveals no new deals in the pipeline as Portsmouth eight remain in limbo

Mark Catlin has admitted negotiations are not presently being held with the eight members of the Blues’ first-team squad whose deals expire this summer.

The Blues insist they are waiting to hear from Christian Burgess for a decision on whether he wants to stay at Fratton Park.

However, the Pompey presence of the remaining seven is related to how the club emerges through the coronavirus crisis.

They include Luke McGee, Brett Pitman, Oli Hawkins, Adam May, Lee Brown, Brandon Haunstrup and Matt Casey.

And while Catlin has sympathy, he concedes the time is not right for fresh contracts.

Pompey’s chief executive said: ‘Like us all, everyone is in limbo.

‘All contract talks have been on hold through this pandemic. We have said that previously and that continues to be our stance until we know what the football landscape is going to look like once we come out of this.

‘And, added to that, we don’t know what league we are going to be in next year.

‘As in any business, you cannot really make a decision until we know what the state of football is going to look like post COVID-19 in regards of when supporters are going to be allowed back into clubs.

‘Without fans, we have no real income coming in.

‘I don’t think now is the time to be committing to long-term contracts without knowing how football or the economy in general is going to look post COVID-19.’

As one of Pompey’s top earners and having fallen away from the first-team frame, it is highly unlikely Pitman will remain.

Another expected to leave is McGee, having dropped down the goalkeeping pecking order and joined Bradford on loan in January.

Catlin added: ‘You have seen the views of some chairmen. Huddersfield owner Phil Hodgkinson thinks 50-60 clubs within the football pyramid could go bust in this pandemic.

‘At this moment in time, it is only right and correct that we continue to monitor the overall situation – and players we have been speaking to are aware of that position

‘It’s not just football, it’s the wider economy. But, at the same time, we have to be ready to act should the situation change and things take a turn for the positive.’

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