Missing out on big signings, Duncan Turnbull's future, exciting transfer window recruits - your Portsmouth questions answered

What impact has the squad limit and salary cap had on Pompey this window? Did it stop them going out and getting their top targets?

Helen Walker via email

As ever, it’s worth highlighting the salary cap and 22-man squad restrictions.

Pompey voted against such regulations – they don’t want them. But have to abide by the Football League’s rules.

Naturally, it restricts the Blues’ transfer business. Plus the obvious financial decimation during a global pandemic.

Money’s tight, squad numbers are tight, hence the four arrivals have been loans and free agents.

Now let’s see how the final 23 matches pan out.

How would you sum up Pompey's transfer window if no-one else arrives?

S Marsh via email

Three of the positions have been obvious recruits – attacking midfielder, left-back and goalkeeper.

Cam Pring returning to Bristol City meant another left-back was required to provide competition and cover for Lee Brown. So that’s Charlie Daniels.

Alex Bass’ injury and Duncan Turnbull’s lack of experience meant a back-up for Craig MacGillivray was essential. So that’s Lewis Ward.

Then there’s Andy Cannon, being the sole attacking central midfielder in the squad. Another was needed for competition and cover. So that’s George Byers.

Finally, with Bryn Morris departing, clearly best for all parties, Harvey White was recruited as a replacement.

Some would like another striker, yet Jordy Hiwula as an option can’t even get in the squad at the moment.

As for another centre-half, before the Hull match, Pompey had the best defensive record in the league.

Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett, Rasmus Nicolaisen, James Bolton and Paul Downing (although injured) is enough in a restricted 22-man squad.

What was the point in signing Duncan Turnbull if he isn't even good enough to be our number three? It seems a waste of wages and a squad berth signing Lewis Ward.

Steven Spencer via email

Pompey had hoped to loan third-choice keeper Duncan Turnbull to non-league this season for vital first-team experience.

Unfortunately, his stay at Dulwich Hamlet was a short one and didn’t involve any appearances.

At the age of 22, he is highly regarded by the Blues, yet, concerningly, has very little senior experience. Certainly not enough to warrant being number two in a promotion-hunting side.

Alex Bass’ injury has forced Turnbull into the limelight well ahead of schedule. It’s the wrong time for the American.

Instead, Jackett has brought in Lewis Ward, who is one year older and made almost 100 first-team appearances.

Pompey hope to win promotion to the Championship. Should Craig MacGillivray get injured, this is not the time to give a rookie a chance.

This, of course, is not the end of Turnbull.

Who excites you most from the players Pompey have brought in this January?

David Gregory via email

I always think it’s important we use our eyes to assess a player’s quality rather than where he has come from and previous clubs.

Far too many times we have seen people get carried away with reputation and past feats rather than judging them in the present.

So we await to see what the four signings can achieve for Pompey. Not what they did for Spurs’ under-21s, Bournemouth, Exeter and Swansea.

Having said that, I’m intrigued to see what Charlie Daniels can bring to the Blues.

He was in the Premier League last season before struck down by injury, yet still possesses the desire to drop down to League One to play football.

Quite how he is accommodated in Pompey’s team is interesting because of vice-captain Lee Brown’s fine form this season and not deserving to be dropped.

So not excited – but intrigued!

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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