Nothing close: Kenny Jackett reflects on Portsmouth's transfer window activity

Kenny Jackett insists Pompey are not ‘close’ to any fresh additions.
Sean Raggett is so far Pompey's only signing during the transfer window. Picture: Habibur RahmanSean Raggett is so far Pompey's only signing during the transfer window. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Sean Raggett is so far Pompey's only signing during the transfer window. Picture: Habibur Rahman

The sole summer arrival has so far been Sean Raggett, who turned his loan deal from Norwich into a permanent arrangement following his release.

In addition, Lee Brown penned a two-year deal, having been out of contract.

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Yet, with the salary cap and squad-size restrictions now implemented, the play-off semi-finalists have remained quiet in the transfer market.

But he claims nothing is yet near.

He told The News: ‘No, we’re not close to anything at the moment.

‘Last week we were really concentrating on this group, although numbers are naturally slightly different from last season, we understand that.

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‘We still feel we have quite a good balance, and I wouldn’t rule out players necessarily coming in from outside, but we do feel we have quit a solid group.

‘Last week, particularly, we worked hard, very hard, we have been able to mix in a few younger players and see what they can do for us.

‘The loan market is open up until October 16, which is a way away and a good five weeks after the start of the season.

‘I think we have an even distribution of players, I don’t think any positions are glaringly obvious, but I do feel that players coming in have to be ones that can really bring a complement or be better than those we have,

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‘Although we haven’t added players externally, we have secured Sean Raggett and we have secured Lee Brown whose contract was up. The group is quite settled and we can keep improving as we go.

‘I wouldn’t necessarily rule out players coming in from the outside, but there won’t be wholesale changes.’

Pompey presently have three places remaining in their current first-team squad, in accordance with salary cap changes.

That consists of 19 senior players, including third-choice keeper Duncan Turnbull.

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However, those aged under-21, including the likes of Haji Mnoga and Eoin Teggart, are not counted in the 22-man total.

He added: ‘There is some uncertainty with the overall situation and that has been the way for every club because the salary cap has just been voted in.

‘But, similarly, the amount of players we had for the play-off games was slightly inflated because it wasn't the end of the season and wasn’t a pre-season.

‘Now we are thinned out with a natural situation, with contracts and balance of squad.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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