Portsmouth hit the road for pre-season - but destination is under wraps

Although the English destination is being kept under wraps as the Blues seek to avoid attention.

Kenny Jackett’s men continue adhering to strict regulations to ensure coronavirus does not breach their group.

As a result, the week-long stay at the unnamed hotel will be spent maintaining a bubble environment, keeping them away from other guests and visitors.

However, the venue possesses adjacent training pitches, allowing the Blues to carry on honing their fitness in preparation for the 2020-21 campaign, which starts next month.

It is understood all 19 of Jackett’s senior players are down to attend the camp, which is scheduled to end on Saturday.

These include Sean Raggett, who is presently the only fresh addition, having turned last season’s loan from Norwich into a permanent deal.

Lee Brown also signed a contract this summer after his existing two-year stay had expired in an otherwise quiet time in terms of recruitment.

Following Football League members’ approval for the salary cap and accompanying 22-man squad restrictions, Pompey have just three more places remaining.

However, their current squad tally of 19 does not include players aged under 21 and below.

In the Blues’ case, that’s Haji Mnoga, Harry Kavanagh and Eoin Teggart, who all graduated from the Academy at the end of last season.

In addition, Joe Hancott has a deal until December as Jackett assesses the left-back’s progress after suffering a serious knee injury last October.

It remains to be seen whether the youngsters are present for this year’s training camp alongside the senior contingent.

However, there are two notable absences – backroom stalwarts Kev McCormack and Barry Harris.

McCormack, Pompey’s kitman since the summer of 1999, is presently unavailable for personal reasons.

Meanwhile, Harris has not been involved since March’s lockdown as he shields during coronavirus.

The 76-year-old is unlikely to return to Fratton Park boot man duties until beyond the season’s start.

Carrying out their duties is Clark Denford, the assistant kit manager and a popular presence among Pompey’s squad.

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