Portsmouth weigh up resurrecting development group plans ahead of proposed Football League changes

Mark Catlin has admitted the Blues are contemplating resurrecting the concept in light of salary cap proposals.

Plans had previously been mooted to introduce a set-up to act as a buffer between the first-team and Academy for the 2020-21 campaign.

The group would compete in league competition, with Michael Poke already recruited from Southampton as goalkeeping coach for the 18s and under-23s.

However, the blueprint was scrapped in April following the financial devastation caused by the coronavirus.

Now the idea has been revisited as Pompey assess the potential repercussions of a £2.5m salary cap.

Although, if given the green light, it wouldn’t be in place until after next season.

Catlin told The News: ‘I have consistently said it is a very expensive exercise and, until the current economic situation sorts itself out, it’s something which has slightly gone on the backburner.

‘But with the salary cap and under-21s being excluded from squad numbers, it is now firmly back on our radar.

‘I would say given the way things are going, it will be something we definitely need to be looking at.

‘As soon as the pandemic looks like it’s clearing and the dust settles in regards of salary caps, this will be firmly back on the agenda to be discussed by the board and the club.

‘Although it’s too late to plan this year.’

The Football League’s salary cap proposals are expected to be voted on next week.

In addition to a £2.5m ceiling, there are also calls to restrict League One and League Two squad sizes to 22.

That is part of a gradual decrease, seeing numbers reduced to 21 for 2021-22 and then 20 for 2022-23.

Those aged under 21 are not counted in those tallies, putting a greater emphasis on youth involvement.

An alternative would be to bring in players on loan which fit that age bracket, with Pompey eyeing Brighton’s Alex Cochrane as a loan.

However, the club are keen to bolster their prolific Academy production line with a development group.

That would offer third-year scholars such as Harry Cavanagh, Alfie Stanley and Eoin Teggart considerably more match opportunities to aid their growth.

In turn, it would bolster Jackett’s options should the 22-man squad proposed by the Football League be approved.

Catlin added: ‘I have said all along that to do it properly and recruit the players, prepare the pitches, enter the various leagues and recruit the right assistant manager and manager for that group, it takes time.

‘You are probably looking at a year in preparation.’

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