Portsmouth's need to 'evolve' played key role in 'tough decision' to release Ipswich striker Oli Hawkins

But the Pompey boss said a need to ‘evolve’ and to free up space played a key part in his judgement.

The striker was let go by the Blues at the end of his contract in July.

He joined Brett Pitman, Adam May, Matt Casey and Luke McGee in being shown the Fratton Park door, following 18 goals in 96 appearances.

His final season at PO4 was disrupted by injury.

SEE ALSO: Different club but similar split opinion among fans as Ipswich's Hawkins prepares for Pompey reunion

But the former non-league front man was soon able to get over the disappointment of his exit by signing for League One rivals Ipswich on a free transfer.

Since his Portman Road arrival, Hawkins has featured regularly for Paul Lambert’s side, scoring one goal in 11 appearances to date.

And as the 28-year-old prepares for a possible reunion with his former Blues team-mates in tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round tie, Jackett said his decision to release him was by no means an easy one to take.

The Pompey manager said: ‘Oli did very well during his time with us after coming out of non-league.

‘Everyone here has a lot of time for Oli and we wish him all the best.

‘We couldn't keep everybody and we had some other forwards.

‘Difficult decisions had to be made but he will be of very good use and a very good player for Ipswich for sure.

‘Sometimes you need some spaces in your squad as well.

‘We felt that we needed to perhaps evolve slightly but it was a difficult decision to release him.

‘To release someone that had done so well for us, it was a hard one.

‘Oli had some choices over the summer definitely and has gone to a good club who've made a good start to the season.’

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