Rasmus Nicolaisen's Portsmouth future, Fratton Park's redevelopment, could Jordy Hiwula go? - Your questions answered

Q. Do you think Rasmus Nicolaisen will cut his loan spell short and return to his parent club next month?

Tony Moore (via email)

Kenny Jackett rated Nicolaisen’s performance at Hull was his best display for the club so far.

Yet the Dane is very much back up for Jack Whatmough and Sean Raggett, hence his recall to the side for that League One outing.

Surely few can dispute Pompey’s best central-defensive partnership is the Whatmough/Raggett pairing – which, for Nicolaisen, is the issue.

He has made 10 appearances since joining in September, but clearly not enough to satisfy his desire for regular first-team football.

Nicolaisen has been vocal on how he is prepared to return to Denmark in January, thereby cutting his season-long loan short.

That surely must have been noted by the Blues, with a replacement centre-half urgently required should he carry that out.

Worth noting, however, is the Danish Superliga has been closed for a winter break since December 20.

They are scheduled to recommence on February 3. Which would also impact on Nicolaisen’s availability should he return home.

Q. Will we finally see progress in terms of Fratton Park's development in 2021?

Andy Sutcliffe (via email)

In August, the council granted planning permission for the Milton End’s redevelopment.

Described as ‘phase one’ of Pompey’s stadium development plan, it represents the crucial first step.

However, this remains very much on hold until Pompey can gain support from Network Rail and local and central government for other improvements in Fratton Park’s vicinity.

This is with an eye on constructing a new North Stand, a development they want to be helped by a regenerated surrounding area and improved transport infrastructure.

Crucially, however, the ‘stakeholders’ were not keen before coronavirus. Now the pandemic has devastated the economy and finances, how realistic is it?

Incidentally, Pompey have made it very clear that the stakeholders are not required to contribute a penny to Fratton Park.

Q. Do you think we could lose any key players during January – especially ones who are out of contract in the summer?

James Hearnshaw (via email)

The most intriguing one is Jordy Hiwula, whose short-term deal is scheduled to expire on January 20.

WIth three goals in five appearances, it’s a fine return amid reduced first-team opportunities, and no doubt will interest other clubs.

Let’s not forget, before Hiwula’s October arrival, he hadn’t trained with a club since March and not featured in the league for 11 months. Now he is fully up to speed.

Should he opt not to renew his contract, that will leave the Blues with just John Marquis and Ellis Harrison as their strikers. It will also create a space in their restricted 22-man squad.

In terms of anyone else leaving, the rest are contracted until the season’s end at the very least and are required to maintain a genuine promotion push.

The lure is the opportunity to help Pompey win a return to the Championship – and potentially remain for the next stage.

Would they agitate for a move in January when they could potentially be part of something special?

As for key players departing next month, they would have to go to the Championship – and do those clubs currently have the finances to drive big-money deals?

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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