The impact the suspended football season could have on Lee Brown's Portsmouth future

And Blues writer Jordan Cross has explained exactly why he expects that to be the case in the latest episode of Pompey Talk.

The News reported on Saturday the man who joined from Bristol Rovers two years ago is set to remain at Fratton Park beyond the summer, when his existing deal comes to close.

And with there a possibility of the season continuing through the coming months, Cross explained he thought that was may prove to be significant with what unfolds with the 29-year-old.

He said: ‘In terms of the deal, there’s an option in Pompey’s favour to extend it for 12 months.

‘Obviously with the way things are panning out with the season may well go beyond the date when that option needs to be taken up by.

‘So Pompey would probably end up taking up the option to keep him here.

‘There will be some who view him as a good League One defender, but perhaps he’d have to prove to people he could do it in the Championship.

‘In a way, maybe it’s almost being taken slightly out of Pompey’s hands that Lee will be around for another 12 months at least - and there’s a lot of plusses to that.’

Brown has been a dependable choice of Kenny Jackett’s in his time at Fratton Park, but has picked up his detractors in his time at PO4.

Cross feels any knockers are missing the bigger picture over what the defender has brought to his club.

He added: ‘I don’t get the angst and ire towards Lee Brown from a section of Pompey fans

‘I think he’s been a sturdy, dependable addition and what a lot of Pompey fans won’t see is how important he is around the club.

‘He came at a time when there weren't enough leaders at Pompey and he really added a presence to the dressing room. You can’t underestimate how important that is.

‘I think that’s important to the whole narrative.’