The looming Portsmouth decision that's flown under the radar

The January transfer window opens tomorrow – and all eyes are on Pompey’s activity in the market.
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. Picture: Paul ThompsonReeco Hackett-Fairchild. Picture: Paul Thompson
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. Picture: Paul Thompson

It offers a chance for the Blues to bolster their League One promotion push. Get things right and they might just reach the Championship at the fourth attempt.

But outgoings could also happen, with several players’ futures uncertain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jordy Hiwula’s contract expires on January 20 and he could leave if promised a more prominent role elsewhere. The striker’s made just five appearances in all competitions.

Then there’s whether Pompey will manage to keep hold of loan-duo Rasmus Nicolaisen and Cam Pring.

The former’s been unhappy about his lack of opportunities and may opt to return to FC Midtjylland, while Bristol City are supposedly edging towards recalling Pring.

But perhaps one decision that's flown under the radar what the Blues will do with Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The forward's loan at Bromley is due to expire on January 3, meaning Kenny Jackett needs to make a decision pretty swiftly.

Hackett-Fairchild moved to Fratton Park a year ago for an undisclosed fee from the non-league outfit.

He found opportunities difficult to come by, however, and featured only once for Kenny Jackett's side following his arrival.

The decision was made in September for Hackett-Fairchild to return to Bromley. Not only was it a chance to play regularly once again but gain match sharpness should he be needed at PO4.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ex-Charlton man's early impact at the Ravens was hampered by injury, adding to his frustrations.

But since returning to full fitness, he's once again proven to be a pivotal player for Neil Smith's side.

To date, Hackett-Fairchild has registered two goals and two assists in 12 appearances.

His performances have helped put Bromley firmly in the National League play-off mix. They sit eighth on 22 points but have two games in hand on second-placed Hartlepool, who have 27 points.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A player testing positive for Covid-19 postponed the Ravens' festive fixture list as they had to go into isolation.

That would have been especially frustrating for Hackett-Fairchild after a man-of-match-performance in front of the BT Sport cameras in a 1-0 win over Solihull Moors on December 12.

The former Boreham Wood ace's progress was being closely monitored, with the Pompey boss saluting Hackett-Fairchild’s form for Bromley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At the time, all of the Blues' attacking players were fit, with Jackett suggesting it's worth keeping Hackett-Fairchild ticking along in the background should he be needed.

If he returned, it's unlikely he'd dislodge the likes of Jacobs, Ryan Williams Ronan Curtis or Marcus Harness from the starting line-up.

Should Hackett-Fairchild’s stay be extended at Bromley, it would be make sense for all parties.

The Ravens would retain a key man, while Pompey would still be able to recall someone match day if required. That’s the bonus of sending him to a National League side rather than a Football League club.

Even still, a decision on Hackett-Fairchild’s future must be made.