The non-league hotshots who Portsmouth could take a gamble on this summer

The coronavirus crisis has decimated Pompey’s plans, with the financial ramifications leaving a massive hole in the balance sheet.

Kenny Jackett’s previous plans will know require a considerable rethink as budgets are redrawn and different targets identified.

As a result, it could lead to the Blues boss scouring lower down the football pyramid more profusely than he'd have liked.

In fairness, Jackett’s never been averse to assessing which gems he could unearth in non-league football during his time at the Fratton Park helm.

Oli Hawkins was plucked from Dagenham for an undisclosed fee in August 2018, while Louis Dennis moved to Pompey the following summer on a free transfer from Bromley.

And, in January, Jackett raided the Ravens for a second time when he signed Reeco Hackett-Fairchild for an undisclosed fee.

The non-league pathway has also been used by plenty of members of the manager’s current Blues squad.

Alex Bass, Ben Close, Christian Burgess, Ellis Harrison, Marcus Harness and Tom Naylor are just a few who've honed their craft outside the professional ranks, proving how successful it can be.

So if Jackett does look to dip into non-league market again, we’ve picked out some of the best upcoming talents...

Ethan Chislett - Aldershot

Pompey wouldn’t have to leave to Hampshire to recruit the Shots midfielder.

Chislett was the subject of reported interest from the likes of Luton and Forest Green before Christmas but remained at the Recreation Ground.

Chislett’s a diminutive central midfielder with a low centre of gravity – an attribute that Ben Thompson brought to the table during his scintillating loan last term – who is capable of operating in the number eight and number-10 roles.

After impressing for Met Police last season, creating the winning goal to knock the Hawks out of the FA Cup, Chislett has continued his hurtling progress at Aldershot.

The 21-year-old bagged nine goals in 38 appearances for the 16th-placed National League Shots, as well as scoring in their 4-0 friendly victory over a Pompey XI in pre-season.

Jonah Ayunga - Hawks

He’s a name that Pompey fans will be aware of playing a few miles up the road at Westleigh Park.

When the striker arrived at the Hawks last summer, boss Paul Doswell insisted Ayunga could put himself in the shop window for a Football League return.

Doswell also mentioned that the Blues could also be the club who take an interest and he proved a handful in the annual pre-season friendly.

Ayunga hit the ground running for the National League South club, with Doswell revealing there were Championship, League One and League Two clubs keeping an eye on the ex-Brighton forward’s progress.

He bagged 17 league goals before the non-league season was completed – a fine tally for a 22-year-old.

You’d expect him to be moving on this summer and could provide decent competition to John Marquis and Ellis Harrison.

Josh Kay – Barrow

It’s been a superb season for Barrow and it would be heartbreaking if they were denied promotion to League Two.

But even if they do make a Football League return, the Bluebirds could see Kay depart on a free transfer if he gets a better offer elsewhere.

The penny finally dropped for the 23-year-old this season according to manager Ian Evatt, who's seen marked improvement from Kay after being team-mates at Chesterfield.

He operated mainly as a left wing-back this term, offering plenty of energy and vigour down the flank which yielded six goals in 29 appearances.

Having graduated through Barnsley’s academy, Kay appears hungry to climb his way back up the ladder and his versatility would be a welcome addition.

Will Smith - Harrogate

The centre-back could have remained at Barnsley after being offered a new contract last summer - but instead turned it down for regular action.

Smith completed a switch to Harrogate and established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet during their National League promotion push.

He made 37 appearances for the Railwaymen – including a run out in Pompey’s FA Cup 2-1 win at Wetherby Road in November – which is no mean feat having only turned 21 in November.

Smith spent last term on loan at Darlington, with Harrogate boss Simon Weaver impressed how the youngster met the physical demands of National League North.

Smith’s been described as ‘a proper defender who doesn’t mind putting his head where it hurts’ by his current boss.

Those are the traits Jackett looks for first and foremost in his centre-halves.

Central defence is an area that could need bolstering, with uncertainty over the futures of Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett.

Kabongo Tshimanga - Boreham Wood

Pompey recently signed one of the most exciting talents in non-league football in Hackett-Fairchild - and Tshimanga would be another.

The 22-year-old had an excellent season for Boreham Wood, plundering 19 goals in 38 appearances.

Tshimanga displayed his hunger to drop out of the Football League for regular football after being released by MK Dons and was named in the National League South Team of the Year last year when representing Oxford City.

The one-cap England C international has a year left on his deal at Boreham Wood.

Nevertheless, Pompey have had recent dealings with the Wood.

Adam May moved to Meadow Park on loan in February and you'd think the rapport would make it easier to thrash out a potential deal.

Tshimanga was linked with Preston and Huddersfield during the January transfer window.