Two-horse race for The News/Sports Mail's Portsmouth Player of the Season - but voting still open

Since voting began last Wednesday, two names are leading the way by some considerable distance.

Clearly this is no one-horse race, a feat created by the outstanding form of Clarke during the previous two years to claim the honour.

So far, five different names have been put forward by our readers, who have been asked to submit their vote to [email protected]

However, two Pompey players in particular stand out – with nobody else within reach.

In the interests of not influencing the vote, their identities will remain under wraps until the time is right for the reveal.

In the meantime, readers can continue to register their preference before the deadline of Wednesday, July 1, at noon.

There are a number of obvious candidates for The News/Sports Mail’s Player of the Season who are bound to feature strongly.

In no particular order, John Marquis is the club’s leading scorer at present with 14 goals this term.

The summer recruit from Doncaster has been in sizzling form since the turn of the year, with nine goals in 17 appearances during 2020 alone.

There was also the dramatic last-gasp winner against Exeter to earn a Leasing.com Trophy final spot against Salford in a Wembley match still to be rearranged.

Another high in the goal charts is Ronan Curtis, who has been back to his scintillating best since dropped out of the side at the start of October.

The Republic of Ireland international has roared back to form and currently has 13 goals in 42 outings during the campaign so far.

There have also been a sizeable amount of assists as he continues to impress on Pompey’s left flank, earning himself a new long-term deal in February.

Defensively, Christian Burgess has been a tower of strength after re-establishing himself in Kenny Jackett’s team.

The long-serving centre-half started the season as third or fourth choice, with even Tom Naylor selected ahead of him in pre-season friendlies.

However, Burgess has now racked up 43 games and four goals, becoming a pivotal figure during a campaign which will be his last at Fratton Park as he prepares to move to Belgium.

His defensive partner, Sean Raggett, has enjoyed something of a journey in front of the Fratton faithful, emerging magnificently following a difficult start.

Having returned from long-term injury when he arrived from Norwich, he struggled to impress. However, supporters soon began to see a very different player.

Raggett has become something of a cult figure, with fans applauding his no-nonsense defensive play and even chanting for his England inclusion.

Another candidate is Tom Naylor, who continues to be the driving force behind a team with promotion ambition.

He inherited the captaincy from Brett Pitman in September, a promotion fully deserved and reflecting his popularity in a dressing room which last term voted him as Players’ Player of the Year.

Naylor is a crucial player whose presence is massively missed when absent. Consistent, whole-hearted and full of commitment, he is Pompey’s heartbeat.

Of course, there may be other potential recipients, but that is up to our readers to decide.

Please email your choice to [email protected] before a noon deadline of Wednesday, July 1.

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