Last summer, the Blues signed 14 players after Rich Hughes predicted ‘about 9-10′ fresh additions.
Rich Hughes’ reputation has been rightfully boosted by earning the trust and respect of the Fratton faithful; yet, he is a little more circumspect these days.
As his second transfer window at the club approached in the summer of 2023, the sports director publicly stated his desire to recruit ‘about 9-10 players’. The ambitious declaration set a crucial tone in the aftermath of a disappointing third consecutive season in which play-off qualifying was elusive, as it promised a much-needed squad reconstruction.
‘It’s our responsibility to figure out what we need to reinforce and how to add to it, as well as to give some variety to the squad.
‘This summer, there will probably be approximately 9-10 players joining the football club, which is a terrific opportunity for us. That’s in addition to the ones listed above. Fast forward a year, and Pompey finds themselves in a strong position heading into the current transfer window.
The majority of that great group remains, should Marlon Pack and Connor Ogilvie sign their contracts, as generally expected.
Furthermore, the injury and unavailability list will be largely cleared, with every injured player, including Regan Poole, likely to play some part of their pre-season schedule.
Despite the fact that extensive reinforcement is obviously required, Hughes has chosen not to make major transfer guarantees. Not as much as a ‘overhaul’ stated. The truth is that Pompey must recruit for every position during a timeframe that begins on Friday (June 14). It is a truth accepted by their athletic director.
That’s 11 fresh faces, plus possibly another right-back, one more winger, and an extra central midfielder. It brings figures close to last summer’s total of 14.
Given that John Mousinho has also stated that he wants an expanded team of 26 this season to deal with
Championship demands and having a nine-man bench necessitate significant recruitment. Certainly, we don’t know what the situation is with Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson, whose options haven’t been exercised – never a good sign – but the club is eager to negotiate. Should Swanson leave, Mousinho will need to sign two right-backs, one central defender, one left-back, and another goalkeeper, bringing the total number of defenders to five.
Ogilvie and Jack Sparkes may still be around, but another left-back is required, as the club lacks a right-back with the absence of Joe Rafferty and, potentially, Swanson.
Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, Ryley Towler, and Tom McIntyre are all contracted in the center of defense, assuring that there is space for one more.
A first-team challenger. Will Norris will remain first choice in goal, while Toby Steward is set for another loan term to continue his great growth, which saw him named Gosport Fans’ Player of the Season, necessitating another acquisition. In midfield, the wide options are now Paddy Lane, Gavin Whyte, and Anthony Scully.
Clearly, at least two, if not three, signings are required, depending on how Whyte and an injury-free Scully perform in pre-season following such poor debut seasons.
Marlon Pack, Owen Moxon, Ben Stevenson, Tom Lowery, and the versatile Terry Devlin now form the middle of midfield, which is an area that must be addressed ahead of the Championship.
Callum Lang and Christian Saydee are attacking central midfielders, a position occupied by three loan players previous season: Tino Anjorin, Myles Peart-Harris, and Alex Robertson. Finally, up front are Colby Bishop and Kusini Yengi, who are supplemented by Saydee, despite the fact that none of them have ever played at the Championship level, and another position that requires attention.
Realistically, another 13 acquisitions are required to further develop this promising Pompey squad, which has returned to the Championship after a 12-year hiatus.
It promises to be another exciting summer window beginning June 14 – regardless of how the man in charge of the recruitment campaign describes it.
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