We have got a great squad of players, it just requires a bit of tinkering, says Catlin
MARK CATLIN has offered further insight into Pompey’s January recruitment plans.
As things stand, the Blues sit proudly on top of League One and will be looking to cement their position during the second half of the season.
Kenny Jackett’s men are aiming to reach the Championship at the fourth time of asking, having suffered play-off semi-final defeats in the past two campaigns.
The transfer window opens in just more than a week’s time and will allow the Pompey boss to address areas in his squad he feels could be stronger.
Catlin told the Tony Goodhall Fans’ Conference recently that the Blues have the funds to bring in one ‘good player’.
Now the chief executive has revealed Pompey will target positions they don’t currently have ready-made replacements should injuries bite.
Speaking on his
December 2020 update to the club’s website, Catlin said: ‘It’s obviously a decision for the manager and we will support him with ins and outs.
‘We’re top of the league, we don’t have to make changes. It’s for others to try to catch us, not for us to make changes and catch them.
‘If you took the first six weeks out of the season, we would be in a far better position than what we are now because we are on this amazing run.
‘Sometimes be careful what you wish for in thinking you can get better in regards to players.
‘We have got a great group of players in the squad, I think it just needs a bit of tinkering.
‘This is my own opinion, I’ll be guided by Kenny, but a couple of key positions where we don’t have a natural replacement is where I’d be looking.
‘You look over the pitch and there are some positions where, if there was an injury, we have a readymade replacement. ‘There are some positions where, if we got an injury, we haven’t got that particular position so I think that’s where we are going to be looking.’
Last January, Pompey made three signings.
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild was recruited for an undisclosed fee from Bromley (and is now back there on loan), while Cameron McGeehan (Barnsley) and Steve
Seddon (Birmingham City) arrived on loan until the end of last season.