What Blues’ best XI now looks like after 13 players move on
Pompey said goodbye to eight players on Friday as the Blues released their retained list following the conclusion of their 2022-23 League One campaign.
It means 13 players will have now departed the club since their final-day draw against Wycombe last Sunday, with this term’s five loanees now back with their respective parent clubs.
Left behind are 17 contracted players – including Toby Steward, Haji Mnoga and Liam Vincent – who form the basis of Pompey’s squad ahead of another summer of recruitment.
It will be interesting to see how the fsquad takes shape once the transfer window reopens on June 10 and what twists and turns lie ahead.
In the meantime, though, we’ve taken a look at what Pompey’s strongest XI would be now based on those players who remain at Fratton Park and whether that provides an insight into what to expect on the recruitment front going forward.
Goalkeeper – Josh Oluwayemi
The 22-year-old would have to start in goal given Matt Macey’s return to parent club Luton.
However, Oluwayemi’s performance against Wycombe suggests he’s not ready to establish himself as Pompey’s No1.
A season out on loan would no doubt benefit him so that he can gain much-needed first-team experience.
Withthatinmind,Pompey might need to recruit two keepers this summer.
Steward is, of course, another option.
But like Oluwayemi, the promising youngster won’t benefit by being the Blues’ back-up option next season and spending the majority of his time on the bench.
Right-back – Joe Rafferty
The Scouser has been one of Pompey’s most impressive performers over the second half of the season.
And had it not been for the injury that ruled him out for the majority of the first half, the 29-year-old would have given Colby Bishop a run for his money when it came to the Blues’ end-of-season honours.
There’s no need for any tinkering at right-back this summer.
Rafferty’s got this nailed on, while Zak Swanson is more than capable of providing the competition and depth that’s needed.
The 29-year-old found himself on the bench for Pompey’s last three games of the season as John Mousinho took a closer look at loanee Di’Shon Bernard ahead of a potential permanent move for the Manchester United youngster in the summer.
Raggett will have felt hard done by given another steady season at the back for the Blues and will no doubt be itching to prove his worth again next term.
He has his knockers but the former Norwich man is a reliable performer.
Additional competition won’t do Raggett or Pompey any harm, though, and with Bernard and Clark Robertson now gone, two new centre-halves could be recruited in the weeks ahead.
Centre-back – Ryley Towler
The January signing has made an instant impact at Fratton Park – bar one or two defensive errors.
Originally signed as ‘one for the future’, the former Bristol City youngster has already proved he’s first teamready.
Mousinho has already shown, though, that he’s not afraid to drop the Fratton favourite.
And with potentially two new centre-backs earmarked for the summer, competition for places will hopefully improve.
Left-back – Connor Ogilvie
Pompey’s ‘Mr Dependable’ has just been awarded a new Fratton Park contract – the only senior member of those out of contract to do so. Ogilvie has made the leftback spot his own, and with Mousinho keen to improve his potential going forward, he should hopefully only get better.
Greater competition at left-back is needed, though.
Denver Hume will more than likely move on this summer and that means another left-back will be on the recruitment agenda.
Youngster Liam Vincent might like to challenge that theory, however.
Central midfield – Joe Morrell
The midfielder showed some of his best form for Pompey after his World Cup exploits with Wales.
However, two red cards already under Mousinho left Pompey weakened in midfield at crucial times and that needs to be avoided going forward.
If Pompey can keep Morrell over the summer – there’s expected to be interest of some sort – then the midfield has solid foundations to build upon.
At least two more midfield additions will be needed, though, following the departures of Louis Thompson and Ryan Tunnicliffe.
Meanwhile, Jay Mingi will also likely leave, despite the offer of a new contract being on the table.
Central midfield – Marlon Pack
The midfielder has been a steady influence in Pompey’s engine room and finished the League One season as the Blues’ joint second highest scorer with five goals.
His midfield partnership with Morrell and Tom Lowery has a lot of potential, especially at League One level.
However, expect competition for places to be ramped up over the summer.
Central midfield – Tom Lowery
It’s fair to say that the Fratton faithful didn’t see as much of the 2022 summer signings as they would have liked this season following a campaign hindered by injury.
The same can be said for the player’s goals and assists record, with no goals and just two assists to show for his 21 games in all competitions.
Despite this, Lowery has plenty of admirers at PO4 and it’s hoped a full pre-season will benefit both him and the club massively.
Right wing – Reeco Hackett
In fairness, Hackett only occupies the right flank given Owen Dale’s departure and the lack of alternatives.
Some might suggest youngster Koby Mottoh would be a better option, but we need to be realistic given his age and experience.
There’s a good chance Hackett will leave Fratton Park this summer after another season that has seen him fail to establish himself as a regular.
The recruitment of a firstteam starter and sufficient back-up in this key position will be essential.
Striker – Colby Bishop
The presence of Pompey’s 24-goal top scorer emphasis just how strong the spine of the Blues’ team is – irrespective of recent departures.
However, greater competition is a must going forward, with Dane Scarlett and Joe Pigott not providing enough of this during the past season.
The need to recruit well here is also essential, with talk that Bishop might generate significant interest from elsewhere in the summer.
Left wing – Paddy Lane
The Northern Ireland international has been slowly but surely adjusting to life at Fratton Park – and more will be expected of the 22-year-old with a good pre-season under his belt.
Pompey, however, can’t go into the new season with must Lane operating down the left flank.
The departure of Michael Jacobs, plus Ronan Curtis’ situation, means new faces are needed here – and fast.