TWO BIG DAYS OF TALKS FOR MOUS
John Mousinho has detailed when Pompey’s players will find out their Fratton fates.
And the Blues boss has outlined how plans to speak to every squad player in two days of talks to convey what lies ahead for them.
Pompey have 13 players out of contract this summer, and meetings on May 9 and 10 will confirm whether the likes of Clark Robertson, Connor Ogilvie, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Louis Thompson will be staying.
But there’s also contracted players like Colby Bishop, Joe Morrell and Denver Hume who could either generate interest or look to move.
Mousinho said: ‘We’ve tried to be consistent and say we want to get the season done, whether there’s anything to play for or not. We need to have those conversations after that.
‘We don’t want conversations to be had either way next week and then we need or don’t need players. I think that’s unfair on Wycombe and probably unfair on us.
‘So we want to make sure we finish the season strongly.
‘We’ve got plenty of time between now and next season, so we’ll have those chats on May 9 and 10 and that’s absolutely fine.’
Mousinho explained the details over the format of the meetings are still to be decided, but he will expect face-toface discussions with squad members.
Sporting director Rich Hughes will also be heavily involved as the finer details of how things will proceed are defined.
Mousinho added: ‘If you’re going to tell a player that they are released you want to do it face to face. You want to do it properly and give your reasons, so I genuinely think an extra day at the training ground isn’t too much to ask.
‘Rich and I are going to have a chat about that (how the meetings will take place), because we haven’t done that yet. We’re both keen to be there face to face and explain to the players what that looks like.
‘We’ve been so focussed on this season and recruitment for next season.
‘We’ve aired and discussed things along the way, because these are really important decisions to make for the club and also the players’ contracts, careers and lives. So that will be thoroughly thought through.’