‘Decisions are not based on sentiment’ Hughes hopeful of keeping Pack and Ogilvie

The futures of Pompey’s out-ofcontract quartet should soon become clearer. Marlon Pack and Connor Ogilvie have been offered new deals, with the duo regarded as ‘hugely important’ to the

Blues’ Championship plans.

In addition, talks are planned with Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson before the end of this week, with terms not yet discussed.

Pompey decided against taking up the pair’s options, but have indicated they are willing to explore a way of keeping both.

All four were members of the 18-strong Blues contingent which have been celebrating the League

One title in Las Vegas and returned on Wednesday.

And sporting director Rich Hughes, left, is hopeful the quartet can remain.

He told The News: ‘The fact we haven’t offered a lot of contracts shows how hugely important Marlon and Connor are to us.

‘We’ve not made a decision based on sentiment, these are two players we think can definitely help us in the Championship, that’s why we are looking to retain them. We genuinely wouldn't if we didn’t think that was the case.

‘They have already been offered contracts and obviously been having a well-deserved break. Once they get back, they will speak to their agents and we’ll have a conversation. Hopefully we can get two deals concluded.

‘As it stands, we haven’t offered anything to Joe and Zak. Conversations are scheduled for the next couple of days. Their options were just for one year and we wanted to have conversations about restructuring the length of contracts and the different mechanisms you can put in place.