A few eyebrows were raised when Carl Baker, who continues to be linked with Coventry, was left out of the Pompey squad to face Walsall on Saturday.
I think we’ve all see then social media reaction?
Baker, playing down suggestions, claims even, he had ‘stormed off’ when informed he wasn’t in Kenny Jackett’s match day squad, seemingly to complete a transfer away from Fratton Park, simply left to do some gym work – admittedly not a reaction I would have expected.
Jackett has told the News Baker DOES have a future at Fratton and can understand his disappointment as missing out.
When asked the question he said: ‘Of course (Baker has a Pompey future). It’s up to players to battle back. Any player not playing is going to be disappointed if they don’t get selected.’
Adam May, who, despite a few mistakes, did well enough on Saturday I thought, is ahead of both Baker and Ben Close at the moment to play alongside Danny Rose.
It’s now down to Baker to ‘win’ the shirt back.
‘Adam May has come through quite well and, so far, I’ve gone with him. I was quite impressed with Ben (Close) in the Fulham game. He’s generally had a good couple of months and I find him a consistent player and person,’ said Jackett.
Adding: ‘I do understand disappointment. Any player not playing will be disappointed. Coming out of pre-season it was a close call, but at the moment Adam and Danny Rose have the shirt. It’s down to Carl to win it back.’
Jackett also said he ‘would expect a conversation’ to take place with Baker but the situation has been ‘pretty much summed it up’ as it stands – his recent absence from training was also due to the fact Baker’s wife is expecting a child so he’s been ‘dealing with that.’
Reading between the lines it doesn’t much sound as if new signing Dion Donohue has arrived with a midfield position in mind; does it?
Jackett didn’t even mention him as an option so – perhaps I’ve read something into this that isn’t the case – his selection could come at left back. Well, unless the boss throws a curve ball.
Baker, 34, has the experience and ability that would benefit the squad, which I think – experience – is important to keep within the setup. Therefore I’d be happy if he was retained but, despite what Baker and Jackett have said, if the midfielder left before the transfer deadline it wouldn’t be a surprise to me at all.
Actually, if Baker didn’t go I would perhaps be more surprised… a case of ‘watch this space’ methinks.
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2017-18 Prediction League – August
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