Andre Green became the latest addition to the Pompey squad on Wednesday when he completed a loan switch from Aston Villa.
✍️ #Pompey are delighted to announce the signing of @AndreGreen_ on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa pic.twitter.com/w1GAdJiC7A
— Portsmouth FC (@officialpompey) August 29, 2018
On the face of it this is another very good addition, in my opinion.
I’m not naïve enough to think otherwise, he wouldn’t say anything other, but Green himself tweeted his delighted at arriving on a season-long loan.
I am delighted to sign for @officialpompey on loan. Massive club with great history! Looking forward to the challenge????⚪️ #Pompey pic.twitter.com/vrtX3tXNeD
— André Green (@AndreGreen_) August 29, 2018
It wouldn’t be right to say Green is a regular for Aston Villa as such, however, he has featured this season and the 20-year-old can boast Championship experience beyond this campaign. Therefore, given his apparent ability and the likelihood he can play at a higher level – I believe he turned out in the Premier League as a teenager for Villa too? – it would appear Kenny Jackett has brought in a quality forward.
There’s certainly surprise from some Aston Villa fans that Steve Bruce sanctioned his Villa Park exit.
No Villa fan wanted this. But all the best André. #UTV
— James Wall (@ClawedJeeves) August 29, 2018
Can’t believe we have allowed you to go out on loan I’d of let Albert adomah go
— Andrew Pincombe (@AndrewPincombe) August 29, 2018
Weird decision to let you go on loan can’t understand Steve Bruce sometimes. Good luck
— VTID (@jeppo71) August 29, 2018
I’m sorry but this is complete bullshit @AVFCOfficial we should be building our own players, not every one elses!!! I find it completely distasteful that 2 months ago we would have been looking to him to play an important part in our league survival. Yet now we cast him aside?!?!
— ThisisBud (@OnlyThisisBud) August 30, 2018
Andre Green to Portsmouth is a joke, he’ll be the best player in that league.. unreal pre season and potato head loans him out ffs #avfc
— Josh (@Joshtrich1) August 28, 2018
@AndreGreen_ going to Portsmouth is a complete joke???? one of the best players at the club who should be starting in my opinion. Yes Bolasie arriving didn’t help but surely sending him on loan isn’t the right move. Confusing decision Brucey???? #AVFC
— EH_AV (@Fwizzeda) August 28, 2018
Ok then. We’re happy he’s arrived and Green is happy too. Yes, some of his parent clubs’ fans aren’t overjoyed, but what can we expect from him? Well, here are a few comments about that too.
Andre Green to Portsmouth is extremely bizarre. Was showing more than enough signs of being able to cut it in the Champ.
A drop to League One level is a backwards step for his development imo. Fully expect him to smash it at #Pompey #AVFC #PUP— Alex Othon (@lovespud83) August 28, 2018
Seems he has lost his confidence since his injury, however when he gets games he will be ace! Quick, good dribbling and shooting. Hope he gets you guys back up
— zacc (@ZaccheryDoherty) August 28, 2018
Strong, quick, direct, got a rocket of a shot on him and tricks in his locker. Doesn’t always get his head up and can make poor decisions but works hard and has a lot of potential. Will be quality for you boys. Dodgy hamstring though!
— Chris S (@chrisscribbles) August 28, 2018
A slight concern I would have is the fact Green isn’t an out and out striker, which is perhaps something lacking in the Blues’ squad? Yes, we have a lot of forwards, but many of these are primarily players more recognised for playing out wide, including Green.
But, especially looking at the attacking and creative ability we seem to have, provided Jackett can get the best out of them, all in all, I’m pleased with this addition of Green. In fact, I was surprised when Green’s name came into the rumour mill in the first place, so his leaving Villa Park for League One, obviously ending up on the south coast is a bonus.
Looking at some other comments though, Green might have a few issues with injuries? These have been highlighted.
He is hit and miss at the moment that’s the truth partially down to being injured for a long time will be interesting to see how he gets on at your place definitely needs game time got pace and a good shot on him hope it works out
— neil walsh (@neilwalsh1401) August 29, 2018
Killer injury, needs games, will be up and running by Xmas for you, hopefully back with us next season – very good young player. (Great attitude as well) ????
— noah (@noah1874) August 29, 2018
Had a year out injured, needs to play, could be good for you and him.????????????
— shay james (@ShayRugeley) August 29, 2018
Green’s arrival will now almost certainly see Conor Chaplin’s own departure confirmed before the loan deadline.
Let’s face it; Chaplin has been heading for the Fratton Park exit gates for some time. As you know, I still feel it is probably best for all concerned this does happen, but, playing devil’s advocate, his ability to play as a central striking figure could end up leaving us short through the middle…
PLAY UP POMPEY