Pompey look as if we’ll soon complete the signing of Brett Pitman. Well, it seems we have in fact…
According to BBC Radio Solent the Blues ‘are close to completing the signing’ of the Ipswich forward.
Pitman, who is familiar with the south coast from two spells at Bournemouth, which came either side of three years at Bristol City and, best of all, the Ipswich forward is proven at League One level, as he is the Championship, of course.
Experience isn’t an issue either – Pitman is now 29.
Under contract until next summer, Pitman, who is set to be given a free transfer, ‘has been told he can leave Portman Road as Mick McCarthy shakes up his options this summer,’ reports the News.
However, a much as talks ‘are progressing well’ the News went on to add: ‘Pompey are exercising caution over bringing in the 29-year-old with plenty of sides keen on securing his services. The former Bournemouth man has a year left on his contract, but Ipswich would be prepared to let him leave without a fee.’
Pitman didn’t want to drop down from the Championship, scorer of just four goals last season but 11 the one before that and 14 when Bournemouth became champions of the Championship in 2014-15, but the interest from Pompey ‘has made him reconsider that position.’
A deal isn’t yet ‘official’ but a leaked video, which was then removed, but not before it was picked up on social media, confirmed a Pitman had signed.
Pitman: "That's got to be our aim, collectively, to go up to the next level." #Pompey pic.twitter.com/fLKb8Ddx7G
— PompeyNewsNow (@PompeyNewsNow) 13 July 2017
Yes, Pitman struggled for goals last season but that sums up Ipswich as a whole really and I know I would sooner bring him in than Dagenham & Redbridge’s Ollie Hawkins – interest that’s set to end after attention was shifted to a proven Football League option.
I’m quite excited by the prospect of Pitman pitching up at Fratton Park and I’m sure if we supply him with chances he’ll take them under Kenny Jackett. I also think he’ll work well alongside someone like Conor Chaplin – who WOULDN’T be forced out of the side as a result.
On the topic of Chaplin, the anticipation is he’ll get back to his best this season too.
What the poll asked – Will Chaplin get back to his best this season?
How you voted – Yes, playing regularly will help 67%
Maybe, Havant was only a friendly of course 20%
No, think he’s peaked already 13%
PLAY UP POMPEY
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