League one champions Sheffield United are going to sign Pompey Player of the Year, also Players’ Player of the Year for a second year running, Enda Stevens, who could come up against former club Aston Villa next term.
The News has said Pompey’s efforts to retain the Irishman, something I thought could actually happen to be honest, look as if they’ll fail with him ‘set to quit’ the Blues when his contract expires.
Stevens, named as part of the PFA Team of the Year for league two, has been superb for Pompey since his arrival from Aston Villa in 2015 but, as much as Paul Cook wants to keep him, the Blues cannot compete with the wages on offer from Sheffield United, possibly more importantly to Stevens, Championship football.
Yes, this is disappointing but players come and players go – if Stevens wants to leave, as much as we’ll miss him, so be it. Admittedly, let’s not beat about the bush or try to play this down, the loss of one of the best left backs in the Football League is a blow, leaving a big void to fill, but it is what is it.
Brandon Haunstrup has always been highly rated at Fratton Park, maybe his chance can now come? Well, assuming he’s offered a new Pompey deal, which I’d expect he will, and goes on to sign it?
It’s a shame Stevens doesn’t want to stay, assuming he definitely does move on, but best of luck to him at Bramall Lane, where he’ll link up with his former Pompey teammates, all on loan at Fratton last season, Marc McNulty, Caolan Lavery and Kieron Freeman at Sheffield United – the latter endured a miserable spell in 2015-16 but Freeman’s been top class for the Blades this season, strange isn’t it…
PLAY UP POMPEY
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