A Pompey judgement day is upon us as the out-of-contract players will soon know their fate. Well, they’ll know what Kenny Jackett’s intentions are towards them, but what will they opt for themselves?
So, what do I think? This, for what it’s worth, is what I say.
Kal Naismith
I really don’t mind the guy. The part he played in our League Two success was phenomenal. However, he’s struggled at times this season and as I said recently I do tend to think it’s the end of the line for the Scot at Fratton Park.
Verdict – He’ll leave.
Nicke Kabamba
What a disappointment. I don’t mean to be harsh towards Kabamba, but he came to Fratton Park with such a reputation, which hasn’t been lived up to at all. He struggled for football and didn’t make an impact at all when rare chances came his way. Loans away from Pompey weren’t much better for the striker either.
Verdict – He’ll be released. Well, we know as much as he’s already told us.
Brandon Haunstrup
I think he grew in confidence as the season unfolded and I’ve no issue with him as our first choice left back going forward. I can see why he’s had such a good reputation and it appears to me, having only played second fiddle due to the ability Enda Stevens had, Haunstrup could have the impact at Pompey Stevens did.
Verdict – He’ll stay; we’ll at least offer a deal.
Adam May
Yes, he’s still young, but he’s gained some valuable experience this season. May’s been a virtual ever-present in the matchday squads this season, in fact, earlier in the campaign I had him ahead of Ben Close in the pecking order. Close recovered well and was, of course, named the Young Player of the Season. The decision to release Theo Widdrington because of the presence of May and Close almost certainly means May stays, surely?
Verdict – He’ll stay.
Jez Bedford
Bedford has been on the outskirts of the first team this season but has appeared to be part of Jackett’s plans, training with the senior professionals.
Verdict – I’m really unsure, to be honest. The release of Widdrington – who is interesting Brighton – suggests Bedford’s time could be up? As said, unsure.
Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain
It’s always tough to follow in the footsteps of others. His old man, Mark Chamberlain, had a good career. His sibling, Alex, is a Premier League regular and plays for England. Oxlade-Chamberlain has been there or thereabouts for a while, his versatility could be a positive, but also a negative as not knowing his best position could be an issue? But for a serious injury upon his recall from loan there’s every chance he would have been given a first-team opportunity if nothing else been among the substitutes. His injury doesn’t help matters, but it could result in a decision being held back?
Verdict – I think he’ll be offered the chance to recuperate at the club with a contract decision pending his return to full fitness. If a decision has in fact been made I think it’ll result in Oxlade-Chamberlain being released as opposed to being offered a new deal.
Loanees
It’s been a mixed bag from the players who came in on a temporary basis; some were dealt injury blows, which can’t be helped. However, I’ll keep it simple and opt against running through them individually, doing so as a collective.
Sylvain Deslandes and Matthew Kennedy haven’t done enough for me and I wouldn’t want them offered the chance to return to Fratton Park next season, to be honest.
Fitness depending, I’d happily see Anton Walkes return from Tottenham and wouldn’t be opposed to Stephen Henderson returning on a permanent basis. I’m assuming Tareiq Holmes-Dennis isn’t going to get a chance at Huddersfield anytime soon, so given the impact, he made in his short-time on the south coast before the injury I’d probably welcome him back to be fair.
I feel Connor Ronan has something about him, which would leave me pleased to see an agreement reached with Wolves for another loan, at least. Stuart O’Keefe certainly had his best game for Pompey against Peterborough, a level of performance I’d expect from him more regularly. The Cardiff midfielder has the experience and ability to warrant a place in the Blues squad, for me.
PLAY UP POMPEY
