Worthy doing the right thing

In my opinion Worthy has made a good start to the summers transfer activities by clearing out some of tose who were not going to feature next season and therefore making valuable room in the squad. Although I think Crowe is a little unlucky few can argue with Mcveigh, Mulryne, Stuart and Edworthy being shown the door. To add to them we obviously have Bentley and I would also expect Francis and (probably) Green and Helveg to leave this summer. So:

Out: Mulryne, Mcveigh, Crowe, Edworthy, Stuart, Francis, Helveg, Bentley, (Green)

As for replacements I don't think we need to buy another keeper as Ward looks decent enough and Gallagher will do a job as back up.

Defensively I think we need 2 or 3 players. Think there is something in the Darren Ward rumour so he could plug the gap at centreback and in addition would expect to see one, if not two right backs.

Midfield - again 2 or 3 players needed. Strong central midfielder to replace Francis. Dickson Etuhu would fit the bill. High priority must also be a right winger with some pace. Jonson can do a job there but does not offer much attaching threat. I would seriously consider Steve Stone who the Pompey fans really rate on the right side of midfield but think perhaps instead we may go for a young, pacy winger - possibly on loan.

Up front - subject to Deano, Leon and Sven staying I think we are ok in this department.

All in all I am relatively upbeat about the squad for next season but who we bring in is key. No more journeymen (Stone comments aside) or 17/18 year olds. What we need are young, athletic players who have shpown a bit of quality and are now ready to make the next step up. If Francis and Green both go we should get 4 or 5 million in which would enable us to pick up some decent players.

Posted By: Jim, May 18, 08:56:43