Cult heroes stay: What to expect from Portsmouth's retained list this summer

01/05/2024 16:11

Portsmouth are heading up to the Championship but upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, attention quickly turns to plans for the summer.

Portsmouth will be determined to retained the crux of the squad that completed a long awaited rise from League One as champions.

However, as John Mousinho and co gear up for the second-tier, it’s inevitable that some players move on from Fratton Park. It will pave the way for new signings to be made, and they will be needed despite the strength of the existing squad.

It has been said that Pompey will confirm their retained list in the coming days. With that said, here’s what to expect when Portsmouth make the announcement…

Marlon Pack, Sean Raggett remain

While there’s a wide selection of out of contract players, Marlon Pack and Sean Raggett’s names will be the first that Portsmouth fans look for.

Portsmouth-born club captain Pack has written himself into Pompey folklore after leading his club to promotion and as an experienced Championship player and standout in League One, keeping him onboard should be of the utmost importance.

As for Raggett, some may have seen a future away from Fratton Park for him earlier in the season.

However, the towering centre-back has taken his game to another level and stepped back into the side brilliantly when Regan Poole was ruled out with an ACL injury. That surely earns him a place in their Championship plans and an extended contract with Pompey.

Potential extensions

Wales international Joe Morrell is another strong candidate for an extended deal.

The midfielder has played in the Championship before and will be widely tipped to manage the step back to that level. He’s been an important player for Mousinho and when fit, he’s among their top performers.

Full-backs Joe Rafferty and Connor Ogilvie are two more players that fans will be eager to see stay. The former has played plenty of Championship football before while the latter has always been a dependable and versatile option at the back.

Decisions are to be made on short-term signing Lee Evans. He’s not long been fit after a long-term injury but again, his second-tier past could make him a useful asset.

Zak Swanson is another whose fate will be intriguing. He’s got a bright future and can definitely be a reliable option at right-back, but his injury record has meant limited action at times.

Players to be released

It seems likely that winger Josh Martin will not be remaining with Portsmouth as game time has been hard to come by since his free transfer arrival. The same goes for Ryan Schofield, who has been third-choice ‘keeper since signing last summer.

Matt Macey may well look elsewhere for starting football too with Will Norris the nailed on starter in goal. If he remains though, he makes for a reliable backup.

Youngster Liam Vincent has featured sparingly since signing from Bromley in 2021 and may benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

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