Unanimous Portsmouth verdict over Ipswich Town loanee Conor Chaplin’s Fratton Park future ahead of January window
Conor Chaplin has made 15 appearances for Pompey during his comeback loan stay from Ipswich Town.
Pompey fans on social media have made it clear they want to see Conor Chaplin remain at Fratton Park for the second half of the season.
The popular forward is yet to score during his 15 outings for the Blues, but put in his best performance of the campaign during last Saturday’s 2-1 triumph against Blackburn Rovers.
Chaplin registered his first assist for John Mousinho’s men, with Ibane Bowat converting from the loanee’s corner to complete the turnaround.
Prior to that, the 28-year-old had been in-and-out of the side as the head coach attempted to work out his best position.
With January recall options the standard in the transfer window, we put the question: ‘How do you assess Conor Chaplin's time back at Pompey and would you keep him beyond the January transfer window?’ to supporters on social media - and the response was clear.
Here’s the best of the reaction from Facebook.
Clear Pompey verdict over Conor Chaplin’s Fratton future
Kerry Bedford: It always takes time to bed in. Particularly when playing out of position in an under-confident team. A valuable asset I suspect.
Nicky Cook: We have a player who played no 10 in the premier League last season yet we have played him mainly on the left wing . last Saturday he was superb when finally played in the right position, so definitely keep him.
Dan McClumpha: 100% not a debate , keep him ! Play him in his natural position and he can flourish.
Clark Davies: Keep him- simple!
Matt Pateman: Been really underwhelming, not for a lack of effort though. I’d keep him for the season if we can, he has not become a bad footballer and if we can get him firing he will be an asset.
Kolonel Kasper: I would definitely keep him and try and sign him at the end of season. He's trying too hard, he cares too much. His form will come.
Adam Brown: Before the Blackburn game I would have said send him back but he seemed to have found his best position on Saturday so let’s keep him.
Wayne Grant: You can see why Ipswich let him go on loan to a team in the same division. Looked better against Blackburn in the 10 and just needs a goal then I think he will kick on. I would definitely look to keep him on in January unless we can sign someone that’s a bit more physical.
Teresa Moor: Play him at 10 and keep him. For me it's been a waste putting him in an unnatural position..feel for him he's trying so hard to repay us and its showing. Against Blackburn he was like a different player, so either make him our first choice 10 or we might as well send him back.
Martin Haggard: Sign him up permanently in the summer out of contract at Ipswich, they moved on another level.