Portsmouth back in training: Who’s present and who’s not as pre-season work begins
The News were invited to join Pompey’s first day of pre-season training at their Hilsea training base today. Here’s what Blues writer, Jordan Cross, saw
As far as pre-season training goes ,it’s perhaps the most straightforward Pompey return of recent years.
Usually there’s a player to hide, a recognisable triallist to conceal or absence which raises transfer questions.
No surprise absences and no significant new faces as Pompey return
But not this time.
Eighteen senior players training, supplemented by four keepers and seven of John Mousinho’s group rehabbing to differing degrees from injury.
Two groups of nine made up the training party who were overseen by Mousinho and his coaching staff, who went through an hour’s work based around small-sided possession games.
Terry Devlin was fit enough to be fully involved, after injury curtailed the in-demand Northern Ireland international’s season.
Hayden Matthews, Keshi Anderson and Franco Umeh were others doing likewise, after missing the end of the campaign.
Every so often, one of the players not in the group would jog by with a smile and a wave.
Josh Murphy, Marlon Pack, Ebou Adams, Zak Swanson, Jacob Farrell, Mark Kosznovszky and Tayo Singerr made up the seven in that category. There was no suggestion of any real concern over the new names in that group.
The single unfamiliar face at the Pompey Health & Fitness Club joined the goalkeeper group, which consisted of Nicolas Schmid, Ben Killip and Toby Steward.
Pompey fans are clamouring for transfer activity and are enthused by the names in the frame.
There was no sign, however, of Rocco Shein, with the move believed to be progressing to an advanced stage.
Nor was striker Marko ‘Marezi’ Milovanović, despite some supporters believing the big Serb was in town after a picture of the UD Almeria working in a gym did the rounds on social media.
Perhaps significantly, sporting director Rich Hughes was nowhere to be seen, with Hughes present across on the first day of pre-season training in past seasons.
Of course, there were many possible reasons for Hughes not being around, but transfer talks certainly are among them.
The one big absence was one Pompey had been aware of for some time.
Kev McCormack’s chair, for so long a fixture outside the laundry room was no longer present - almost eerily so.
Kev the Kitman is now enjoying his retirement, but his booming Welsh brogue was conspicuous by its absence.
Of course, John Mousinho’s continuing presence has been one of the big talking points of the summer.
That was a subject addressed head on by the Blues head coach, as he immediately confirmed Bristol City’s interest in a 60-minute press briefing.
Other ‘minor’ interest was confirmed, but the fact is Mousinho is now looking forward at Fratton, as he confirmed improved playing budget and transfer conditions for next term.
It was an optimistic tone, one which aligned perfectly with the freshness permeating his club’s first day back in training.