Former Portsmouth striker target transfer-listed by League One side after just four goals in two seasons
Pompey were linked with a move for forward Chris Conn-Clarke in the summer of 2024 - but it appears the Blues’ decision not to pursue a deal might have been the correct one
Chris Conn-Clarke was a player heavily linked with a move to Pompey in the summer of 2024.
With 23 goals and 12 assists for non-league Altrincham during the 2023-24 season, the emerging forward found himself on the Blues’ radar as they went in search of additional firepower for their first season back in the Championship.
The then newly-promoted Fratton Park outfit made enquiries for the striker. However, a move to the south coast never materialised as Pompey turned their attacking attentions elsewhere, namely Mark O’Mahony and Elias Sorensen.
That paved the way for Peterborough United to land the former Northern Ireland under-21 international, who was also wanted by Wigan and Mansfield, for a reported six-figure fee on a three-year contract.
But fast forward two years and the Posh are seeking to get the forward off their books.
Just days after returning from a loan stay at National League side Carlisle United, Conn-Clarke has been transfer-listed by Posh and told he’s not part of manager Luke Williams’ plans going forward.
He’ll head for the exit at London Road with just one goal from his 30 appearances for the League One outfit.
Former Pompey target’s Peterborough United stay
Looking at his stats from his first season at Peterborough, Conn-Clarke made 26 appearances in all competitions after making the step up from the National League. But, when you take a closer look, all was not well.
Indeed, the forward scored only one league goal for the Posh as they finished a disappointing 18th in the League One table. Meanwhile, only 12 of those outings came as league starts.
A broken collarbone suffered against Bristol Rovers in September 2024 didn’t help matters. Yet the one-time Fleetwood man found himself increasingly on the fringes over the second half of that 2024-25 season.
That trend carried into the 2025-26 campaign. Indeed, Conn-Clarke made just one of former boss Darren Ferguson’s first11 match-day squads before he was allowed to join the Cumbrians on loan for the remainder of the season.
His stint at Brunton Park, however, failed to get the loanee back on the goal trail. With Mark Hughes’ side missing out on promotion to the Football League via the play-offs, Conn-Clarke returned to London Road with just three goals in 21 appearances.
Pompey’s struggles for goals
It appears Pompey made the right decision not to follow up their initial interest in Conn-Clarke in 2024.
But none of their forward acquisitions since the same summer can be classified as a success, either.
Both O’Mahony and Sorensen left PO4 without making much of an impression on the Fratton faithful. Indeed, the later was allowed to join Vålerenga on a permanent deal less than six months after arriving from Esbjerg, following one goal in 11 appearances.
O’Mahony returned to parent club Brighton at the end of the season after registering a disappointing three goals in 11 Pompey outings.
The injury-hampered Thomas Waddingham has scored one goal in 12 Blues appearances following his move from Brisbane Roar in January 2025.
Meanwhile, Makenzie Kirk’s return of one goal in 14 games following his switch from St Johnstone last summer has cast serious doubt on his long-term Fratton Park future. He remained on the bench for the final game of the season against Birmingham, depite John Mousinho making a number of changes for the game against City.
Colby Bishop’s record of four goals from his 43 appearances this season increases the need for Pompey to bring in quality central attacking reinforcements this summer.
However, based on the Blues’ recent track record, that might be easier said than done.
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