New sporting director, Rich Hughes, has made an impact as he oversaw Ryley Towler’s arrival from Bristol City this month.
It’s been an impressive start from the defender, while new keeper Matt Macey has picked up back-to-back clean sheets since joining on loan from Bristol City.
Ahead of the transfer window closing next week, more business is anticipated for Pompey.
And the kind of rough diamonds he unearthed in his time as Forest Green’s head of recruitment and then director of football may be on the agenda.
We’ve looked back some of the biggest recruitment successes Hughes enjoyed in his stay at New Lawn, following his arrival in May 2018.
5. Kane Wilson
Another of Hughes’ ‘broken toys’. Wilson was cast aside by West Brom and move to Forest Green in 2020. Went on the be named League Two’s player of the season last term, prompting a move to Championship Bristol City for the right-back. Photo: Ashley Allen
6. Matty Stevens
Was a Three Nations title-winning boxer as a youngster and a massive find as the striker went to Forest Green from Peterborough in 2019. Was central to their promotion last term, smashing in 27 goals even though his season was curtailed by a knee injury in April. The 24-year-old has recently made his return to the side. Photo: Pete Norton
7. Liam Kitching
A big financial hit for Hughes. Came through the ranks at Leeds but didn’t make a senior appearance before joining Forest Green in 2019. The versatile defender moved on to Barnsley in 2021 for what was a record fee the New Lawn club had received for a player. Since become a key man at Oakwell. Photo: Marc Atkins
8. Jamille Matt
Career appeared to be fading as Matt arrived at Forest Green from Newport in 2020, nearing his 31st birthday. Promptly smashed in 37 goals in two campaigns as he fired under Mark Cooper and Rob Edwards, to go down as an impressive Hughes spot. Photo: Pete Norton