Sean Raggett to leave Fratton Park as Portsmouth announce retained list
Portsmouth have confirmed the departures of several key players as the League One champions publish their retained list, as of portsmouthfc.co.uk.
Captain Marlon Pack has been offered a new contract at Fratton Park, with defender Connor Ogilvie also offered an extension.
Pompey are in negotiations with Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson over their futures at the club.
Sean Raggett will leave the South Coast after five years and 239 appearances in a blue shirt, with Joe Rafferty departing having made 68 outings for the club.
Lee Evans, Josh Martin, Matt Macey, Ryan Schofield, Haji Mnoga, Harry Jewitt-White, Liam Vincent and Josh Dockerill have also been released.
Loanees Tino Anjorin, Abu Kamara, Myles Peart-Harris and Alex Robertson will return to their parent clubs.
Pompey head coach John Mousinho told the club’s official website: “It’s always tough to tell players that they’re not going to receive new contracts.
“The fact this team has been so successful makes it doubly difficult – there are guys such as Sean Raggett and Joe Rafferty who deserve to get a deal because of the role they’ve played.
“I wish all the lads the best moving forward.”
Portsmouth forced into difficult decisions
The retained list is naturally news which garners immense interest at the end of each season.
But, of course, it is viewed through gritted teeth as many adored players are let go.
Mousinho went on to illustrate how he and the club have had to “separate sentiment from the reality of competing in the Championship next season” – and that ruthlessness will stand the club in good stead.
With Pack and Ogilvie offered new deals, Morrell and Swanson still in talks and Colby Bishop and Paddy Lane still under contract, plenty of the title-winning squad are there to be built around, with what we hope to be an array of experienced and talented Championship players.
The step up from League One to the Championship is arguably as great these days as that separating the Championship and the Premier League – just ask the likes of Rotherham United.
With 99% of Pompey fans perfectly content with a 21st-place finish in their maiden season back in the second tier, a considerable summer rebuild has now begun as fondly remembered players bid farewell.
In other Portsmouth news, young goalkeeper Toby Steward has signed a new long-term contract.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.