Joe Rafferty disagrees with Portsmouth right-back plan – John Mousinho
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho admits Joe Rafferty was not aligned with the club’s plan to replace him.
Rafferty was among 10 first-team players released by the club on Wednesday and, along with Sean Raggett, his departure raised the most eyebrows on the South Coast, after making 39 appearances for the League One champions this season.
The 30-year-old won’t be short of suitors this summer, according to Mousinho, who also said he deserves a contract, but that the future plans of the club had to take priority.
As quoted by The News newspaper on 2 May, Mousinho said: “Raffs was a really tough one – he was very reliable and has done a huge amount in the dressing room to ensure the squad has been as good as they’ve been.
“Joe deserves a contract, and we’re sure he will get a good contract with another club. From a football perspective, we separate players that deserve a contract and the realism of the football club at the next level.
“We’re obviously going to try and bring in another right-back; Joe obviously disagrees. It was a tough one, but we shake hands and move on.”
Should Portsmouth have held onto Joe Rafferty?
Rafferty was certainly a hugely beneficial character in the Portsmouth dressing room, and Mousinho clearly valued the full-back as a senior pro.
Off the pitch, you only have to look at Pompey’s viral celebrations after confirming promotion to know how comfortable Rafferty was as a leader in the dressing room – even if unorthodox.
And his family clearly felt the love from the city, as illustrated by the player’s brother, Kyle, who regularly travelled down from Liverpool to watch him.
But with the ex-Preston North End man now 30, Mousinho evidently believes his next right-back acquisition has to be the mainstay for several years at Championship level.
Whilst Rafferty – with plenty of second-tier experience to his name – could give him a season or two of his best football, the consistency against increasingly skilful Championship wingers may not always be there.
Pompey’s decision not to take up their 12-month option on Zak Swanson tells a similar story, that Mousinho is seeking a different dynamic of right-back – though the two parties remain in negotiations there.
Time will tell on whether Rafferty’s release turns out to be a hasty pull of the Pompey trigger.
In other Portsmouth news, Pompey Women are in action for the final time in a triumphant season on Sunday.
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