View: Portsmouth Women must go all out to reach Emma Jones agreement as 10 released
Portsmouth Women are undergoing a squad revamp ahead of their first season in the Women’s Championship, and must at all costs keep one of their key contributors.
Emma Jones has been a significant player for Pompey since arriving from Championship side Lewes in 2021, and this season has been a driving force behind the club’s promotion as champions from the National League Southern Premier.
Jay Sadler’s Portsmouth side will join Northern champions Newcastle United in the second tier next season after winning 20 of their 22 league matches, following an injection of funds from club owners, the Tornante Company.
Jones has been talismanic this campaign, accumulating 17 goals and 24 assists in 27 appearances in all competitions.
The club remain in negotiations with Jones alongside six of her teammates, whose current deals expire this summer. Ten other first-teamers have been released, with seven still under contract.
Emma Jones is Portsmouth Women’s double Player of the Season
Jones has taken Portsmouth’s season by the scruff of the neck, and having been with the club since before the Women’s team was funded to its extent now, the forward will appreciate it even more.
The 29-year-old was voted both the Women’s Player of the Season and the Women’s Players’ Player of the Season at the club’s end-of-season awards, and with 41 goal contributions in 27 games, there is little argument to the accolade.
Sophie Quirk – another player the Blues remain in talks with over the summer – hit 19 goals and 19 assists, with a ruthless Pompey side showing prolific power all over the pitch and no doubt raising a high standard to the Player of the Season decisions.
As a Welsh international with six caps and one goal, Jones’ stock remains high and it’s crucial that Portsmouth are able to flex somewhat and keep hold of their most talented players.
In other Portsmouth news, a BBC broadcaster argues Paddy Lane was right to refuse a call-up for Northern Ireland next month.
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