Ian Darke reinforces idea of Portsmouth signing Matt Ritchie after Newcastle United news
Portsmouth have been heavily linked with offering a return to Fratton Park for Matt Ritchie, with Ian Darke the latest to support the move on social media.
In a comment on X [29 May], TV broadcaster and Pompey fan Darke reinforced Chris Wise’s post that Ritchie could be an ideal signing for his former club, and that the veteran winger could be open to a Fratton comeback after his eight years at Newcastle United came to an end.
Ritchie has embarked on an excellent career since leaving a financially stricken Portsmouth side in 2011, having made his Premier League debut the previous year, and his release by Newcastle was confirmed on Wednesday after 215 games for the Tynesiders.
Darke posted: “Remember speaking to Matt Ritchie not long after [his] Pompey debut.
“Told me as a kid he and his dad got the Gosport Ferry and stood on [the] Fratton End. Would not be the craziest idea for him to return. Versatile, experienced, great in [the] dressing room. Available.”
Ritchie not currently on the Portsmouth radar
As it stands, Ritchie is not currently being assessed by Portsmouth ahead of a possible move.
Darke’s response was to Wise stating that the ex-Fratton Ender would be eager for a return, but that a combination of John Mousinho’s system and a significant wage cut for Ritchie acts as the stumbling block.
At 34, Ritchie would have next to no sell-on value for a club looking to be entirely self-sustainable whilst improving on the pitch – a successful mechanism thus far – but it’s widely thought he would be an excellent addition not just to the field, but also to the dressing room.
We’ve seen the impact Marlon Pack’s return to his hometown club has had, and the Blues skipper is just 18 months Ritchie’s junior.
An excellent senior professional and a respected figure in dressing rooms – not to mention experience with huge clubs, promotions and international pedigree – Ritchie will be highly sought after on a free transfer this summer, with even Premier League clubs likely to enquire.
If Ritchie himself believes this is the right time for the fairytale twilight years of his career, however, the pulling power of Pompey immediately becomes the strongest.
In other Portsmouth news, Matt Le Tissier has Pompey on his mind whilst celebrating Southampton’s play-off final victory.
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