David Norris: Portsmouth fringe players may spring into life in Championship
David Norris says some of the players chasing game time at Portsmouth could burst into life in the Championship this season.
The ex-Pompey midfielder explains that over a 46-game season, there will be opportunities for players who have either struggled for minutes or with injury concerns could find themselves thrust into the limelight at any point and must be ready.
Norris describes the new campaign as a “clean slate” for players hoping for a better individual season than the last, despite the Blues’ resounding promotion success and imminent signings.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, he said: “Pompey will need squad depth – it’s a long season.
“Obviously more players will be brought in, but there could be opportunities for squad players at any point. Pre-season is that clean slate when you can show you’re fit and try and work your way back into the head coach’s mind.
“There are some, like [Ryley] Towler, who didn’t quite get his opportunities and ended up kept out of the side; then there’s [Terry] Devlin, a really talented player who never quite nailed down his best position last season before his injury. They could have the talent for the Championship so need to be ready for it.”
Portsmouth squad players with plenty to prove
There were numerous players in the Portsmouth squad last season who, despite ending the season with a medal adorning their necks, were individual victims of their own club’s success.
Towler was a prime example – a player who progressed well in League One in his first full season but was unable to get ahead of Conor Shaughnessy and Sean Raggett in an impeccable Pompey defence after Christmas.
Jack Sparkes, along with the aforementioned Devlin, is another player who could get the chance to burst into life in the second tier this season after being introduced from the bench 16 times last term.
And he started pre-season with a bang after a fantastic goal posted on Pompey’s X page [17 July] to seal Tuesday’s win at Gosport Borough.
Some players may be expecting to be sent out on loan with Pompey likely to trim down some of their squad players to bring in ready-made Championship hitters.
But it remains to be seen who John Mousinho will be most eager to keep around the squad each week.
In other Portsmouth news, a player is wished well as he leaves on loan.
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