Rich Hughes responds to Alex Robertson question after Portsmouth transfer snub
Rich Hughes has clarified the situation regarding Alex Robertson after the Australian midfielder rejected a return to Portsmouth during the transfer window.
Robertson joined Cardiff City in a permanent deal worth up to £3million, after Pompey had loaned him from Manchester City and he had played 27 games before injury.
Sporting director Hughes revealed to The News [2 September] the Blues had a bid accepted to bring him back, but reinforced the fact that Robertson himself chose to move to South Wales over Fratton Park.
“The club had a bid accepted for Alex, we had backing from the owners, and he chose Cardiff,” he reasoned.
“Without wanting to be flippant or dismissive, the reason for his decision would be a question for Alex and those closest to him.
“Although Alex enjoyed his time here, he decided to go to Cardiff after we had spoken and we wish him all the best in 44 of their 46 games this season.”
Portsmouth make midfield signings
When Robertson initially made the move to Cardiff over Portsmouth, it was gutting news for supporters after it became apparent very quickly that he was too good for League One.
Luckily for John Mousinho and Pompey, the injury which ruled him out for the second half of his loan spell did not falter the club’s promotion bid, but he would evidently have been a real asset in the Championship when it was clear Man City were willing to sell.
Robertson’s uncle, Gavin Rae, had himself made over 150 appearances for the Bluebirds which appeared to be a considerable factor in his decision.
However, the last thing Pompey could afford to do was dwell on the disappointment, with barely any cover in the middle of the park at the level proven to be required for the Championship.
The club have since brought in Andre Dozzell, Freddie Potts and Abdoulaye Kamara, as Mousinho decides who can most effectively partner captain Marlon Pack at the heart of the midfield.
In other Portsmouth news, a statistical breakdown of Kamara as the teenager arrives from Borussia Dortmund.
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