Report names ex-Portsmouth star labelled ‘cheat code’ after outscoring Erling Haaland in non-league
Former Portsmouth striker Brett Pitman has garnered national media attention following his outrageous scoring exploits this season.
Now with Pompey-based side Baffins Milton Rovers in the ninth-tier Wessex League, the 36-year-old has already hit three hat-tricks since the start of the campaign – one more than Erling Haaland has managed in the Premier League.
The Sun’s report on Pitman [16 September] pointed out how he has been branded a “cheat code” at the level he is currently playing, at which many players are regarded amateur and only paid travel expenses; others are on semi-professional deals.
Portsmouth cult hero Brett Pitman prolific in non-league
Pitman’s outrageous non-league record – which was touched on over the summer after hammering home over 100 goals for three different clubs since leaving Bristol Rovers in 2022 – demonstrates why more players should prolong their careers in the lower reaches of the pyramid.
David Norris, regular Pompey News contributor, is another of the Portsmouth alumni to extend his career at semi-pro level – albeit higher than Pitman in the sixth tier for Lancaster City – retiring earlier this year at the age of 43.
The Blues’ connection to regional non-league clubs has always been strong – clubs such as Havant & Waterlooville, Gosport Borough and Bognor Regis Town all faced John Mousinho’s side during pre-season, an annual mark in the calendar.
Players are often loaned to these nearby outfits from Fratton Park, too. New signing Reuben Swann has been lent to Havant for the season, and sometimes moves further afield materialise with goalkeeper Toby Steward at Tonbridge Angels.
The two clubs have respectively picked up youngsters Josh Dockerill and Liam Vincent on permanent deals, as well, who were released by Pompey in the summer.
In other Portsmouth news, a devastating injury lay-off for a player yet to make his debut.
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