Conor Shaughnessy reveals what he’s told Rob Atkinson about Portsmouth future
Conor Shaughnessy and Rob Atkinson struck up a brief but fruitful partnership in the heart of the Portsmouth defence for a period in the second half of this season.
Shaughnessy has largely been robbed of his progress in the Championship this term by three separate injury setbacks, while Atkinson joined on loan after his own lengthy injury lay-off, impressing since January when fit.
Atkinson is a player Portsmouth have already admitted they would like to keep on-board at Fratton Park in the future, as his Bristol City contract has just one remaining year.
Shaughnessy has tried to convince Atkinson to stay at Portsmouth
John Mousinho has been forced to shuffle his defensive pack more than any other manager in the Championship this season due to various injuries which have seemed never-ending.
Shaughnessy and Atkinson held a partnership heading into the final third of the season which was highly rated by the Portsmouth fans, through the Irishman in particular has suffered heavy injury woes.
It all serves to make Pompey’s survival story this term even more remarkable, as both defenders are in contention to play against Hull City on the final day (3 May) – the Tigers desperately still battling for their lives at Fratton Park.
Shaughnessy, speaking to BBC Radio Solent (1 May), has revealed he has been trying to convince Atkinson to remain at Fratton Park beyond this summer.
“He’s been excellent, and the loan has worked out for all parties. We’re definitely all happy with how he’s done, and it would be great if we could get him back next year.
“Everyone feels the same way about him – obviously that’s down to him and Bristol City. He obviously has another year on his contract there, so we’ll see what happens.
“I’ve definitely encouraged him to try his best to stay here. We love him here, he gets along really well with the group and he’s definitely a great lad off the pitch as well. We’re delighted to have him.”
Mousinho and Hughes have defensive dilemma to iron out
Mousinho and Rich Hughes are anticipated to have a busy summer as Portsmouth look to further rubber-stamp their authority on the Championship.
Among the issues to be sorted in the squad are the centre-halves, with the likes of Shaughnessy, Regan Poole and Hayden Matthews already on the books and under contract ahead of next year.
Atkinson’s future is unclear but could be a matter of priority – though may also be affected by Bristol City’s potential promotion fate.
| Conor Shaughnessy | Rob Atkinson | |
| 8 | Appearances | 13 |
| 6 | Starts | 12 |
| 454 | Minutes played | 1,011 |
| 3 | Clean sheets | 3 |
| 1 | Goals | 2 |
| 0 | Assists | 1 |
Ryley Towler is likely to exit Fratton Park this summer having not been considered for some time, with Tom McIntyre returning from his loan at Charlton Athletic.
Elsewhere at centre-half, Alex Milosevic was signed after the end of the winter transfer window as a free agent, but may not even get the opportunity to make his Pompey debut after an injury setback.
Ibane Bowat, bought last summer from Fulham, has also yet to appear for the Blues after suffering a season-ending injury way back in September before any debut could be made.