With the transfer window reopening on January 1st 2012, it kick started rumours of Pompey’s likely activity. Despite the club suffering yet more financial worries, it hasn’t stopped the media speculating on arrivals and departures at Fratton Park.
Yet another takeover? Is it for real?
It has been well documented over the last couple of weeks that Pompey need to find a new owner, and quickly, but no-one really expected it to happen this quick! Andrew Andronikou was interviewed on Sky Sports News earlier claiming new owners could be in place at the club in as little as 7-10 days time.
Andronikou also said he expected the mystery owners to be revealed within the next couples of days. The clues as to who it is have been drip-fed slowly but we haven’t narrowed it down to anyone yet. Apparently they are not Russian, they have never been involved in football ownership before, they really exist this time, and apparently it isn’t Paul Duffen who has been heavily linked with the role.
Developments have picked up pace today but we’ll all just have to wait and see what happens next, but first thing is first, we need some transfer activity to boost our squad quickly!
Could Jason Roberts return to Fratton Park?
Former Pompey striker Jason Roberts is stuck in contractual discussions with Blackburn Rovers, entering a similar kind of clause that restricted Richard Hughes and Michael Brown at Pompey last season. Roberts can’t make another appearance for Rovers without triggering a new contract on terms the northern club are unwilling to offer.
There seems very little truth in the links that appeared in a couple of the red-top papers over the last couple of days. Pompey may be under an unannounced transfer embargo or certainly limited with funds, so much so that they can’t even afford to renew Joe Mattock’s loan-deal from West Brom, let alone buy a Premier League striker.
The 33-year-old, who made 12 appearances and scored four goals in a Pompey shirt, has also been linked with a move to Championship rivals Bristol City. The Robins look likely to see star striker Nicky Maynard move on during January and Roberts would be a perfect replacement, especially as he had a loan-spell at City before, so doesn’t look like he’ll be making a Fratton return!
Non-League star to finally complete move?
Pompey have been lining up a bid for non-league striker Dan Thompson from Hampton & Richmond Borough as they look to bolster their squad. Appleton has already said that he’s very keen on the young striker but sees him more as one for the future. Thompson spent just over a week training with Pompey and hasn’t returned to his club yet, likely to have been advised to rest ahead of completing a move with the Blues.
Thompson doesn’t have a contract at Hampton & Richmond Borough so wouldn’t cost Pompey a penny to sign him up.
Club should act fast to hold on to Mattock!
Joe Mattock has found himself a regular in Pompey’s starting line-up since his loan move from West Bromwich Albion at the end of November. Mattock is due to go back to West Brom this week and the Blues could be without him for a tricky FA Cup trip to Chelsea on Sunday. The club are definitely struggling with financial difficulties but everything must be done within the club’s power to extend Mattock’s stay at Fratton Park.
Mattock has looked very comfortable and assured at left-back despite being only 21-years old. Mattock has replaced Tal Ben-Haim as Pompey’s first choice left-back as the Israeli is likely to be shipped out of the club to get his ridiculous wages off the bill finally – an extension on Mattock’s deal could see Ben-Haim finally depart!
The Pompey Pages 
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