Richard Hughes, the sporting director, is expected to add three new players to Pompey during the January transfer window. And the Blues might not stop there. The team’s scouting department has been entrusted with bringing in even more promising young players as they search the non-league scene for possible undiscovered talents.
Back-up for Colby Bishop, who us currently nursing an ankle complaint, looks unlikely. But following more serious injuries to central defender Regan Poole and attacking midfielder Tino Anjorin, Cross believes replacements will be sought for both players. That’s despite Anjorin expected to return from his hamstring problem next month.
“A striker?” Between Christian Saydee and Kusini Yengi, they felt they had enough to cover the void in case the worst happened and Pompey lost Colby Bishop. This was their thinking during their summer business. They may not have anticipated Saydee’s development as a deeper player, in my opinion. He can lead the line, of course, but it’s really much more of an uncertain one. I’m attempting to use a barometer, but I’m not sure if they would target a striker. At this point, I’m not entirely sure. They may have reached their breaking point when Colby returns in the new year.
“But there’s no doubt about it—a defender and a few wide players or attackers who can play in those three positions behind the striker.”
Of course, Pompey has recently been successful in snatching up younger, less seasoned players and putting them on the path to playing football for the first team at Fratton Park. Terry Devlin, a former Glentoran midfielder, is a prime illustration of that. Furthermore, Cross thinks Pompey might take another look at it in January.
It’s also important to mention that, in my opinion, Pompey will be keeping an eye out for young players. They may search for players who aren’t quite ready to start for the first team, in my opinion. I have firsthand knowledge that they are searching the National League for talented young players who may not be ready now but could prove to be valuable in the future. That’s an additional factor that might increase the January numbers.
