BBC Sport journalist Andrew Moon has predicted Portsmouth to be “ruthless” ahead of contract talks next week.
First team members Sean Raggett, Marlon Pack, Joe Morrell, Connor Ogilvie, Zak Swanson and Joe Rafferty all see their current deals come to a close in June.
Speaking to The News this week, John Mousinho has admitted all of the players above deserve a shot at Championship football.
“It’s a funny one because I feel all of them deserve to make the step up. Practically, we know that’s not going to happen,” he explained. “That’s something that we haven’t really been thinking about over the past few weeks because it’s been full focus on football.”
Andrew Moon predicts ‘ruthless’ decisions from Portsmouth next week
There’s a clear realisation that improvements must be made upon the club’s return to the Championship next season. Unfortunately, the current squad will have to be dismantled in order for a new core to emerge.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is a savvy operator and will be more than aware of what’s required to survive next season.
And speaking on the latest BBC Sounds’ Moon’s Musings, Moon has predicted some extremely “ruthless” decisions to be made.
“I don’t know exactly when the retained list will be out. A couple of thoughts about it, I think they’ll be fairly ruthless in terms of, I don’t think they’ll keep everyone on.
“Contracts have to be given out for what they deliver in the future, not what they’ve done in the past. For example, does Sean Raggett deserve a contract for how he’s played this season? 100 per cent. He’s been excellent. Does that mean he’s going to get one?
“It depends on how much he’s going to play. With everyone fit, would he drop to the fourth-choice centre half? You look at someone like Raggett; he nearly won player of the year, but that doesn’t mean he gets another contract.”
Portsmouth must make tough decisions to secure Championship survival
Moon has hit the nail on the head. Of course, Raggett deserves a new contract. Does that mean it’s good business? Absolutely not. This squad has been superb in League One, but that does not guarantee Championship survival.
Improvements are required across all areas of the pitch; therefore, wriggle room will be needed during the transfer window.
Allowing the likes of Raggett to move on could allow Hughes to land a player who is a long-term solution who is ready to step up.
It appears we will know a lot more come this time next week.