John Mousinho is confident two of Portsmouth’s out-of-contract contingent will sign new deals at Fratton Park ahead of the club’s return to the Championship.
Pompey published their retained list last week, with Sean Raggett and Joe Rafferty as the two notable players who were allowed to leave PO4.
The club are still in discussions with Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson after deciding against options in their contracts.
Connor Ogilvie and Marlon Pack have also been offered new deals upon their current contracts ending at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Pack and Ogilvie were instrumental in the Blues’ League One title-winning campaign, and it’s believed Mousinho and Richard Hughes are eager to keep the duo at Fratton Park.
John Mousinho shares the latest on Marlon Pack and Connor Ogilvie
Speaking to the Portsmouth News, the Pompey boss has shared a positive update on the pair, who are yet to sign on for next season.
The 38-year-old said: “From the discussions I’ve had with him and Connor, it sounds like both players are excited about signing for the football club.
“You can get situations where you offer players contracts and they aren’t hugely excited about it, and they have other options elsewhere. With these two, I don’t think we’re going to have that this year.”
Would Marlon Pack’s exit be a significant blow to Portsmouth’s Championship survival hopes?
Many would naturally assume Pack exiting would be a blow to Portsmouth’s survival hopes. Of course, the 33-year-old was superb throughout last season, dictating play from the centre of the park.
Offering the Pompey-born midfielder another year, with a potential route into the coaching set-up, could be an option for the Blues to consider.
Anything longer than a year could prove slightly reckless. Pompey’s recruitment structure has been based on adding younger talent, which can be developed. Giving a 33-year-old a two-year deal is the complete opposite.
Furthermore, Pack’s presence won’t make or break Pompey’s Championship survival bid. The former Bristol City man is likely to be one of the club’s highest earners. If he did depart, which isn’t favourable, there would be plenty of wriggle room for Mousinho and Hughes in Pompey’s already tight budget.