x

Portsmouth Boss Fears Further Town Moves for Trio - Ipswich Town News

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton admits that he’s concerned that the Blues may make renewed overtures for their trio of Pompey targets - keeper Stephen Henderson, centre-half Jason Pearce and midfielder or defender Joel Ward - with Football League clubs able to sign players on ‘emergency’ loans from today. Town had offers accepted for Henderson and Ward on the final day of the transfer window but with the deals breaking down over personal terms, while the Blues were unable to agree a fee for Pearce.

Appleton says that with Portsmouth’s financial crisis appearing no nearer a resolution — the players still haven’t been paid for January — he continues to fear losing players: "You are going to be just as concerned as January with the opening of the loan window.

"I would imagine — I don’t know but I would imagine — there were plenty of people there last night [at Pompey’s 1-0 defeat at Birmingham] having their eye on a few of our players. You would expect that because people know the situation we are in.”

Last week, Blues boss Paul Jewell didn’t rule out further moves for the trio, presumably loans becoming permanent deals in the summer, although not unless Ward and Henderson reduce their "excessive” contract demands.

Appleton says he will have to plan for possible exits: "Ipswich might come back in but if that is the case, we just have to use a contingency plan in terms of having players ready to get on loan from other football clubs.”

Photo: Action Images

What to read next:

Eight Youngsters Offered Terms
Town have offered professional terms to eight youngsters including Rio Morgan (pictured), Nico Valentine, Gerrard Buabo and Leon Ayinde, while 17 of their U21s and U18s teammates have been released.
Fans of Town's Women's Team Asked to Complete Survey For Yearbook
Writer-publisher David Moloney is working on a women’s football fan yearbook and is after input from supporters of Ipswich Town Women.
O'Shea: I'm Fully Committed to Town at the Moment
Central defender Dara O’Shea says he’s “fully committed to Ipswich at the moment” and wants to get the Blues back into the Premier League, the Republic of Ireland international having been linked with Wolves, Leeds United and a return to Burnley this summer.
U21s to Play Friendly at Bury Town
Town’s U21s will play a friendly against Cole Skuse’s Bury Town at Ram Meadow on Tuesday 29th July.
Clarke: Slicker Will Bounce Back, He Has a Big Future
Keeper Cieran Slicker is one of three Town players who could win senior caps this evening - along with George Hirst, also with Scotland, and Nathan Broadhead with Wales - with Scots boss Steve Clarke having given the 22-year-old his backing for “a big future” following his tough international debut against Iceland on Friday evening.
TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Welcome to the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season
Huni Camp to Lodge Appeal After Wardley Defeat
Justis Huni’s manager Mick Francis says his team are to launch an official appeal to the WBA regarding the manner in which referee John Latham ended last night’s fight with Fabio Wardley at Portman Road.
Brentford Linked With McKenna Move Should Frank Depart For Spurs
Town boss Kieran McKenna would be targeted by Brentford should Thomas Frank depart for Tottenham Hotspur, according to various reports.
Wardley Wins!
Fabio Wardley won his Portman Road fight in sensational style, knocking out Justis Huni with a huge right hand in the 10th round to claim the WBA interim Heavyweight title with the Australian looking on course for victory.
Pitts Wins Second Malta U21s Cap
Town youngster Josh Pitts won his second Malta U21s cap in this evening’s 2-1 friendly win away in San Marino (KO 5pm).