Pompey to begin summer clear-out

Pompey's squad will tomorrow learn whether they have a Fratton future.
Pompey boss Paul Cook. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Paul Cook. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Paul Cook. Picture: Joe Pepler

And Paul Cook remains hopeful Ben Davies will be among those staying for next season’s bid for promotion.

The Blues’ play-off squad have been summoned to the training ground for noon to discover their fate.

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Davies, Danny Hollands, Brian Murphy and Ben Tollitt, plus youngsters Chad Field and Snorre Nilsen, are all out of contract.

Ben Davies. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Davies. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Davies. Picture: Joe Pepler

Cook is also seeking to offload some of his contracted players, with out-of-favour Matt Tubbs a candidate to depart.

Pompey’s boss is aware he needs to manoeuvre to create space for fresh arrivals.

And following their disappointing play-off elimination, he is eager to strengthen his playing ranks.

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Cook said: ‘They are coming in at noon tomorrow and we will inform all the players exactly what is going on.

‘They will know their futures and I imagine there will be a list announced by the club.

‘There will also be one or two under contract we will be telling to go and find another club, without a shadow of a doubt.

‘It is like X-Factor, tune in next week!

‘The nucleus of our squad is good, we are pleased with that. There are just those key areas where we need a little bit more devilment and players we can trust a bit more.

‘They will all get told tomorrow what we want.’

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When asked about Davies, Cook admitted he is keen for the right-back to remain.

He added: ‘I would like to think Ben Davies will be at the club next year, he is a smashing lad.

‘Whether we can agree with something or not remains to be seen.’