Forget a marquee signing - this is what Portsmouth really need this summer

That’s the verdict of chief sports writer, Neil Allen, in the latest edition of Pompey Talk, which you can download HERE.

Allen believes there’s too much attention afforded the higher-profile names among some supporters.

Steve Seddon, Matt Clarke and Ronan Curtis were highlighted as successful additions most fans would not have been aware of before they arrived at Fratton Park.

And Allen believes a focus on young, hungry players flying under the radar can reap dividends.

He said: ‘Think about Seddon. When he arrived there was quite a few moans on Twitter.

‘Who is he? A reserve? We don’t want him, but he’s been really good.

‘If Pompey keep him he can be left-back next season.

‘People talk about marquee signings. We’ve seen these marquee signings over the years and they haven’t worked out.

‘Matt Clarke came here. Who fancied Matt Clarke?’

Ronan Curtis has gone on to be a runaway success at Fratton Park after joining from Derry City in 2018.

The Republic of Ireland international is now arguably the first team’s biggest assets and has been tied down to a new deal through to 2023 in February.

Allen added: ‘Supporters want you to spend as big as you can on players you’ve heard of.

‘Curtis is a great example. He was a gamble, no doubt about it, but they were criticised for that before people had even seen him.

‘He’s one of their top players now, tied down to a long contract.’

Transfer talk was just one of the many areas covered in the latest edition of Pompey Talk, with Seddon’s future also discussed.

The sports desk lads also reveal the tale of The News’ long pursuit of Rory Allen for an interview, after Pompey’s first £1m striker walked out on the club to watch the Ashes in Australia in 2002.

And, after, members of the first-team squad agreed to go for a pint with fans when the lockdown is over, we ask which would be the best player to go for a boozy session with at the Shepherd’s Crook!

Pompey Talk is available on Sound Cloud and Spotify, or you can subscribe through Apple’s Podcasts app or iTunes.