Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has said the club will continue to consider Nathan Ferguson’s situation over the next week.
Portsmouth have perhaps had a quieter summer window to date than they anticipated, with only two new players signed. Nonetheless, Pompey have ample time to make further additions.
John Mousinho and co will be taking a fairly relaxed stance at this moment in time, with potential deals still being weighed up and signings in the works.
One man who has been bidding to earn a deal at Fratton Park has been 24-year-old defender Nathan Ferguson. It has been confirmed that he is on trial with the Hampshire outfit as he looks to find a club after over a year without a team.
Now, after travelling with the Portsmouth squad for their Slovakia training camp, it has been confirmed Ferguson will remain with the team for their friendly against Crawley Town on Saturday.
Speaking to The News, Pompey boss Mousinho confirmed his stance, stating Ferguson’s situation will be considered over the next week or so. But, regardless of the outcome, it has been a mutually beneficial stint for both the player and the club. He said:
“In terms of where Nath’s at, we’re still having a look at him and it’s really useful for Nath to be with us from his perspective.
“So it’s been mutually beneficial in terms of us having at look at Nath and him getting the minutes. It’s the first time he’s played in a long, long time as well and it’s in semi-competitive fixtures.
“So we’ll keep monitoring that over the next week or so, we’ll play Crawley and then see where things are from there. He’s here for the time being.”
Mousinho also revealed Ferguson has been with Portsmouth since the end of last season.
One more centre-back required?
Portsmouth have Hayden Matthews, Conor Shoughnessy, Regan Poole, Tom McIntyre and Ibane Bowat on the books as natural centre-back options now. Marlon Pack covered well called upon last season, as did full-backs Jordan Williams and Connor Ogilvie.
However, given the injury problems experienced last season – and the fact that some are still lingering this summer – it is not out of the question that another central defender is signed.
Pompey boss Mousinho admitted as much when talking to The News earlier this month, so it means the door is very much open for Ferguson to stay put on the South Coast if he can show he deserves a deal. With another trial outing awaiting, it seems he will be given further opportunities to prove his worth.
Portsmouth stint will aid Ferguson, regardless of whether they sign him or not
Having spent an extended spell training with Championship side Portsmouth, Ferguson has proven his fitness after a year without a club. In fact, injuries and a lack of favour mean he hasn’t played a competitive game since Boxing Day 2021.
His friendly outings for Pompey might not be able to match the competitive nature and intensity of league football, but Ferguson has proven his fitness with this trial stint.
Even if Mousinho and co pass up on signing him, this spell has proven to other potential suitors that he can stay fit, hopefully increasing his chances of landing a new home this summer.
Discussion about this post