Does anyone know any right-backs? – The critical question Portsmouth defender asked as Fratton Park’s stay remained uncertain
Zak Swanson appeared 19 times in the league for Pompey this season, bringing his total Blues appearances to 44 over the last two years.Does anyone know any right-backs? Zak Swanson posed the question on social media following the Pompey players’ post-season vacation to Las Vegas.
And, without a doubt, it’s a question that Fratton fans will be asking as they prepare to lose both of their right-sided full-backs this summer.
The Blues startled many on Wednesday by putting first-team regular Joe Rafferty among the ten players who are free to depart PO4 when their contracts expire next month.Surprise turned to outrage when the name of teammate defender Swanson emerged in the area allocated to players ‘in negotiation’ for a new contract. There was always a risk anything would happen. But perhaps two? No one expected that!
With Pompey declining to exercise a 12-month option on the former Arsenal youth, the 23-year-old is free to speak with other clubs while the Blues consider what they can offer.
The newly-crowned League One champions may be looking for two right-backs for their upcoming Championship campaign.
Swanson definitely understands this, as he brought it up on a night out on the Vegas Strip with his current Fratton Park teammates. Swanson, seen with soon-to-be free agents Rafferty and Conor Shaughnessy, asked his 5.6k followers on X, formerly Twitter, ‘Anyone know any right-backs?’
The social media post has since been removed. No one chose to respond as well.
However, it brings into sharp focus the Blues’ intentions if both Rafferty and Swanson go next season. ‘In Mousinho we trust’ was a popular social media post following the release of the Blues’ retained list. With 53 appearances between Rafferty and Swanson this season, the pressure will be on to find someone better for such an important position.
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