‘This is why he’s here’ – Verdict on Portsmouth sporting director as he enters game of high stakes with transfer window just around the corner
That’s the verdict of Neil Allen, senior sportswriter at The News, who believes the responsibility clearly rests with the Blues’ sporting director to put together a squad that stands the test and lives up to expectations.
There is growing demand for Pompey to end his now six-year association with League One – and it will be up to Hughes to find solutions in the upcoming transfer window, which officially opens on June 14.
The 34-year-old has already shown what he’s made of in the second half of the season following the success of January signings Matt Macey and Ryley Towler. He was also credited with the arrival of Paddy Lane, whose confidence in a Blues jersey grew as we neared the end of last season.
However, the summer adds even more pressure as fans hit the reset button in hopes that newcomers will change the fortunes of their side.
The bar is raised even higher when 9 to 10 newcomers are expected to join the club and each of them has to hit the ground running.
Allen has sympathies for the former Forest Green Rovers football director in that regard. But that is precisely why Hughes was brought to the club last autumn – to deliver when the stakes are high.
On the latest episode of Pompey Talk, our chief sportswriter said, “That’s Rich Hughes’ job, that’s why he’s here.”
“I know he has the title of Director of Sport and he looks after all aspects of the football club, but first and foremost he looks after recruitment – that’s his background, those are his strengths, that’s his CV.”
“So that’s his challenge now.” We saw aspects of that in the January window – but that’s exactly what he needs to do.
“He’s under no illusions about the pressure that lies ahead and hopes he can sign the players Pompey needs at good fees and quality.”
“We know they’ve paid a lot for players in the past (2019), while Denver Hume is another (recent) example of overpaying.” But I don’t agree that someone who doesn’t cost a lot of money is why is cheap and not very good.
“It’s all about value for money, with Ryley Towler being a prime example.” John Marquis at the other end of the scale is another example.
“So it’s up to Rich Hughes to find the bargains we want — but there’s also money to spend.”
Pompey has been linked with a host of potential new players ahead of the transfer window opening. However, the club have stated that they will not publish their deal until June 14 at the earliest.