Clearing The Dead Wood

Last updated : 19 December 2017 By Jim Bonner

Drew Talbot has had his contract with Portsmouth terminated by mutual consent and it's expected he will rejoin Chesterfield in the near future.

The Pompey fans somehow made him a cult figure of sorts with his "Dreeeeeew" chant being mistaken for boos at times, usually when he made a mistake.

In the end, he made too many and his performance against Oldham was seemingly his death knell despite his solid start to the season. A professional he may be but he can't cut it at League One level anymore and a move is best for both parties.

With Drew gone, here are some other players who could feel the swing of Kenny Jackett's axe when the transfer window opens again next month.

Milan Lalkovic

The Slovakian has only played 66 minutes all season and has struggled for fitness. Whilst Jackett was keen to give him another chance to prove himself after being loaned out by Paul Cook last January, he hasn't been able to make an impact and is the most likely player to be shown the door with better wide options available in the squad.

Curtis Main

He may have seen more game time than Lalkovic but Main's impact on Pompey's season has been almost as minute having scored just one goal (in the Checkatrade Trophy) in the 179 minutes he has played.

Whilst he has a few uses up front as a target man, Jackett has made it clear that he prefers Ollie Hawkins to play in that role should he decide to employ more direct tactics. That's bound to see Curtis become surplus to requirements and nobody would really miss him.

Nicke Kabamba

Colchester have sent Nicke back to Pompey early as he has failed to score and hold a first team place down with the U's. Whilst Jackett likes to give young players a chance, Kabamba is now 24 and has failed to make his mark in League Two. A return to non-league football beckons in January and it may be a permanent one.

Adam May

May could well be another young player to be shown the door, but only temporarily with a loan spell in League Two the likeliest bet. Jackett clearly rates the 20-year-old but he will struggle to break into the side now given the competition he faces in defensive midfield.

Rose has proven to be undroppable in recent weeks whilst academy compatriot Close has developed further and been rewarded with a new contract. O'Keefe is excellent competition for the pair whilst there are rumours that former loanee Toumani Diagouraga may return if he leaves Plymouth in the new year.

Jackett may well decide to keep Adam in the squad to continue his development but a stint in a good League Two side will likely benefit him even more.