Pompey Loan Reading Youngster

Last updated : 31 August 2016 By Jim Bonner

Paul Cook has concluded his transfer business of the summer by loaning Reading centre back Dominic Hyam until January.

The 20-year-old made 16 appearances on loan at relegated Dagenham & Redbridge last season and is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Royals.

In honesty, this probably isn't what Portsmouth supporters were thinking when the possibility of a deadline day signing was mooted. It's doubtful Hyam will play many league games now Matt Clarke is fit and even if he does, he isn't the commanding leader capable of organising a back four that Pompey need.

But whilst it would have been exciting to see a marquee name (by League Two standards) to join the club and strengthen a key position, the good news is that none of Pompey's key players or young prospects (namely Conor Chaplin) have left during the summer.

Only time will tell if this current squad is good enough to challenge for automatic promotion. If not, we'll have to wait until January to see it strengthened.