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Jacob in, Jack out - all-change in Pompey's left-back department

It's one in one out in the left-back department as Pompey continue reshaping their squad with two weeks to go before the Championship season begins.

They have signed Jacob Farrell from Central Coast Mariners for an undisclosed fee - and sold Jack Sparkes to League One Peterborough.

That leaves Farrell and Connor Ogilvie, who recently signed a new Pompey deal, to battle for the first-choice left-back spot.

Farrell, 21, who has played for Australia at youth level, has signed a four-year deal and boss John Mousinho told the club website: 'Jacob is a fantastic young prospect who joins us on the back of a great season with Central Coast Mariners.

'Despite his age, he’s played a lot of games already in his career and we’ve obviously got a decent relationship with players who have come over from Australia. He’s an athletic left-back who’s also extremely solid defensively and he brings so much potential, so we’re delighted to have him on board.'

Farrell progressed through the Mariners academy and made his senior debut at the age of 18. His A-League bow arrived against Newcastle Jets a few days later, with the full-back scoring to secure all three points.

He was named in the 2023/24 A-League Team of the Year and scored a total of seven goals in 90 appearances for the Mariners.

Meanwhile Sparkes, who was first choice left-back at the start of last season before being overtaken in the pecking order by Ogilvie, has gone to London Road.

The 23-year-old made 43 appearances last season, having arrived from Exeter. He provided a number of assists - and recently showed he had an eye for goal too with a stunning strike in the friendly win at Gosport.

Mousinho told the club media: 'Jack did a brilliant job for us last season and I’m sure his contribution will not be forgotten. We thank him for his efforts in a Pompey shirt and wish him all the best for the future at Peterborough.'

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