Four to leave - no make it 12 - err, unlucky 13 to leave Pompey
Monday, 18th May 2015 22:58 by pompey-fans.com staff

If it moved at Fratton Park on Monday, it was shown the door.

Paul Cook announced his intention that next season should, where possible for Pompey, be a new start by axing nine players and four staff.

There are accountants who oversaw Pompey's financial troubles in recent years who must wish they'd had Cook at their disposal when needing to cut the wage bill - even if this is a clearout for very different reasons.

On the playing side it's the departures of Ryan Taylor and Wes Fogden that seem to have raised the most eyebrows, although some feel Taylor leaving possibly had a bit to do with other clubs being interested in the striker as well as Cook's wish to rebuild.

The decision on Taylor came after Dan Butler, Fogden, Joe Devera, Nicky Shorey, Ben Chorley, Tom Craddock, Danny East and Bradley Tarbuck were all released. All but Tarbuck were shown the door on Monday.

Before the player news came out, assistant manager Gary Waddock. first team coach Paul Hardyman,. head of player recruitment Andy Melville and fitness coach Louis Langdown were all told they had no future at Fratton, though there was some talk of Hardyman possibly being offered an academy role.

Even by Pompey's recent revolving-door standards, it was an astonishing day at Fratton Park with fans surprised at just how many have left. Many fans said it was the sort of drastic action that was needed after a season of under-achievement.

It leaves Cook with plenty of recruitment to do to get numbers up ahead of pre-season but it shows he is a quick worker and the chances are he already has many targets in mind.

Cook has also said he expects Jed Wallace to move on.

In all the reaction to the departures, it was easy to overlook the fact two of last season's squad had been given new deals.

The club revealed this as they bid farewell to those leaving. A statement on the official website: 'The club would like to thank all of them for their contribution to Pompey and wish them well for the future.

'Portsmouth Football Club have taken up the option of extending Ben Close’s contract for another year, while Adam Webster has been offered a new deal.'