Pompey boss rules out pursuing any more triallists

The Blues used a squad of 15 players in Wednesday’s friendly against an Aldershot XI, none of whom are currently registered with Pompey.

Of those who featured in the 2-0 win, only Gosport keeper Nathan Ashmore has been invited by Whittingham to train full-time.

There is no interest in the rest on display from Pompey, though.

Whittingham said: ‘I thought it was a good exercise.

‘Arnaud Mendy played again and we had another look at him.

‘As for the others – apart from Ashmore – I don’t think there was anything for us there, but it was a good exercise just so you know who is out there.

‘Lee Bradbury (Hawks manager), Alex Pike (Gosport) and Mike Harris (Salisbury) were watching so it was good for them to see as well.’

The fixture at Aldershot’s training ground had been arranged by Pompey assistant manager Steve Allen and player-recruitment consultant Darren Simmons.

And Allen was delighted with the fixture.

He said: ‘I think the lads applied themselves well in what was a typical triallist game. Aldershot were the strongest in the first half but we got to grips with the game and got the 2-0 win.

‘It gave us the opportunity to look at the triallists to see if there is anything there for us.

‘But it also gave other clubs the opportunity, which is the idea as well and I know from speaking to Andy Scott (Aldershot boss) he likes a couple.

‘It was really good for them. If we are doing favours for a couple of agents and if Aldershot can get a few out of it as well, that is great.’