Pompey to offer pair new deals

The duo’s existing deals run out on January 29 but the club have sent letters offering them new monthly terms.

Whittingham is desperate to keep both at Fratton Park and is hopeful neither will walk away like Izale McLeod and Lubomir Michalik.

Ertl, who has captained the Blues for the past two matches, yesterday told The News he is ready to sign a deal if offered one.

Meanwhile, Whittingham has been impressed with Russell’s willingness to help work with the first-team’s youngsters after training.

And the caretaker boss wants the duo to remain part of his first-team squad.

He said: ‘I would like to keep both of them and the letters have now been sent out.

‘They are both good, experienced lads who are excellent in and around the football club.

‘Johnny is so positive about things and wants to be part of rebuilding here.

‘Darel is great with all the young players and stays behind after training to help them out.

‘He works with midfield players and the other day did a bit of work with Dan Thompson. You want pros like that.

‘That’s why we say we have got to be careful with the senior players we have here at Pompey.

‘You want ones with the right attitude and we feel we have that with these two.

‘Hopefully they will sign. As the month goes on we’ll know more about who wants to be here.

‘There’s no point keeping anybody if they don’t want to stay.’