First Signing.

[Bluemike]

TWTD understands Town are close to landing Portsmouth central defender Adam Webster in a deal which would see Matt Clarke, who has spent the season on loan at Fratton Park, move in the opposite direction.

We understand Webster, who is contracted to Pompey until June 2017 and even with Clarke's involvement will have cost the Blues a fee, is due to undergo a Town medical today, having been was amongst the younger players manager Mick McCarthy targeted in January when the clubs were unable to agree a fee.

The right-sided defender has also attracted interest from elsewhere this season, having established himself at centre-half, after previously operating largely as a full-back.

The 21-year-old joined Portsmouth aged 12 and came through the ranks at Fratton Park, making his senior debut in January 2012 during their time in the Championship in a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.

The 6ft 3in tall defender spent 2013/14 on loan at Aldershot, making 24 starts for the Vanarama National League side.

Webster, from West Wittering near Chichester, has now made 60 starts and 21 sub appearances for Portsmouth, scoring five goals. He has been capped by England at U18 and U19 levels.

We understand Barham-born Clarke is set to join Pompey on a permanent basis, having spent the whole of 2015/16 on loan at Pompey, making 30 starts and three sub appearances, scoring once.

The central defender or midfielder came through Town’s academy and made one Capital One Cup start and four Championship sub appearances for the Blues.

Clarke's exit will come as a surprise with Blues boss Mick McCarthy having previously said that he viewed him very much as one for the future and part of his plans for next season.

Looks like MM intends to get his business done early which is always a good thing. I can't say I know much of Adam Webster but we definitely need some competition for places at CB and with the rumours of Berra moving on this is a good addition to the squad. Capped at England U18 & U19 level should mean something one would hope. As I said recently on another thread I never have been too sure about Matt Clarke so not overly disappointed at him moving in the other direction.

[Tangfastic]

Another defender so expect a senior defender to leave. Berra?

This guys got 60 games under his belt so he's got to be seen as a player aiming to get game time. This ones not going to cause much excitement yet as he's yet another CB, but interested to see if this is a sign MICK will split up the defence.

I'm thinking there could be a bit of movement in and out this summer.

[Bluemike]

It could well mean someone is on the way out, with Smith, Chambers, Digby and possibly Webster that is 4 CB's already.

[herforder]

A tad surprising - but not in a negative sense. The lad has also operated as a full-back, so brings some versatility - although shouldn't be played out of his preferred position. Not that MM would ever dream of it! Almost certainly means one, or possibly both, current CBs will leave the club. Anyway, let's welcome him into the fold, and wish young Clarke the best of luck for the future. Will be interesting to see how this deal pans out for both clubs.

See, also, that MM apparently tried to sign Webster in Jan - indicating that we were active in the transfer market. He's clearly been on the radar for a while, and therefore rated by MM. A deal involving Clarke plus cash has made it happen, and will hopefully prove to be decent business.

So, next season's back four may look different - but let's hope it's balanced, with square pegs etc.

Now for Payne, Moncur and Gilbey!

[hallamblue]

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/footb ... -1-7182045


http://fansonline.net/portsmouth/mb/view.php?id=635378


I love the thought of our squad starting to get younger more vibrant, and quicker look to it. Feel a tad skrry for Clarke going the other way, but the Town coaches obviously feel the Pompey player has more about him.

[herforder]

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/footb ... -1-7182045


http://fansonline.net/portsmouth/mb/view.php?id=635378


I love the thought of our squad starting to get younger more vibrant, and quicker look to it. Feel a tad skrry for Clarke going the other way, but the Town coaches obviously feel the Pompey player has more about him.

Seems like Webster is good with both feet, and able to bring he ball out of defence, rather than just be a stopper/hoofer. (Que cynics asking, has MM lost the plot!)

[Kerry Blue]

It seems playing right back he was very poor I just hope Mick does not think he should play him there instead of Chambers

[Tangfastic]

It seems playing right back he was very poor I just hope Mick does not think he should play him there instead of Chambers

He's apparentlty - from forum websites- only found his position this season playing CB. The Pompey fans reckon he's crap at RB.

500k + Clarke.... so he must be seen as a player heading straight to the team and must be seen as a CB option. Not an 8k squad filler like the Polish lad.

Must be Smith or Berra leaving.

[Bluemike]

Well the talk has been for some time that Berra is away to Scotland so maybe there is some truth in it.

[hallamblue]

Released Yowarth now too. clearing the decks it seems.

[K L Blue]

Well the talk has been for some time that Berra is away to Scotland so maybe there is some truth in it.

I reckon with Rangers getting back in the SPL, that if Berra goes that'll be where he's going

[Bluemike]

Gareth Evans has already sent his congratulations to Adam Webster – and believes the defender will thrive at Ipswich.

This week will see the confirmation of the 21-year-old’s Portman Road transfer for a fee well in excess of £500,000.

Paul Cook will also receive Matt Clarke to plug the hole left by Webster’s departure after 11 years at Fratton Park.

Last summer Pompey cashed in on Jed Wallace for around £800,000 in a deal with Wolves.

Now it’s Webster’s turn – and Evans is delighted to see his team-mate get the chance of Championship football.

The midfielder said: ‘Webbo has had an excellent season and everyone has been saying throughout what a good player he is.

‘It has not really surprised me he has moved on.

‘Everyone in the changing room wishes him well and hopes he has the career that his ability warrants.

‘I know some of us have sent him a text wishing him all the best, so good to luck to him.

‘I really liked playing with Webbo because he breaks out of defence well and if I manage to find a decent position in a hole coming off the wing he often finds me.

‘Then you think of how well he played in both FA Cup games against Ipswich and it is no shock they have come in for him.

‘I am sure he will kick on and wouldn’t be surprised to see him at the top level one day.

‘He has absolutely everything in his armoury, is big, strong, aggressive, quick and with a good footballing brain as well.

‘Such a lovely lad, really down to earth, the lads are going to miss him around the changing room but that’s football – you expect players to move on and he fully deserves it.’

[hallamblue]

Good as confirmation for me. Great news!

[number 9]

'Such a lovely lad, really down to earth...'

MM's gonna love that!

[Tangfastic]

We signed Jon Walters based on a FA Cup game with Chester years back. Our defenders apparently told the gaffer (Magilton ?) what a handful he was and they signed him for 300k ( then sold him for 3 million). This kid could be likewise....

[hallamblue]

I'd hope just for once we keep hold of our talent and get promoted with them instead of selling them for big bucks shish the manager never sees .

[arana peligrosa]

Was reading up on this Webster kid and if people are expecting great things or it's going to be something of a stellar transfer, then won't dispute. Born in 1995 (Christ, I feel old) and possesses a decent aerial threat and has appeared at international level albeit in a junior capacity.

Don't believe the actual move has gone through at time of writing but it's about done and should be with us any time now. Will wait for the time to occur when (or if) he appears in our squad line-up and see if the player can live up to this measure of hype.

[Tangfastic]

I'd hope just for once we keep hold of our talent and get promoted with them instead of selling them for big bucks shish the manager never sees .

I think we'd all like to see talent stay, but the point is that it's a good thing that clubs are interested in our players..... it means they're doing ok.

Apart from Dozzell ( 2 appearances ) who's looking at our players and thinking we need to sign him? Bishop without the injuries maybe?

It's not that I want to see players leave, but it's a back-handed compliment when our players are receiving interest.