Atkinson to Pompey on loan - Confirmed

[RedM]

Just now, Davefevs said:

Pack red card…Big Rob kitting up.

Just saw

[Davefevs]

Good luck the original Big Rob

[Tony Tootle]

Here we go!

[Port Said Red]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

Pack red card…Big Rob kitting up.

 

Just now, steviestevieneville said:

Pack really ain’t a centre half is he here’s big Rob 

I took the liberty of telling him that we all wished him well (I think that's true isn't it? :)) and he said to thank you all. So come on mate, you can do this.

[Davefevs]

Just now, Port Said Red said:

 

I took the liberty of telling him that we all wished him well (I think that's true isn't it? :)) and he said to thank you all. So come on mate, you can do this.

Very true…we all want him to come back as he was.

[steviestevieneville]

Just now, Port Said Red said:

 

I took the liberty of telling him that we all wished him well (I think that's true isn't it? :)) and he said to thank you all. So come on mate, you can do this.

Yes of course. I like Atkinson . Hope he does well then comes back to us in the summer. He’s had a very long time out . 

[Davefevs]

First header attacked and won!

(Is that Dowie on co comms)

[Lavington Robin]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

First header attacked and won!

(Is that Dowie on co comms)

Followed by a great block.

[Port Said Red]

good block with the help of the keeper

[Frenchay Red]

5 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

 

(Is that Dowie on co comms)

Yes  

[Port Said Red]

Just realised that one ex Portishead resident got sent off, so they replaced him with another exile.

[Solent Robin]

I have serious reservations whether Atkinson will get back to his best given his injury problems. His performances for the u21's by all accounts have not been impressive and he needs the game time. He is unlikely to dislodge any of the current back three so this loan is sensible imo. We can then properly assess him for next season and whether he needs replacing as we do need a 4th CB. Not sure about signing Darling unless it is as replacement for Naismith and/or we have already made our mind up on Atkinson. 

[Merrick's Marvels]

16 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

 

I took the liberty of telling him that we all wished him well (I think that's true isn't it? :)) and he said to thank you all. So come on mate, you can do this.

Well done and thanks.

We're lucky to have him and I hope he plays plenty of games berween now and May proving to everyone, including himself, he's back fit, firing and raring to go next August.

For me, this loan should be about nothing more than Big Rob getting back to full fitness.

Edited January 5 by Merrick's Marvels

[MrRedRobin]

Well done big Rob, really happy to see him back on the pitch after his injury troubles and by all means did outstanding when he came on. I know it’s first game back but really promising signs, keep it going Rob!

[nickolas]

Isnt it ironic his 1st game back to first team action is at the ground where he did his injury?!

Hopefully this a a loan to get him match fitness and with a pre season over the summer he can push on into our defence. 

[GrahamC]

Did really well, one excellent last ditch goal line clearance & some towering headers.

Should get a run of games based on that.

[JAWS]

It's only a good move if we get a replacement in, whether recall JKL or a new signing, as were too thin on the ground with only half a season to go.

On form, and injury free Atkinson should be a first choice CB especially as he carries a goal threat. The injury bit is probably where City have some reservations & quite possibly looking to cash out.

[megansdad]

watched the game only to see how Rob would do if he got on. Thought he was outstanding and brought class and composure to the Portsmouth defence

[Roadrunner]

Well done Rob.

[Davefevs]

Well, I’d imagine he will be delighted with that cameo.  Mental side of things too.

Rest well this evening Big Rob.

[LondonBristolian]

24 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Did really well, one excellent last ditch goal line clearance & some towering headers.

Should get a run of games based on that.

Totally agree but, to be honest, Portsmouth have so many central defenders injured or suspended that he could have given away a penalty, scored a hat trick of own goals and had a Gerard Lavin moment and still ended up starting their next match...

[Numero Uno]

25 minutes ago, JAWS said:

It's only a good move if we get a replacement in, whether recall JKL or a new signing, as were too thin on the ground with only half a season to go.

On form, and injury free Atkinson should be a first choice CB especially as he carries a goal threat. The injury bit is probably where City have some reservations & quite possibly looking to cash out.

I would say find out not cash out tbh.

[Loosey Boy]

5 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Well, I’d imagine he will be delighted with that cameo.  Mental side of things too.

Rest well this evening Big Rob.

Agreed

Will quickly become a fans favourite down there if he plays like that

[Gazred]

Can only echo all the above. Great to see the big man in Championship action again.

Best of luck to him for the rest of the season.

[JAWS]

28 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

I would say find out not cash out tbh.

Maybe but, given his injuries, city could well cash in if pompey make an offer

[MrRedRobin]

5 minutes ago, JAWS said:

Maybe but, given his injuries, city could well cash in if pompey make an offer

If he continues to play like he did today we should be bringing him back to challenge in our already strong CB department. Noticed he was playing RCB today rather than LCB which was interesting

[hollydog]

1 hour ago, Solent Robin said:

I have serious reservations whether Atkinson will get back to his best given his injury problems. His performances for the u21's by all accounts have not been impressive and he needs the game time. He is unlikely to dislodge any of the current back three so this loan is sensible imo. We can then properly assess him for next season and whether he needs replacing as we do need a 4th CB. Not sure about signing Darling unless it is as replacement for Naismith and/or we have already made our mind up on Atkinson. 

Did well today.

[Davefevs]

4 minutes ago, hollydog said:

Did well today.

The difference between playing u21s where he’s mainly ticking boxes re fitness and a league match in the Championship, where results are on the line.  I’m sure the adrenaline was pumping more today, and it can make a huge difference.

[Port Said Red]

I think you know from my posts that I am usually very fair and often impartial when commenting on performances. 

I thought he was MotM. 

[Jerseybean]

His Pompey debut went well https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-dont-get-a-fit-rob-atkinson-john-mousinho-hails-signing-of-bristol-city-man-after-eye-catching-sunderland-debut-4930820

[Lew-T]

17 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I’m sure the adrenaline was pumping more today, and it can make a huge difference.

Spot on.

[Jose]

Interesting comment on the Pompey board from someone claiming to know him?! Obviously could be bullshit but followed up by saying he’s been treated badly by Manning so wouldn’t be suprised if they managed to make it permanent.

Most probably rubbish but thought I’d share none the less. 
 

Oh and yes he looked brilliant when he came on. Really hope he comes back stronger from what must have been a horrid time. Seems really nice lad too. 

Edited January 5 by Jose

[BCFCGav]

3 minutes ago, Jose said:

Interesting comment on the Pompey board from someone claiming to know him?! Obviously could be bullshit but followed up by saying he’s been treated badly by Manning so wouldn’t be suprised if they managed to make it permanent.

Most probably rubbish but thought I’d share none the less. 
 

Oh and yes he looked brilliant when he came on. Really hope he comes back stronger from what must have been a horrid time. Seems really nice lad too. 

Big Atko fan so certainly hope not. Had a few chats with his Dad on away days, nice man.

The club stance is it’s a fitness and game-time loan so fingers crossed we can take that at face value. If not, need to at least force a good price, which his performance today won’t have hurt. 

[JAWS]

46 minutes ago, MrRedRobin said:

If he continues to play like he did today we should be bringing him back to challenge in our already strong CB department. Noticed he was playing RCB today rather than LCB which was interesting

I agree with you. I really rate him

[bobbyhutchscurlymullet]

2 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

Just realised that one ex Portishead resident got sent off, so they replaced him with another exile.

Don't think Marlon is another ex-resident. Still see him running around Posset

[Magicseason]

33 minutes ago, JAWS said:

I agree with you. I really rate him

Rob has had a tough time with the nature of his injuries and has fought back and deserves to do well. We desperately need him back at full fitness. Good luck Rob

[Henry]

1 hour ago, Jose said:

Interesting comment on the Pompey board from someone claiming to know him?! Obviously could be bullshit but followed up by saying he’s been treated badly by Manning so wouldn’t be suprised if they managed to make it permanent.

Most probably rubbish but thought I’d share none the less. 
 

Oh and yes he looked brilliant when he came on. Really hope he comes back stronger from what must have been a horrid time. Seems really nice lad too. 

Going by Manning comments on Radio Bristol, I’d be amazed if he plays for us again.

[Jose]

Just now, Henry said:

Going by Manning comments on Radio Bristol, I’d be amazed if he plays for us again.

Oh really, could you summarise please? 
 

Maybe there is something in the comment then?!

[Peter O Hanraha-hanrahan]

Nice to hear so many positive comments from Pompey fans about Atkinson especially as plenty of them were bitching about him joining on loan with him not being the Premiership defender they were hoping for.

He’s a class player, as we already knew. Hopefully he’ll be back with us even better for 25/26.

[1960maaan]

Is it the right time to mention that Rob Dickie has been ill , Manning said he was "spent" before the Derby game and has been confined to bed . 
That means we have 2 fit CB's and one that maybe it for Saturday . I can't see Manning actually playing Campbell-Slowey or another Academy lad. 
Options of changing shape or playing people out of position .
I said it was tempting fate with our record. 

[Davefevs]

8 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Is it the right time to mention that Rob Dickie has been ill , Manning said he was "spent" before the Derby game and has been confined to bed . 
That means we have 2 fit CB's and one that maybe it for Saturday . I can't see Manning actually playing Campbell-Slowey or another Academy lad. 
Options of changing shape or playing people out of position .
I said it was tempting fate with our record. 

JCS is injured (calf).

We have Tanner, we have Roberts, we have Naismith (back in contention).

[1960maaan]

34 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

JCS is injured (calf).

We have Tanner, we have Roberts, we have Naismith (back in contention).

I know that but, I would have wanted to rest our only fit LB given a choice and I'd rather we didn't have to change shape or play players out of position. Naismith has been out for ages , how likely is it he's ready for 90 ? 

I think it's naive in the extreme to send our only senior back up out on loan without real cover and trust to luck. It might be different if he had one of the Academy players ready to step up .

[Mr Popodopolous]

Morrison at LWB?

McCrorie Tanner Vyner McNally Morrison

(I'm still not fully sold on Back 3 but I suppose I'll have to get used to it).

[1960maaan]

Araoye returning from Weston Loan , wonder if there's a chance he might be involved . 
Be good if he could at least make the bench and Morrison get a start. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

He's surely way below it?

I am no expert but surely JKL, Slowey then Araoye?

[Davefevs]

3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

He's surely way below it?

I am no expert but surely JKL, Slowey then Araoye?

JCS is injured.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, Davefevs said:

JCS is injured.

Could make the bench I suppose but contract up in the Summer he's surely got to push on and fast to prove he has a future here (Araoye).

[Davefevs]

Just now, Mr Popodopolous said:

Could make the bench I suppose but contract up in the Summer he's surely got to push on and fast to prove he has a future here (Araoye).

He appeared to have gone right off the boil”.  I wish I could pinpoint why the fall off has happened.  He looked like the next Lloyd Kelly, 2.5 years ago.

[Mr Popodopolous]

8 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

He appeared to have gone right off the boil”.  I wish I could pinpoint why the fall off has happened.  He looked like the next Lloyd Kelly, 2.5 years ago.

I haven't tracked his progress at all but a quick search said he had played 6 Games at Weston on Loan but dunno how else he has done this season.

Edited January 8 by Mr Popodopolous

[1960maaan]

6 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

He's surely way below it?

I am no expert but surely JKL, Slowey then Araoye?

Knight-Label looks a prospect , I kind of hoped he would be recalled to be with our first team, specially when RA left .
Campbel-Slowey is probably next , shame he's injured . Do we know what it is @Davefevs ?
I would think Araoye would have been next . Seems a bit of an on off loan , unless he's had injuries. Played 80 mins last week but I have no idea how he looks now. Not seen him for a while apart from the U21s on RTV and you can't tell much from that. 

[Davefevs]

3 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Knight-Label looks a prospect , I kind of hoped he would be recalled to be with our first team, specially when RA left .
Campbel-Slowey is probably next , shame he's injured . Do we know what it is @Davefevs ?
I would think Araoye would have been next . Seems a bit of an on off loan , unless he's had injuries. Played 80 mins last week but I have no idea how he looks now. Not seen him for a while apart from the U21s on RTV and you can't tell much from that. 

Calf.

Think Araoye’s future won’t be at City.

[1960maaan]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

Calf.

Think Araoye’s future won’t be at City.

I have my doubts, still young but you would think he would have have some minutes by now. 
Has the build and looks the part though. 

[CloudyThatchers]

Interview on the Bbc with Atkinson. Seems like a really decent down to earth fella who deserve to be playing football regularly.

Return to action weight off shoulders - Atkinson - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgj6j5e4308o

 

[Kid in the Riot]

1 hour ago, CloudyThatchers said:

Interview on the Bbc with Atkinson. Seems like a really decent down to earth fella who deserve to be playing football regularly.

Return to action weight off shoulders - Atkinson - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgj6j5e4308o

 

"I love Bristol City"

Good man. 

[Port Said Red]

9 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

"I love Bristol City"

Good man. 

He's said that from almost the first time I spoke to him, loves the area too (don't they all? It can be a problem in some cases as well). I also note that he has put in print what he has said to me before "We all agreed that it was something that needed to happen. The manager was great and I knew it was the right decision," People wanting to suggest that he didn't get on with Manning or vice versa couldn't be more wrong. Same with the rest of the squad. 

[RedRoss]

3 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

He's said that from almost the first time I spoke to him, loves the area too (don't they all? It can be a problem in some cases as well). I also note that he has put in print what he has said to me before "We all agreed that it was something that needed to happen. The manager was great and I knew it was the right decision," People wanting to suggest that he didn't get on with Manning or vice versa couldn't be more wrong. Same with the rest of the squad. 

What a great guy and a brilliant player. I don't think his time with us is over just yet. He's got some great unique attributes that our other strong centre backs currently playing don't have. We just couldn't risk him whilst we had such strong options on the pitch. Especially considering our defence is so strong and every game being too tight to chuck him on for 20 mins here and there. 

Other players could have kicked their toys out the pram. To say 'I love Bristol City' and the 'manager was great' is testimony to his character. I hope he gets good playing time. Does well personally and comes back raring to go in the summer for us. 

[alexukhc]

Maybe it is a move to get fit, he’s been out for 18 months, Portsmouth don’t seem to be a big rival on us but can do us a favour against teams we are up against, it’s a great move for him, he may come back, may not and he’s put his hands up and admitted that, all the best big Rob

[Malago]

See Pompey are away to Wycombe tonight in the Cup.  Hopefully big Rob will get a start.

[Merrick's Marvels]

As above, I trust this is a loan with a view to proving fitness only. Nothing else. So we know, when next pre-season comes around, that he's fit and ready to go. 

But if it transpires to be a loan with a view to letting him go there permanently, I'll just give up.

I'll avoid uttering his name as it appears to be horribly triggering for some but our previous manager, a man who knows what it takes to play in the top flight as a CB from personal experience, and knows how to recruit players to win promotion to the top flight through personal experience, stated explicitly during his time here that we'd recruited Atkinson because he's good enough to play for us in the Premier League.

I see no reason to doubt that judgement.

We have a player good enough for the Premier League, at the right age, on a no doubt sensible salary, with scope for improvement. It's all upside positives with this player. 

To let him leave would be madness and completely contrary to the club's stated strategy - if he proves he can stay fit. 

What's not to like next season about Atkinson, Dickie, McNally and Darling contesting our CB slots? 

[Mr Popodopolous]

4 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

What's not to like next season about Atkinson, Dickie, McNally and Darling contesting our CB slots? 

Vyner is going is he?

Edited Friday at 17:59 by Mr Popodopolous

[Merrick's Marvels]

51 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Vyner is going is he?

If it was down to me.... quite possibly.

Assuming rumours of potential suitors are true - and obviously they might not be!

We are a selling club and need to generate at least nominal fees towards player investment. With that in mind.... 

Vyner will be 28 in the summer with only 1 year left on his contract. Will we have any other sellable and profit making assets to flog (dispiriting isn't it?) next summer, at a time we'll need to buy at least 1 proven striker, to correct the recruitment errors made last summer (and which look like torpedoing our playoff hopes this season)? 

Big IF - if Premier League interest in Vyner is true - we could expect a tasty fee, especially as it would count as all profit, him being a homegrown academy product (if I've got that right?).

Let's run with the random rumour about Palace being interested, for a minute. What fee do you think we could get? No idea personally, other than it would probably be enough to enable the signing of a striker a darn sight more proven than Armstrong and Mayuly to share the burden up front with Wells, and eventually replace him.

What are our other options - on the basis the signing of a quality striker is top priority next summer?

Will there be sufficient FFP room to buy a quality striker without selling first? Over to you!

If not, are there any other players we could flog (dispiriting isn't it?) for enough money to fund the signing of a quality striker? Probably not, imo. Especially when you could replace Vyner with Darling for no money.

So, as I said, if it was down to me... pragmatism would win the day. It has to be head over heart.

PS. For me, in this scenario it doesn't have to be a Premier League club who buys Vyner in the summer, so long as the fee we receive allows us to sign that missing goalscorer. 

Ideally of course, he stays and we get that quality striker too. But it wouldn't be at the expense of selling Rob Atkinson to Pompey as part of creating financial wriggle room. Not in a million years.

Edited Friday at 18:51 by Merrick's Marvels

[cityexile]

2 hours ago, Malago said:

See Pompey are away to Wycombe tonight in the Cup.  Hopefully big Rob will get a start.

Looks like he is. In fairness may not be the best match to judge him in as Pompey make 9 changes, but hopefully he comes through it physically fine.

[mozo]

46 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

If it was down to me.... quite possibly.

Assuming rumours of potential suitors are true - and obviously they might not be!

We are a selling club and need to generate at least nominal fees towards player investment. With that in mind.... 

Vyner will be 28 in the summer with only 1 year left on his contract. Will we have any other sellable and profit making assets to flog (dispiriting isn't it?) next summer, at a time we'll need to buy at least 1 proven striker, to correct the recruitment errors made last summer (and which look like torpedoing our playoff hopes this season)? 

Big IF - if Premier League interest in Vyner is true - we could expect a tasty fee, especially as it would count as all profit, him being a homegrown academy product (if I've got that right?).

Let's run with the random rumour about Palace being interested, for a minute. What fee do you think we could get? No idea personally, other than it would probably be enough to enable the signing of a striker a darn sight more proven than Armstrong and Mayuly to share the burden up front with Wells, and eventually replace him.

What are our other options - on the basis the signing of a quality striker is top priority next summer?

Will there be sufficient FFP room to buy a quality striker without selling first? Over to you!

If not, are there any other players we could flog (dispiriting isn't it?) for enough money to fund the signing of a quality striker? Probably not, imo. Especially when you could replace Vyner with Darling for no money.

So, as I said, if it was down to me... pragmatism would win the day. It has to be head over heart.

PS. For me, in this scenario it doesn't have to be a Premier League club who buys Vyner in the summer, so long as the fee we receive allows us to sign that missing goalscorer. 

Ideally of course, he stays and we get that quality striker too. But it wouldn't be at the expense of selling Rob Atkinson to Pompey as part of creating financial wriggle room. Not in a million years.

I agree. We've got a replacement in McNally to play alongside the Big Robs, and JKL to support.

[Port Said Red]

I think Rob will be unhappy with the way the guy got through his challenge for the goal.

[Gazred]

Would need to see it again but looks like he made a poor decison there which has led to a goal for Wycombe.

He's looked fine otherwise so far.

[Gazred]

1 minute ago, Port Said Red said:

I think Rob will be unhappy with the way the guy got through his challenge for the goal.

Yeh he had to win that, left Hanlan unmarked for the goal.

[Finley_Smith10]

7 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I think Rob will be unhappy with the way the guy got through his challenge for the goal.

Bottled the challenge. Maybe cautious still 

[Ronnie Sinclair]

2-0 Wycombe 

[BCFCGav]

8 minutes ago, Finley_Smith10 said:

Bottled the challenge. Maybe cautious still 

Nothing wrong with that, he needs that time to build up confidence. It’s up to the Portsmouth manager to use him cautiously and understand his situation.

They already know he’s their best centre-half, hopefully they’ll be sensible enough to allow him some early ropey moments.

[Kid in the Riot]

2 hours ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

As above, I trust this is a loan with a view to proving fitness only. Nothing else. So we know, when next pre-season comes around, that he's fit and ready to go. 

But if it transpires to be a loan with a view to letting him go there permanently, I'll just give up.

I'll avoid uttering his name as it appears to be horribly triggering for some but our previous manager, a man who knows what it takes to play in the top flight as a CB from personal experience, and knows how to recruit players to win promotion to the top flight through personal experience, stated explicitly during his time here that we'd recruited Atkinson because he's good enough to play for us in the Premier League.

I see no reason to doubt that judgement.

We have a player good enough for the Premier League, at the right age, on a no doubt sensible salary, with scope for improvement. It's all upside positives with this player. 

To let him leave would be madness and completely contrary to the club's stated strategy - if he proves he can stay fit. 

What's not to like next season about Atkinson, Dickie, McNally and Darling contesting our CB slots? 

Nigel Pearson also said this about Atkinson:

“Rob was signed in my tenure, I want him to be a successful player. But sometimes we need more. Rob’s a very laid back sort of guy so he’s not your average footballer. He’s quite an introverted person. I don’t need to go into too much detail.

“We’ve spoken, let's put it like that, and he’s fine. He’s in contention because we need our best players available. But they’re only our best players if they’re at their best.”

So, no, it's not as simple as just getting him fit and in he goes back into the starting XI.

He's been injured for a long time and needs to prove his worth this year. If he doesn't perform to a high standard then he'll be moved on. He's well aware of this...