Atkinson to Pompey on loan - Confirmed

[Port Said Red]

5 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

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...

Yes, Pearson saw him as a leader in what was a fairly young set up at the time, the thing was he didn't take into account that Rob had one season at League one level behind him at the time we signed him and was only playing as much as he did because of Baker's injuries. 

As for today, he looks very much like McNally did in his first few games for us, a little rusty and a little unsure. It can't be helping that Pompey have made so many changes either. 

[Gazred]

Off for Towler at HT. A decent 45 for him there all things considered.

[Merrick's Marvels]

41 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

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...

Indeed, as with a lot of players and imo quite obviously with this one, it's all about what is going on between the ears. 

I hope Atkinson can use a successful loan at Pompey to prove to himself, if no-one else, he can still cut the mustard.