Portsmouth’s top three summer signings

The new season is well and truly underway and it is fair to say that Paul Cook has done his fair share of summer recruiting, with the most recent signing coming on Transfer Deadline Day in the form of Reading defender Dom Hyam.

However; with 14 new additions to the squad, who is really standing out alongside the likes of last season’s Player of the Year Enda Stevens and star man Gary Roberts, the latter of whom already has three goals to his name this season…

David Forde

The fact there is now a consistent goalkeeper in the squad is very welcome news for Blues fans.

Forde does not just fill a gap, he brings with him a wealth of experience, having played for the likes of Cardiff City and Millwall, and has already proved himself in front of a demanding Fratton End.

The last home match against Colchester United saw the 36-year-old produce a triple save as Cook’s side were 1-0 up, keeping the Us at bay. The 17,000-strong crowd that has been attracted to Fratton Park in the opening fixtures of the season will be hoping for more of the same if promotion is to be achieved come May.

Carl Baker

Another promising start has been seen in the case of Baker, who began his Portsmouth goalscoring account on the opening day against Carlisle United after a fine strike from just inside the box flew straight through the ‘keepers’ legs.

The former Milton Keynes Dons man has started every league game since and possesses the ability to play in the centre of midfield as well as on the wing.

Baker has also linked up well with right-back and fellow new signing Drew Talbot, with that side of the pitch proving a threat to opposition at Fratton Park.

Midfielder Baker (Right) scored to gift Pompey a share of the spoils on the opening day of the 2016/17 season against Carlisle – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Milan Lalkovic

Finally, Slovakian forward Milan Lalkovic had a reputation to live up to when arriving on the South Coast during the summer, after having had a successful campaign with League One outfit Walsall last year.

His first appearance in a Blues shirt came against Carlisle with neat footwork and crafty runs catching the eye. He is without a doubt one of the signings of the summer, also speaking volumes regarding the type of players the club is attracting.

The 23-year-old, who turned out 40 times for the Saddlers last season, should be a suitable occupant of Pompey’s number 10 shirt this season.

Therefore, with signings that have had recent experience of playing in higher divisions, it should bode well for the season ahead. Furthermore, with every position added to, it not only provides a decent squad depth but it also makes competition for places extremely high in what could be an exciting year ahead for Paul Cook’s side.

Summer signing Lalkovic (Right) netted eight goals in all competitions for Walsall last term – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.