Boss warns squad following Bristol Rovers defeat
Certain players are running out of time to prove they have a Pompey future.
That was Richie Barker’s damning verdict after the Blues were beaten 2-0 at fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers.
Goals from Ollie Clarke and David Clarkson saw the Pirates climb above Pompey in the League Two table.
And Barker has demanded a quick improvement from some members of his squad.
The Blues boss said: “For 20 minutes in the first half I thought we were the better team and we had a couple of really good chances.
“But overall we weren’t anywhere near good enough and some of those players have to recognise how fortunate they are to be playing for Portsmouth Football Club.
“Too many of them are going through the motions and I’ve told them that they’ve got 10 days to save their Pompey careers.
“They are where they are because they’re not doing the right things. There are a lot of problems and they need sorting out very quickly.
“We need to work hard and bring people in who are proud to play for this football club and are going to do the basic things before they try to do the complicated things.
“There are individuals who won’t do the right things – perhaps can’t do the right things. One or two need to have a look at themselves.
“You look around after we concede one and who’s giving out instructions? It’s constantly me from the sidelines having to move people about and that can’t be right.
“We have to put a stop to this very quickly and change people’s mentalities because all I’m hearing is moaning and that’s not happening anymore.”
Clarke opened the scoring at the Memorial Stadium with a crisp volley before Clarkson netted with a fine curling finish.
Barker said: “They were both good finishes because people have worked hard to get on the end of things.
“They ran, they chased and they picked up second balls – all the basic stuff we talk about on a daily basis.”