Hat-trick hero open to permanent deal
Danny Hollands signed off from his Pompey loan spell with a hat-trick.
It was the midfielder’s first career treble, although it was not quite enough to secure a final day victory against Plymouth.
The visitors hit back to level three times – with their final goal arriving right at the death.
But that failed to sour a productive Fratton stay for Hollands, who is out of contract at Charlton this summer and hopeful of tying up a permanent Blues deal.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time. There’s a good bunch of lads and manager – I can’t speak highly enough about the place.
“The fans are as good as you’ll find anywhere in the country. They come in large numbers and really support their side.
“I wouldn’t hesitate about coming back here, so we’ll have to see what happens over the summer.”
Hollands was delighted with his contribution against the Pilgrims and amazed at how Pompey have soared up the league in recent weeks.
He said: “I’ve never had a hat-trick before, so it’s a proud personal moment for me.
“Luckily the ball kept falling to me whenever I went forward and I just had to put the finishing touches to some great crosses.
“It’s a team game and I couldn’t have done it without my team-mates, so I have to thank them.
“We were a bit upset with ourselves because it was three sloppy goals that we conceded.
“But really it’s just nice to have stayed in the league because when I came here it looked like we would be in a relegation battle on the final day.
“We’ve done really well, stuck together and finished just outside the top half, so it’s a real achievement.
“The quality in the whole squad has been there for everyone to see in the last seven games.”