Squad return for pre-season work
Pompey’s squad have returned for pre-season training.
New signings Carl Baker, Milan Lalkovic, Danny Rose and Drew Talbot were among those who turned up at the club’s Copnor training base on Tuesday morning.
The players started with light gym work before travelling to Portchester, where assistant manager Leam Richardson oversaw a running session.
“It’s never easy returning to pre-season and I certainly felt it a bit after a tough morning,” said right-back Talbot, “But it’s good to be back.
“This is our job – and it’s also a hobby – and we have to do the tough work to prepare for what will hopefully be a successful season.
“We’ve got some good pre-season tests coming up, although the results aren’t really important at this stage.
“Going away will give me a chance to get to know the lads better because I have only just met some of them for the first time.
“I knew a couple already, though, and I’ve already been made to feel welcome by everyone at Pompey.”
The squad travel to Ireland on Monday and will face matches against Sligo (July 6) and Bohemians (July 9).
When they return to England, there are non-league opponents in the shape of Hawks (July 13), Sutton (July 16) and Salisbury (July 19).
Pompey’s only home friendly sees Bournemouth visit Fratton Park for Alan McLoughlin’s benefit match on Saturday, July 23.
There are then trips to Bognor (July 27) and Bristol City (July 30) before the League Two campaign gets underway at home to Carlisle on Saturday, August 6.