Pompey boss to make a decision on Mendy

Decision day is looming on the future of rangy Luton Town midfielder Arnaud Mendy who is currently on trial at League Two Portsmouth, writes Mark Wood.
Arnaud Mendy in action for Portsmouth on Tuesday nightArnaud Mendy in action for Portsmouth on Tuesday night
Arnaud Mendy in action for Portsmouth on Tuesday night

The 23-year-old Guinea-Bissau international has appeared twice in friendlies for Pompey this week and was also recently on trial at Bury.

Mendy impressed a number of Portsmouth fans in Tuesday night’s 5-0 victory over Havant and Waterlooville at West Leigh Park.

He was then also involved in a Portsmouth XI that beat an Aldershot XI during a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Shots’ training ground today.

Speaking after that victory, Pompey boss Guy Whittingham said: “It gave us a chance to have another look at Arnaud having appeared for a half last night (Tuesday).

“He did OK and has given us a bit to think about. So we’ve got to decide where we go on that one yet.

“We haven’t made a decision but we will most likely do that before Saturday.”

Mendy was one of a number who had impressed Whittingam the night before against Havant, with the former Portsmouth forward adding: “It was a good exercise for us and a chance for us to look at a few people against Hawks.

“The trialists represented us well and gave a good account of themselves.

“We will look to make a quick assessment of them and if they are not for us there will be others watching.”

Mendy played 28 times for the Hatters following his move from Macclesfield Town for around £30,000 in the January transfer window after initially joining on loan.

Former boss Paul Buckle was delighted to capture the former Derby County midfielder following some impressive performances for the Silkmen, but he never truly shone in a Luton shirt.

Mendy, who also had loan spells at Grimsby Town and Tranmere Rovers, made two starts under incoming Hatters boss John Still but a breach of club discipline meant he didn’t feature after the 0-0 draw at Wrexham.

Speaking in March, Still revealed Mendy was being transfer lister, saying: “I have told Arnaud Mendy that I’m going to put him on the transfer list which may or not have anything to do with football.”

“But, that’s really internal and something that’s disappointed me, so I’ve made him available.”

Managing director Gary Sweet recently intimated that the club would be looking to recoup money on some of their transfer-listed players, but Still is in no doubt about Mendy’s future.

Talking to our sister papers the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette, he added: “He’s been to Bury for a while, spent some time at Portsmouth and we’ll see where he ends up. He’ll be gone though.”

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