Portsmouth winger Reeco Hackett has opened up to BBC Solent’s Andrew Moon on his current situation at Fratton Park, as his contract comes to a close with the club.
The former Charlton academy man joined the club in 2020, after an impressive stint with Bromley in the National League. He has struggled to break into the first team though, with 21 of his 32 appearances in League One coming from the bench. In that time, he has provided two assists and scored three goals. In 43 appearances this season he has scored another three, giving him a total of six goals.
Breaking into the team has proven difficult, with most appearances off the bench, he has stated that he needs to improve on his game and wants to add more goals and assists to his tally before the end of the season. One thing he admitted was he would like to be more selfish to get more goals.
With his deal up in the summer, there has been uncertainty surrounding the 25-year-old’s future at the club. Hackett spoke about his form, describing it as average, and his frustration before discussing his future at Fratton Park. During the interview, the winger stated that regular playing time is something that will play a key factor in the player’s decision to remain at the club.
“We have not done as well as I’d like to, but at the same time, I would definitely like to be playing more.”
“I have to be better”
When asked if he had been in talks with the club over a new deal to keep him, he was very open with his response.
“No, I haven’t.
“I’m sure there will be conversations in the coming weeks but yeah, nothing so far.”
It should not be a cause for concern for Portsmouth fans, as back in February, it was revealed new manager John Mousinho was not going to rush into any decisions regarding contracts with the players who were running up, after only having arrived in January.
The club placed all contract talks on hold at that time, a smart move, as it gives their manager more time to assess his squad and if there are any options to improve on what they have, as opposed to renewing a player’s contract.
Writers View
With his honesty on his current situation, it is clear that remaining at Fratton Park is something the player is open to, and he is clearly motivated to prove himself to make it happen. His injury history is something that has not helped and he is aware of that also, improving his form.
It remains to be seen whether he stays, it would take regular playing time to keep him at the club and unless he can improve on his form, it is difficult to see him given that.
