Defender extends Fratton stay

Jack Whatmough has signed a new two-year Pompey contract.

The 20-year-old centre-back has made 50 appearances since graduating from the Blues’ academy.

He also netted his first goal for the club in last season’s 3-0 League Two victory at Carlisle.

Whatmough said: “It’s fantastic to sign a new contract and be a part of what is going on here.

“I’ve had unfortunate breaks with injuries, so it’s nice to look ahead to the future and another two years at Pompey.

“In the past few years I’ve seen a lot of hard times as the club struggled and slid downwards through the leagues.

“But now we are on the way back up again and it’s great to be involved and play a part in that.”

Whatmough will now turn his attention towards trying to nail down a regular place in the Blues defence.

He said: “There is good competition in that position, with Christian Burges, Matt Clarke and Tom Davies – it’s a formidable back-line.”

Whatmough made his Pompey debut at the age of 17 in a Fratton Park defeat to Southend back in November 2013.

A serious knee injury halted his progress, but he made 12 appearances last term to help the Blues secure the League Two title.