Conor Chaplin concern at Portsmouth - "We just have to hope" Ipswich Town don't take action | OneFootball

FLW's Portsmouth fan pundit has given his verdict on Conor Chaplin's recall clause after Ipswich Town switch

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Portsmouth agreed a deadline day deal with Ipswich Town to bring Conor Chaplin back to Fratton Park on loan after his initial 2018 exit.

The Tractor Boys confirmed that a recall clause has been inserted into the move, meaning the forward could be brought back in January.

However, Pompey will be keen to keep him for the whole campaign as they look to climb the Championship table after a 17th place finish last season.

The 28-year-old featured in Kieran McKenna’s side in each of the opening four fixtures of the new term, but started on only one occasion before joining Portsmouth on a temporary basis.

Conor Chaplin recall concern raised after Ipswich Town switch

When asked about the recall clause in the agreement for Chaplin, FLW’s Portsmouth fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis claimed that it’s not a big issue given the nature of loan deals.

He sees two scenarios in which the forward may be brought back to Portman Road early, but he is hopeful that the player will remain with Pompey for the entire campaign.

“I think it is what it is, I suppose,” Ioannidis told Football League World.

“There is every chance in the world Ipswich will recall Chaplin in January, so we just have to hope that that doesn’t happen.

“I think it comes down to two factors.

“Say, hypothetically, Ipswich don’t get off to a good start, they lose a couple of games, or they’re far away from the targets they’ve set initially. If they ever feel that Conor Chaplin can bolster their squad, get them back on track, help them out in any way possible, then I’m afraid we can’t do anything about this.

“Or, similarly, say that we have a very decent season and Conor Chaplin plays an instrumental part in what we do. If Ipswich are there or thereabouts competing for stuff come January, they may feel like they are helping out a Championship club too much, to the point where they shouldn’t.

“And that’s why they may consider getting him back as well.

“We just have to enjoy it for now, it’s a great transfer for us.

“Hope he doesn’t get recalled but, again, with these deals and these options, we just can’t ever be sure about it.”

Portsmouth have made a solid start to the new Championship season, earning seven points from a possible 12 going into the September international break.

John Mousinho’s side are eighth in the table, with Chaplin potentially set for a debut when the league restarts on 14 September with a huge clash against bitter rivals Southampton.

Conor Chaplin signing could be a huge addition for Portsmouth

Chaplin didn’t have the best season last year in the Premier League, scoring just once from 22 appearances in McKenna’s team.

However, he was a sensational part of their initial promotion to the top flight, contributing 13 goals and eight assists from 44 games.

That level of attacking output would be a great addition for Portsmouth this season, if he can return to that form at Fratton Park.

Colby Bishop could also be an ideal partner for him to work alongside in attack, potentially giving the team a really strong forward line, so Mousinho will be hoping Ipswich have no reason to recall the 28-year-old when the January window opens.

The clause is an obvious cause for concern, but the likelihood of it happening would mean Portsmouth are flying, Chaplin isn't playing or Ipswich are struggling that much that they need him back. The first two are not negatives for Pompey, whilst the third isn't likely given Ipswich's impressive squad depth.