On Air Now Express Hits 1:00am - 5:00am Email

Joe Pigott signs for Pompey from Ipswich as Marcus Harness heads the other way

Pompey have signed striker Joe Pigott from Ipswich on a season-long loan deal.

Marcus Harness heads in the opposite direction, joining the Tractor Boys permanently for an undisclosed fee.

Pigott previously appeared for Charlton, Cambridge and Maidstone before moving to AFC Wimbledon in January 2018.

He netted 54 times in 157 appearances for the club – including the first goal scored at the new Plough Lane.

Dons fans named Pigott their Player of the Year for the 2020/21 campaign before he departed for Ipswich.

Blues boss Danny Cowley said: “We’ve got a player who is really hungry – he loves football and was starved of that a bit last season.

“So he’s highly motivated and was eager to come to Pompey, where he’s previously scored a few goals.

“Joe previously went back into non-league football with Maidstone, where he had a great record to earn his move to AFC Wimbledon.

“Simon Bassey worked with him there and they have a good relationship. He’s a boy we know really well.

“Joe will bring some real intelligence and good link play, while he obviously carries a threat in the final third.

“He's an excellent finisher with both feet and scores all kinds of goals, making clever runs behind defenders.

“We’re pleased to have Joe and I think we’ve signed him at exactly the right time. We’re really looking forward to working with him.”

Harness departs Fratton Park having struck 31 times in 134 matches during his three years with Pompey, which included a hat-trick at former club Burton in October 2020.

His best run of form arrived midway through last season, with the forward finding the net on eight occasions in a run of just 12 games.

Cowley said: “We’re sad to say goodbye to Marcus, who was a key player for us last season – both with his goals and assists.

“He’s someone who I think has Championship quality, but ultimately it was the right time for him to move on.

“And with only a year left on his contract, it makes good business sense for us and gives us some flexibility in further developing our squad.

“I’m sure all our supporters will join me in wishing Marcus the very best for his career and we appreciate his efforts in a Pompey shirt.”
 

Weather in Portsmouth
Thursday Sunny High 20°C   Low 11°C
Friday Sunny intervals High 17°C   Low 9°C

Coming Up

  • Morning Watch with Ben Spiers

    5:00am - 6:30am

    Early riser? Finishing your nightshift? Can't sleep? Whatever the reason you're awake before everyone else, set sail into the new day with Ben.

  • Express Breakfast with Ian James & Ben Spiers

    6:30am - 10:00am

    Ian James returns at 6.30 for your Thursday serving of Express Breakfast brought to you by Biscoes Solicitors. Ian will be joined by Ben Spiers and they will test your music knowledge with 'Backtracking' and keep you updated with all the latest traffic and travel news from across the city and challenge you with The Express Rewind Mystery Year at 9! Plus, Ian will be chatting to Ian Hurst, a suicide prevention trainer from Seed Wellbeing and catching up with Curt Hill discussing this weekends Comic Con event at The Portsmouth Guildhall

Recently Played

Listen to Express FM