Halford and Huseklepp depart, and then there were four….

Erik Huseklepp and Greg Halford completed their moves away from Portsmouth yesterday, leaving just four senior players left at Fratton Park.

Erik ‘the Viking’ Huseklepp completed his much anticipated move back to SK Brann, after a three-way triangle deal with Pompey, Brann and his former club Bari all agreed to a package that would see the three clubs rewarded from his move back to Norway.

The Norwegian forward has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Brann after making 28 appearances in all competitions for Pompey – scoring six goals. The Viking was loaned out to Birmingham for three months back in February as Pompey fought to lower their wage bill but the Blues decided not to sign the Viking on a permanent deal after a change in management at the Midlands club.

He made his Pompey debut as a substitute against Bristol City away, having been signed by Steve Cotterill. Opening his goalscoring tally against Blackpool with an amazing volley, Huseklepp then followed it up by scoring an own-goal against Peterborough as they lost 3-2 in injury time.

The Viking will be sorely missed at Fratton Park for his hard work, that cheeky smile and his goalscoring ability. We wish him all the best back in Norway.

Greg Halford also completed his departure from Pompey after sealing a move to Nottingham Forest.

The former Wolves defender has spent nearly two seasons at Fratton Park following a loan-move that was made permanent, Halford has always been a hard worker and appreciated the fans of Portsmouth Football Club.

Halford made 77 appearances in all competitions for Pompey, scoring 12 goals. Halford was a key man for free-kicks, penalties and even his long-throws. Another one signed by Steve Cotterill, Halford made his Pompey debut in a 1-0 win against Millwall back in October 2010.

Greg is another player who will be sorely missed, and with constant contact with the fans over Twitter, it will be sad not to see Halford at Fratton Park any more. We wish him all the best of luck at Forest.

Halford said on Twitter: “I’d like to thank everyone at #Pompey for everything they’ve done for me. Supporters have been truly amazing and I still want the best for the club and fans.

“The club will always be close to my heart.”

With the above duo gone, and Norris and Varney completing the moves away earlier in the week, it leaves just Tal Ben-Haim, Kanu, Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence at Fratton Park. With just 13 days to go until possible liquidation, a compromise needs to be reached very soon!