Portsmouth boss, John Mousinho, believes that the club has an advantage over rivals having already been incredibly active in the transfer window, according to The News.
Out of all of the teams in League One, Portsmouth have been the most active in the transfer window. Alongside newcomers Stevenage, Pompey have already made six signings this summer and Mousinho is still looking at bringing a few more names to Fratton Park for the forthcoming season.
The 37-year-old believes that the early activity in the transfer window gives them an advantage over their competitors. With eight teams not registering a new signing so far this summer, Portsmouth are certainly ahead currently. With the club expected to challenge for promotion next season, the transfers will need to have the desired impact, and the manager seems confident that Pompey will be in contention next season.
The forthcoming season will be Mousinho’s first full season in charge of Portsmouth. In fact, it will be his first full season in management, with Pompey being the first senior side that he has managed. Having joined the club in January, Mousinho oversaw 23 games in charge, winning ten, drawing nine and losing just four. One of the brightest managers in League One currently, Portsmouth fans will be confident of progress under the Englishman in the forthcoming year. They should have full faith in his transfer strategy, which could be a huge advantage for the South-coast side.
Who have they signed so far?
Portsmouth’s six summer signings cover various positions across the pitch, as Mousinho looks to strengthen the depth of the squad. In the defensive areas Portsmouth have brought in Conor Shaughnessy from Burton as well as goalkeeper Will Norris from Burnley. In midfield they have signed the versatile Ben Stevenson from Forest Green Rovers and 19-year-old Terry Devlin from Glentoran who looks a long term prospect for the Blues. Across the attack, Wigan winger Anthony Scully and Bournemouth forward Christian Saydee will both be playing their football at Fratton Park next season, Saydee who is just 21 looks to be another long-term prospect.
What’s been said?
Regarding the business which has already been done, Mousinho said:
‘The ambition of the club is hopefully reflected in the players we’ve brought in. Again even the fact the club are willing to go and buy good, young players is a real positive.
“So I think it is useful, it’s certainly a nice statement of intent
“The week after the transfer window opened was a really exciting week to be part of the football club.”
Speaking on the club’s transfer strategy and early movements in the transfer window, the boss added:
“Everyone wants to see what the football club are doing and thankfully we were in a position to announce quite a few early on.”
“Now the next step is to work with them out on the pitch and turn them into a squad which works together.”
Writer’s view
Early activity in the transfer window shows the intent of Portsmouth and Mousinho for the forthcoming season. With one of the strongest sides in League One now almost fully built, you’d expect to see Portsmouth at the very least challenge for the play-offs. Giving players an extra couple of weeks to adjust to their new surroundings is pivotal to getting the best out of them in pre-season and it would be no surprise to see Pompey start fast this season.
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