Portsmouth have announced via club media the signing of Owen Moxon from Carlisle United for an undisclosed fee.
Moxon has been ever-present in the Carlisle midfield over the last two seasons and has been a standout performer during that time. He was incredibly influential in the Cumbrians promotion campaign last season, scooping a whole load of personal accolades in the process.
As a result, the 26-year-old also earned himself a place in the League Two Team of the Year and was rumoured with a move away from Brunton Park throughout the summer. Although he would stay with the Blues for the first half of the season, he has today left his boyhood club to join league leaders Portsmouth.
The Cumbrian has three goals and three assists this season from central-midfield, an impressive feat given that Carlisle sit 23rd in the table and have struggled in front of goal all season.
Now joining a team known for their attacking exploit, Moxon should well thrive and should easily replicate those numbers from the first half of the season. It is a signing which will excite Portsmouth fans and he could play a key role in their title charge.
Pompey currently sit at the top of the League One table though are susceptible to being leapfrogged by Bolton Wanderers and Peterborough below them, who have games in hand.
Automatic promotion is the obvious aim this season and the signing of Moxon increases those chances.
Speaking on his latest signing, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho spoke to club media about the role that the midfielder will play.
“Owen is a strong and powerful midfielder, who was one of the stand-out players in League Two last season.
“He’s managed to kick on again during the current campaign and has been one of Carlisle’s better performers.
“Owen has an eye for goal and takes a very good set-piece. He’s mobile and knows how to handle the ball, so we’re excited to have him at Pompey.”
He could well feature in Portsmouth’s clash with Northampton at Fratton Park on Saturday where he’ll be hoping that he can help his new side to all three points.
Writer’s View
It seemed fairly obvious that Moxon would be leaving Carlisle this January given his decision to not renew his contract with the club and he has found an ideal landing spot in Portsmouth. With the Cumbrians facing relegation to League Two this season and Portsmouth in with a chance of promotion to the Championship it seems a no brainer for the player.
It’s a huge blow to Carlisle’s survival chances and although they have already found a replacement in Fleetwood’s Josh Vela, a hole in midfield is still left. They’re running out of time to address the issue but we may still see the club try to rectify the situation in the closing hours of the window.
Senior Editor
