Portsmouth backed to make successful Championship adaption in Ipswich Town comparison
David Norris believes Portsmouth will have no problems adapting to Championship level this season.
Norris was in the Pompey squad the last time the club competed in the second tier in 2011-12, and the midfielder is a huge fan of John Mousinho’s progress with the Blues.
The current Portsmouth squad has limited Championship pedigree, which is being attended to with signings such as Jordan Williams, Josh Murphy, Sam Silvera and Jordan Archer.
Norris, speaking exclusively to Pompey News as he reminisces on his experience of both divisions, said: “I know everyone wants to play the right way these days, but there is a step up in quality from League One to the Championship.
“There are more teams with quality who play the ‘right’ way. With the manager and the way they play, it’s almost as if [Portsmouth] were adapting to a higher level anyway.
“The way they set up means they should adapt well to the Championship. Some players will be allowed more time on the ball, so those who were steady in League One could be even better in the Championship. Ipswich’s players and how they stepped up, they’re a prime example.”
Portsmouth set to make the step up to Championship level
Everyone at Portsmouth – players, coaching staff, the board and the supporters – are under no illusions of how difficult the vortex of the Championship can be.
The way Pompey and the hierarchy have acted off the pitch has been impeccable, and the preparations appear to be going well.
The hunt for new faces in the building has likely stepped up a gear in speed since the release of the fixtures, pitting the Blues in with potentially the toughest start of all 24 Championship clubs – a baptism of fire with Leeds United at Elland Road first up on 10 August.
Norris makes the point about different styles of play and effective players in possession being able to impact games more easily at a higher level, where defending as a unit is less erratic and more organised.
This could be meat and drink to the likes of captain Marlon Pack, who is one of the Championship-experienced men in Mousinho’s squad, and will be vital throughout.
In other Portsmouth news, the club have been rebuffed for an international midfielder.
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