Portsmouth boss John Mousinho
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho
Match

John Mousinho shares what he's loved from Josh Murphy and co. in Portsmouth pre-season

Dan Godfrey
Dan Godfrey

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites including Pompey News between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelancer in various sports. Dan was born and raised in Portsmouth, comes from a Pompey-supporting family, and was in attendance at both of the club's FA Cup finals in 2008 and 2010.

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John Mousinho has given his early verdict on the clutch of new Portsmouth signings who are currently out in Croatia with the squad.

The Pompey head coach, speaking to BBC Radio Solent [9 July], has run a quick rule over the first few days of pre-season for the quintet of new faces at the club: Josh Murphy, Jordan Williams, Jordan Archer, Sam Silvera and Reuben Swann.

The Blues boss had also admitted that his focus on transfers had taken a backseat with pre-season training now having started, with sporting director Rich Hughes taking the baton in the background.

"We're pleased with the recruitment so far - the new lads have looked really sharp," Mousinho said.

"The free transfers of Josh [Murphy] and Jordan [Williams], they fit into the group really well, certainly from the perspective of having that Championship experience. Sammy [Silvera] is the same, has looked really bright and the boys have lifted the group.

"Jordan [Archer] is a similar goalkeeper to Will [Norris] which is important for us, and he brings a lot of experience. Reuben [Swann] has come in from Sudbury and done really well - you would never know it's been his first couple of weeks training full-time with a Championship club."

Josh Murphy and Portsmouth new boys fitting right in during pre-season

Further recruits are certain at Fratton Park this summer with a month to go until the curtain is raised on the new Championship season, with Portsmouth travelling to Elland Road for a salivating clash with Leeds United.

In terms of the pre-season schedule, the Croatian camp is purely for a rigorous training routine in a warmer climate, with no friendly matches pencilled in.

Friendly matches begin upon Pompey's return, with trips to non-league neighbours Gosport Borough, Havant & Waterlooville and Bognor Regis Town all within the space of four days starting next week.

Josh Murphy carries the Oxford United link with Mousinho
Josh Murphy carries the Oxford United link with Mousinho

EFL opposition then beckons on 30 July with a trip to face MK Dons of League Two, before four days later travelling to London to take on Charlton Athletic at The Valley, from League One.

There are no pre-season matches being hosted at Fratton Park this year, due to ongoing refurbishment works.

In other Portsmouth news, David Norris discusses Brett Pitman's prolific non-league career after life at Fratton Park.

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