Don Goodman makes Portsmouth-Ipswich comparison with ‘unrealistic expectations’ verdict
Don Goodman has backed Portsmouth to consolidate themselves in the Championship this season even if Ipswich Town’s promotion last term has led to “unrealistic expectations” for many clubs.
The former West Brom, Wolves and Sunderland man, now a prominent Sky Sports pundit, says John Mousinho will have no higher target than mid-table and ensuring Pompey continue to progress at second-tier level in 2024-25, as Goodman has all summer shown confidence in the club.
The EFL expert adds that Ipswich have “ruined it” for new entrants to the league in terms of expectations after their back-to-back promotions see them begin their Premier League campaign against Liverpool this weekend, having played in League One as recently as May 2023.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, Goodman said: “It’s all about consolidation. I don’t think John Mousinho will have anything other than that in his brain. When I say that, I don’t mean it’s a case of going to the last game of the season and scraping yourself over the line, but it’s all about retaining their Championship status.
“I think they can do that and do so with a bit of time to spare. If they can get points on the board early on, then perhaps they can revaluate their ambitions and aim towards the top half.
“But that at this moment in time, Ipswich have absolutely ruined it for every club because they have set unrealistic expectations for promoted clubs. Ipswich were a real exception to the rule. I do think mid-table consolidation would be a very successful season for Portsmouth.”
How high can Portsmouth aim this season?
Portsmouth will be glad to be off the mark following the first of a “brutal” run of early fixtures in the Championship, securing a 3-3 draw in a jaw-dropping encounter at Leeds United last weekend.
Mousinho’s side have since bowed out early from the Carabao Cup courtesy of Millwall, with the head coach admitting the league campaign is firmly the priority [Portsmouth FC on X, 13 August].
Pompey have been projected to fare better than fellow promoted clubs Derby County and Oxford United this season, with some even naming them as dark horses for the top six.
Realistically with the injuries the club are already facing – let alone deep into the season – and the budget in comparison to division rivals, mid-table would be an excellent return.
Despite savvy recruitment from the board and Mousinho so far with Championship experience arriving at bargain prices, there will be some tricky spells in the season which will teach a few crucial lessons to the Blues in the long run ahead of next year.
In other Portsmouth news, a potential move for an Austrian top-flight goalkeeper.
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