Don Goodman makes Wayne Rooney comparison after slow Portsmouth start
Don Goodman says Portsmouth are suffering with a similar issue experienced by Wayne Rooney when he took charge of Birmingham City last season.
The EFL expert discussed Pompey’s ruthless start to their Championship return from the fixture computer, consequently having not won in their opening six games but picking up some credible results along the way.
Goodman believes Rooney’s terrible 15-game stint at St. Andrew’s – which contributed to their relegation last term as they lost nine matches with the England legend at the helm – was a similar struggle that John Mousinho’s side are now dealing with, as Sheffield United visit Fratton Park this weekend.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, he explained: “The teams that they’ve played, and the calibre of teams they’ve played – nobody could have given Portsmouth a harder set of seven games, and then it’s Stoke away in the eighth.
“For them to have drawn three of those games, against Leeds, Luton and Middlesbrough, they’ve possibly got three more points in terms of looking at those fixtures on paper. It’s similar to when Wayne Rooney went to Birmingham. I could have told any Birmingham City fans, the owners, that they will not win any of those games.
“I’d have said the same for Portsmouth’s opening seven fixtures. It’s Sheffield United next but, the fact they’re home and have a crowd behind them will give them a chance.”
Portsmouth will benefit in the long run from horror fixtures
They have been horror fixtures, but beneath the surface it hasn’t been the dreadful start for Portsmouth some – both inside and outside of the blue bubble – might suggest.
While some supporters begin to panic – particularly from the fact Pompey have conceded in second-half stoppage time in each of their three away games this season – others are taking a more measured view.
The latter approach seems more fair given the fearless way Mousinho’s men grabbed a point from the grounds of both Leeds United and Middlesbrough this season.
We are witnessing a transition period in action from a club deprived of football above League One level for over 12 years.
After Sheffield United comes Stoke – an unpredictable side now under the stewardship of Narcis Pelach, who gave up a half-time lead to lose his first game last week to Hull City.
The forthcoming opponents following the end of September will provide a much more accurate litmus test for a team just needing that stability this campaign.
In other Portsmouth news, the club await an injury update on Callum Lang.
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