Ian Darke shares what Portsmouth missed out on in summer transfer window after tough start
Ian Darke believes Portsmouth probably needed another majorly experienced Championship player in their squad ahead of this season.
Pompey were thoroughly busy in their squad revamp over the summer, preparing to equip John Mousinho as usefully as possible for their return to the second tier.
A difficult run of fixtures to begin the campaign has seen the club sit inside the drop zone on just three points after six games, awaiting their first win as Sheffield United approach as the next opponents.
Renowned commentator and Blues fan Darke exclusively told Pompey News: “I think what Portsmouth have missed out on potentially is one other old, gnarled and experienced Championship campaigner.
“Several players have been signed for their potential. I expect young players like Abdoulaye Kamara and Harvey Blair to go on and perform well, and I think Freddie Potts will be a pretty solid citizen after the year he had at Wycombe Wanderers.
“Jordan Williams looks a good buy, Andre Dozzell looks solid without having made a huge impact; we haven’t seen Jacob Farrell yet and I think Josh Murphy’s pace and goals will be hugely important.”
Portsmouth still lacking Championship nous?
Darke’s comments are intriguing because, while it’s clear the Portsmouth-born broadcast icon is complimentary over much of the club’s summer business, there exists the idea that it feels incomplete.
Some of that feeling will be down to injuries – Farrell has been on the treatment table since his arrival and is expected to be on the verge of his debut, while Ibane Bowat has been ruled out for the majority of the season straight after arriving from Fulham.
You could see what Rich Hughes and Mousinho were trying to achieve in the summer through the deals for players like Murphy and Matt Ritchie – slowly gathering that Championship experience without having to dig deep into the bank.
That blend of youth and experience is apparent, but in the series of tough tests at Fratton Park thus far, there just still appears to be a touch of naivety in Pompey’s play.
There remain a few free agents knocking about who have played plenty of Championship football, but the size of Mousinho’s squad and the time needed to dedicate a programme of match fitness is difficult once the season’s momentum has kicked in.
In other Portsmouth news, Michael Eisner speaks out on his decision to give new contracts to Hughes and Mousinho.
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