Josh Murphy makes ‘frustrating’ Portsmouth admission ahead of Oxford United reunion
Josh Murphy discussed the “frustrating” points Portsmouth have thrown away late in games this season ahead of his reunion with Oxford United this weekend.
The winger swapped the Kassam Stadium for Fratton Park on a free transfer in the summer after his Wembley double helped the two clubs instantly reunite in the Championship this season.
Murphy is now fit and ready to fire under his ex-teammate at Oxford, John Mousinho, and went on the EFL Essential podcast [3 October] to discuss his short time so far at Pompey.
“It’s been frustrating that we’ve dropped seven points from the 90th minute, and the league position probably doesn’t show how well we’ve done – but that’s how ruthless the Championship is. I feel like we have to be a bit more streetwise,” the 29-year-old said.
“I loved Oxford to bits, but I felt like to be here at Portsmouth is a new and exciting challenge. I believe in what the head coach is trying to do, and I feel that if the points had shown a different story, people would be saying it was the perfect move.
“The club are a sleeping giant and the direction they want to move in appealed to me. If they want me to be part of the success they’re trying to achieve, then that was an opportunity I was willing to take.”
Portsmouth nabbed Josh Murphy from Oxford United
Portsmouth secured a relative coup to bring on Murphy without a fee, after his heroics at Oxford ended his time with the Us.
The wide man is experienced in the Championship and brings to the Blues what they do not really have a lot of, and that is nous at this level.
Murphy’s return to full fitness will no doubt help Pompey gain the “streetwise” attitude he has touched on, in a young squad still finding their feet and having faced several stern opponents.
On a dismal night for Mousinho’s side on Wednesday at Stoke City, the one positive note was Murphy’s clever assist for Mark O’Mahony’s goal – even if it was slightly fortuitous, it was the only factor to go for Pompey all evening.
Saturday will mean a lot to both Murphy and Mousinho, but the call of duty is clear – the need for a win is paramount to properly kickstart the season at Fratton Park.
In other Portsmouth news, the women’s team must also respond after a 6-1 defeat of their own.
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