Steve Claridge reacts to what John Mousinho has done at Portsmouth – ‘Unbelievable’
Steve Claridge believes Portsmouth should have no worries just yet and does not think the first win of the season is far away.
The former Blues striker and manager has commended the “unbelievable” job John Mousinho has masterminded since taking the reins at Fratton Park, and describes the team as “not a million miles off” with injuries having played a part.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Jono Holmes [10 October], Claridge played down early fears of deep trouble this campaign.
“Portsmouth aren’t a million miles off. They had the most shots of any team in the league so far in one game against Oxford United. They should have won the game.
“Mousinho has done an unbelievable job; it’s harder to get out of League One than to stay in the Championship, so I have full faith he can keep the club up.
“The owners are trying to do things in the right way, it feels like the club are being run properly, and they seem like the types of owners who will put their hands in their pockets if they need to.”
Portsmouth must strengthen in January
Regardless of the position in the table Portsmouth find themselves in come January, they must invest further in the winter window.
Some astute signings have been made, but the squad rebuild has to continue over the course of the coming windows and not stop here.
The squad’s bloating has only not been noticed due to the lengthy injury list in the past two months, but there are senior players unable to be registered, and there remains a need for more hardened Championship players in the squad.
Pompey’s wins are coming, there is no doubt about it. But so far, lessons are being learnt in a harsh manner.
In the long run, the hope is this learning curve will benefit the squad and coaching staff without it being too late.
In other Portsmouth news, a former Premier League ace reveals his old manager’s attempts to sell him to Pompey got him the sack from a rival club.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.