Portsmouth defender Ryley Towler

Ian Darke says Ryley Towler future looks 'Depressing' at Portsmouth with loan exit mooted

Portsmouth fan Ian Darke has one of the most recognisable voices in English football. Born and bred on the south coast, Darke has seen almost everything in the game having worked as a commentator for Sky Sports and BT Sport. He's covered four World Cups and we're delighted to have him join our team of experts at Pompey News.

Published on:

16 Nov 2024, 11:00 am

Ryley Towler has been hit by a "Depressing" reality at Portsmouth after being dropped by John Mousinho, Ian Darke has said.

Towler, who has not played since Pompey's opening four games of the Championship season, was again shunned when Marlon Pack was drafted into the backline against Preston.

Pompey still charged to a 3-1 win over North End [9 November], with Darke suggesting that Towler may be loaned out instead.

"I think it's a depressing reality for Ryley Towler, he'll be stewing on a decision which is a clear sign Mousinho either doesn't fancy him or trust him to come into the side," he exclusively told Pompey News.

"It may be the case that once everyone's hopefully fit and firing - Conor Shaughnessy and Tom McIntyre - they may look to loan Towler out.

"As for Pack, I think everyone was a bit worried - I don't remember him playing there before - but he didn't put a foot wrong. Whether you'd want to try that in a difficult away game under more pressure, that one's a lot more open to question."

Portsmouth expected to be busy in January

The proposed loan exit for Towler is anticipated to be just one of several incomings and outgoings at Fratton Park in the winter window.

Mousinho will be looking to trim down a squad which has been swollen this season in more ways than one - both in terms of its excess size and the injury crisis which has masked that fact.