John Mousinho gives Portsmouth transfer window verdict after deadline
Portsmouth enjoyed a flourishing end to the winter transfer window which has kept the majority of fans happy following the deadline.
As the window slammed shut on Monday (3 February) at 11 pm, John Mousinho appeared content with the transfers the Blues had finalised, with several incomings and outgoings ultimately shaping the squad for a massive survival battle.
Experienced heads were brought in as well as some younger gambles, with a mission to find some of the rare occupiers of part of a Venn diagram covered by both Championship pedigree and a low transfer fee, or loan availability.
Pompey have 16 games remaining of the inaugural campaign back in the second tier which has at times thrown up some memorable days, and in others has been brutal.
A tricky trip to Bramall Lane comes next up on 8 February, against a Sheffield United side gunning for promotion who have themselves been busy in the recent transfer market.
John Mousinho judges Portsmouth transfers
Mousinho gave his assessment of the window to BBC Radio Solent’s Andy Moon (5 February), claiming he is very pleased with the astute business carried out by the Fratton Park hierarchy.
The head coach was complimentary of the recruitment and notably mentioned that many of the Blues’ primary targets were acquired.
Ben Killip and Kaide Gordon were the two Deadline Day acquisitions on a day when some Pompey fans believed their side was finished for arrivals.
“I rate it really highly to be honest – we came out of it a lot stronger than we went in,” Mousinho said.
“We’ve got eight new signings, managed to move a couple on, and the most important thing is we managed to get a lot of our top targets.
“It feels like we’re in a really strong position compared to 31 December.”
Several players left Portsmouth in winter window
Some Portsmouth stars were allowed to leave throughout the 34-day market – numerous on loan but others permanently.
Owen Moxon and Will Norris both completed moves to Stockport and Wycombe respectively, while Tom McIntyre departed on loan to Charlton.
Ryley Towler was a notable player to stay at Fratton Park despite rumours circling of a loan departure.
The competition has become higher in Mousinho’s squad which can only push Pompey further towards avoiding the bottom three and giving themselves another year’s breathing space to progress.