Regan Poole ‘should hang his head in shame’ after Portsmouth scenes v Preston
Regan Poole is one of the leading defenders at Portsmouth, but his performance against Preston North End suggested otherwise.
Portsmouth appeared to be climbing to safety after a run of four wins from six in the Championship.
However, after crushing back-to-back defeats, John Mousinho’s side could be in trouble again.
The 38-year-old has every right to fume with the Portsmouth players after their performances in the 2-1 defeat to Preston at Deepdale on Saturday (15 March).
However, Mousinho does need to accept some of the criticism after he decided to start Kusini Yengi in Lancashire, although it was arguably Poole who cost Pompey the match against Preston.
Poole failed to turn up for Portsmouth in defeat v Preston
Poole put in a dismal display for Portsmouth as they left Preston empty-handed.
Pompey were the better team in the first half and squandered multiple attacking chances, which would explain why Mousinho was so angry with the nature of the defeat as things suddenly become tighter toward the bottom of the table.
| Championship 2024/25 | Position | Points |
| Portsmouth | 17th | 42 |
| Oxford United | 18th | 42 |
| Hull City | 19th | 41 |
| Stoke City | 20th | 39 |
| Cardiff City | 21st | 39 |
| Derby County | 22nd | 38 |
After conceding in the 76th minute and equalising seven minutes later, Portsmouth once again went behind, and Poole was arguably to blame.
The defender was nowhere to be seen as Stefan Thordarson grabbed the winner at Deepdale, and for a centre-back of his quality, Mousinho would have expected much more.
And the 26-year-old’s overall performance also left much to be desired. As per Sofascore, while Poole made five clearances, one interception and one tackle, he was also dribbled past one.
In addition, he won just one of his four ground duels and five of his nine aerial duels.
On the ball he was particularly poor, completing just 67 per cent of his passes, and failing to provide an accurate long ball from two attempts.
Poole must show signs of improvement at Portsmouth
When Poole plays well, Portsmouth tend to defend well. The Englishman has not been at his best over the past couple of games, which might explain why both have ended in defeat for Pompey.
Therefore, with a relegation dogfight on their hands, Poole is going to need to show much more at Portsmouth between now and the end of the season.