Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Wed 26 March 2025 14:57, UK

Josh Murphy has been as integral as John Mousinho first anticipated when he brought his former teammate to Portsmouth last summer.

Mousinho has made the most of his extensive EFL network to strengthen the Pompey side, with recruitment secured over the line by sporting director Rich Hughes.

Murphy was a free agent when he had recently hit the crucial brace which saw Oxford United join the Blues in the Championship, and Mousinho acted quickly to reunite with the winger with whom he shared the Kassam Stadium pitch on many an occasion.

Mousinho made Murphy promise to Portsmouth fans

In pre-season, Murphy had been showing his quality to the point Mousinho assured Portsmouth supporters he was the “outstanding” player in the squad.

Admittedly, the roster has experienced wholesale changes as the Blues look to adapt to the new level, but it’s second nature to Murphy, who has put a slow start through injury behind him to excel this season.

Alongside the likes of Callum Lang and Matt Ritchie, the 30-year-old has been a driving force behind Pompey’s likely – albeit not yet certain – consolidation in the Championship.

Owner Michael Eisner made a bold admission back in November – when Portsmouth looked in free-fall and destined back to League One – that the club would categorically not be relegated this year.

It is down to the recognised talent of players like Murphy why the Blues chief is unlikely to end up with egg on his face and heavy fan criticism given the 12-year graft it took to return to the top two divisions.

Murphy statistic shows how vital he is at Fratton Park

As illustrated by the Championship Chat podcast on X (25 March), Murphy has registered more goal involvements than any other new Championship signing in the division this season so far.

Murphy has accumulated 16 goal contributions (six goals, 10 assists), which have been absolutely crucial to Pompey, particularly in making Fratton Park something of a fortress by their standards this term.

Portsmouth must keep Murphy to progress next season – it’s as simple as that. Do not let heads get turned by potential quick profit, or the uncertain possibility of strengthening other key areas with funds.

For a free signing to have the impact he has done makes a massive difference for Portsmouth, alongside Murphy’s former side Oxford, on the periphery of the survival battle. The two sides are tied on 42 points, with the Blues benefitting from a superior goal difference by just one goal.

Had Murphy remained at the Kassam this season, Oxford would be significantly clear of Portsmouth in the league table this season – fine margins strike again.

Murphy’s twin, Jacob, is having a glittering year at Newcastle United, a club with whom Pompey have been close in business this season. But it’s his brother the Blues are getting the best out of right now.

What a coup.