Portsmouth star Marlon Pack sends three-word message as contract agreed
Marlon Pack has found more of his football has come in the Portsmouth defence than in midfield throughout this season.
The captain’s gradual phasing-out of the centre has been a direct consequence of the performances of Freddie Potts and Andre Dozzell for John Mousinho, alongside the loan arrival of Isaac Hayden from Newcastle United.
Pack has come in for both positive and negative feedback from his fellow Pompey fans on his defensive performances, but one beneficial factor not up for debate is what he brings to the dressing room at Fratton Park.
Pack congratulates Portsmouth teammate on contract elsewhere
Pack has always been a support network for his Portsmouth teammates, and that has stretched to the public online space.
The Pompey skipper, 34, was seen commenting on the Instagram post of fellow midfielder Potts, following the news the loanee has signed a contract extension with West Ham United.
The Hammers are 21-year-old Potts’ boyhood and parent club, which secures an extension to a deal which he will hope to see eventually make him a Premier League regular.
On Potts’ post (25 March) alongside Irons legend and director Mark Noble, he captioned: “Delighted to have signed a new long term contract with my boyhood club!”
Pack responded: “Go on the boy,” alongside a crossed hammer emoji.
A wealth of Blues teammates also showed their support in the comments including Callum Lang, Terry Devlin and Jordan Williams.
Potts could still return to Fratton Park next season
Unfortunately for Portsmouth fans, the new contract for Potts at West Ham means it is very unlikely the Blues can afford him any longer on a permanent deal, if they even could beforehand.
However, the midfielder has time on his side and may be game for another year in the Championship, with a head coach in John Mousinho, teammates and supporters who adore him.
Potts may find it difficult to sustain game time at the London Stadium next season, with a Premier League place all but mathematically certain for Graham Potter’s side.
| West Ham – current midfielders | Age |
| Tomas Soucek | 30 |
| Lucas Paqueta | 27 |
| Edson Alvarez | 27 |
| Guido Rodriguez | 30 |
| James Ward-Prowse | 30 |
| Andy Irving | 24 |
| Carlos Soler (loan) | 28 |
James Ward-Prowse is among the players Potter is favouring in his midfield, the former Southampton captain and Pompey local returning to play regularly after an impractical loan at Nottingham Forest.
Potts has a chance to make a massive impact at Fratton between now and the end of the season, regardless of what his future holds in 2025-26.