Portsmouth star triggers Fratton contract extension after Sheffield United snub
Portsmouth will have plenty of work to do on their squad over the summer after a revelation John Mousinho made this week.
The head coach confirmed there would be more funds allocated by the Eisners to strengthen the Pompey squad, in order to further establish themselves as a long-term Championship outfit and crucially climb the table.
There will also be several Blues stars the hierarchy will be keen to retain at Fratton Park – a job well done so far, with numerous important members of the squad having already recently signed contract extensions.
Portsmouth star secures contract extension after staying up
Portsmouth can build around the proven Championship performers in their squad from this season, and use the leadership of their senior statesmen to carry them through the summer.
It’s a huge summer, however, for the Blues – who are now under increasing pressure to sustain long-term progress, and invest into league-ready, experienced arrivals.
One player with Championship pedigree who was brought in as a free agent last year was Andre Dozzell, who turned down Sheffield United for a one-year Fratton Park contract having trained in pre-season with Chris Wilder’s Blades.
It has proven fruitful for Dozzell who has been an integral member of the side, and survival has ensured a further year onto his contract has now been triggered, as per The News (23 April).
The 25-year-old has played 39 times for Portsmouth this season in all competitions, scoring twice in away trips to Oxford United and Millwall.
Dozzell a prime example of astute Blues recruitment
Portsmouth supporters were worried when the transfer windows would progress, and the only real funds being invested into players were for project signings such as Hayden Matthews and Harvey Blair, to name a couple.
Undoubtedly talented players who are bound to make an impact further down the line, Pompey also needed to be heavily supplemented with Championship experience.
Hats off, therefore, to Rich Hughes and the recruitment team, alongside Mousinho, who managed to secure some excellent players on a budget who suited the Pompey squad seamlessly.
| Andre Dozzell – professional club career | Appearances |
| Ipswich Town | 93 |
| Queens Park Rangers | 98 |
| Birmingham City (loan) | 10 |
| Portsmouth | 39 |
| TOTAL | 240 |
Dozzell, Matt Ritchie and Josh Murphy were all picked up for nothing; Freddie Potts and Rob Atkinson among the successful loanees.
Pompey can hopefully enjoy a savvy summer in the transfer market – but it’s vital they have been able to retain the services of a seasoned Championship performer like Dozzell who still has years of his career to offer.