Marlon Pack reacts to mindblowing Portsmouth teammate stat on Instagram
Portsmouth overcame a difficult start to get to grips with the Championship to the adequate level to remain in the division.
It was a hard slog for Pompey at times, but their supporters can now enjoy the evaporated pressure heading into the final two fixtures of the campaign, before a hopefully exciting summer.
Marlon Pack has been a key influence both on and off the pitch, filling in across a number of positions as well as utilising his senior status as the ‘boy from Buckland’ to remind the squad exactly what it all means to his home city.
Pack reacts on Instagram to mind-blowing statistic
Pack was instrumental in guiding Portsmouth to the Championship last season, lifting the League One title at Fratton Park something he described as unmatched in his 16-year-long professional career.
The captain scooped the Player of the Season award at Fratton in 2023-24, an accolade he this week passed onto the new winner Josh Murphy.
Murphy’s experience has been integral in keeping John Mousinho’s side afloat, and the winger’s family are proud as punch – especially given twin brother Jacob has had the season of his life for Newcastle United, who are set to again qualify for the Champions League.
Josh picked up three separate awards at the annual night of celebration at Fratton Park, also taking the Players’ Player of the Season prize, and the Goal of the Season trophy for his terrific strike against QPR back in February.
As revealed on Instagram, Sofascore’s statistical algorithm has given both of the Murphy twins an average performance rating of 7.15/10 this season, a mind-blowing stat given they have also each claimed 13 assists for teammates.
The post from Sofascore on Thursday night (24 April) was liked by Pack – who is certainly well in approval having recognised at least one of the brothers’ achievements up close all season.
Portsmouth already have Newcastle United connections
Portsmouth have several players in their squad who have played with both Josh and Jacob within the past year or two – namely Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden.
Ritchie spent eight years with Newcastle before leaving and returning to Fratton Park last summer, while Hayden is still on the books at St James’ Park.
| Club | Division | Goals | Assists | Sofascore rating | |
| Josh Murphy | Portsmouth | Championship | 7 | 13 | 7.15 |
| Jacob Murphy | Newcastle | Premier League | 9 | 13 | 7.15 |
The hope is that the Jamaican international midfielder could sign a permanent deal with regular football on Tyneside now unlikely, though discussions would only be at an early stage.
If we’re reaching, even Danish striker Elias Sorensen – who lasted just five months at Fratton Park but did score Pompey’s first Championship goal in over 12 years – was also a Newcastle academy star.
Given Jacob’s performances at the top level this year, a Murphy double package may have to wait, but Portsmouth have become a considerable part of one of the stories of the season.