Exclusive: Portsmouth endure ‘calamitous’ turn of events as transfer budget detailed
Portsmouth will enjoy an interesting summer this year as they bid to climb the Championship table and establish themselves further next season.
Pompey round off their campaign against Hull City on Saturday (3 May), with the Tigers still hunting desperately for the survival that John Mousinho’s side have already claimed.
The Blues have endured some tough periods in their inaugural season back in the second tier having stormed to the League One title in 2023-24, but have learnt on the job to secure safety.
Ian Darke claims survival more impressive than promotion last year
Portsmouth were unstoppable at times last season – for the majority of it in fact – as they ended a seven-year stint in League One by claiming the title in John Mousinho’s first full year in charge.
After overcoming some tricky times this term, Pompey did enough to get the job done of surviving, often relying on their performances at Fratton Park.
The Blues end their campaign against a Hull side desperate to avoid dropping back into the third tier themselves, having only last year just missed out on the top six.
TV commentator and Portsmouth fan Ian Darke is adamant this year’s achievement by Mousinho and his squad surpasses what they managed in 2024.
“I think surviving does surpass what they did last year,” Darke exclusively told Pompey News.
“If you bear in mind the calamitous number of injuries in defence, and the fact they had to operate on a low budget and getting themselves attuned to playing at a new level – it was a tremendous achievement to get themselves safe with a couple of games to go.
“They have a duty to go strong against Hull, perform for the fans and see the season out strongly. Hull are playing for their survival so it will be interesting to see how it goes and they could get something.”
Portsmouth aim to finish with a flourish
Hull are fancied by many to pick up a result at Portsmouth, and they are likely to need a win in PO4 to survive.
Pompey will be aiming to go out with a bang as a packed-out, celebratory crowd alongside the families of the squad watch on.
| Portsmouth – final fixture | Date |
| Hull City (H) | 3 May |
Blues fans will not necessarily be in attendance for the result as much as applauding and congratulating the team on their achievements, but a performance would be very welcome.
Hull will have former Portsmouth loanee Abu Kamara in tow, a man so crucial to promotion from League One last season, though Pompey were priced out of a permanent deal for the young winger.