Portsmouth star Josh Murphy labelled ‘ridiculous’ after what he’s done
Josh Murphy has more than proven his worth in the Championship this season and has helped John Mousinho’s men secure second-tier safety.
The 30-year-old has created more assists in the Championship than any other player this season, while the Fratton Park outfit sit 16th.
Murphy was playing in League One for Oxford United last season, but he has proven his capabilities at second-tier level for Mousinho’s side.
His outstanding performances have helped Portsmouth survive their first Championship season since the Hampshire club were relegated in 2012.
Murphy one of Championship’s best
Sheffield United star Gus Hamer was handed the Championship‘s official Player of the Season award, despite the Blades’ poor form in recent weeks, which has seen Chris Wilder’s men fall out of the automatic promotion spots.
| Josh Murphy stats | 2024/25 Championship |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 14 |
Meanwhile, EFL expert George Elek named Murphy as his Championship Player of the Season on the latest episode of Not The Top 20 Podcast, and added: “I think that Portsmouth getting themselves to safety after such a horrendous start is one of the biggest, one of the most impressive, performances of the season in the Championship.
“Without Murphy and his 14 assists, his seven goals, and his generally ridiculous delivery from the left-hand side and consistent threat, I just don’t think this happens.”
Murphy has been outstanding for Portsmouth this term
Mousinho’s men are enjoying a four-game unbeaten run after drawing 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last Saturday.
Pompey’s 1-0 victory over Watford on Easter Monday ensured that the Blues secured their Championship status with two games remaining, even though their first win of the season did not arrive until a 2-1 triumph over QPR in October.
Elek is right to outline that Portsmouth’s remarkable survival feat may not have been possible without the impressive efforts of Murphy, who has made 21 goal contributions in the Championship this term.
The likes of Callum Lang, who scored 10 goals before suffering a hamstring injury in February, and Pompey’s Championship top scorer Colby Bishop have also played important roles for Mousinho’s men this season.
But there is no doubt that Murphy, who notched two assists against his former club Norwich in a 5-3 win on Good Friday, has been the star of the show.