Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Sat 3 May 2025 17:00, UK

Josh Murphy played the full 90 minutes for Portsmouth as they finished their Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Hull City.

While the point was slightly disappointing against a side five places further down the table, it mattered little to John Mousinho as survival had already been secured.

Mousinho has some Portsmouth issues to plug ahead of next season, but that can wait until after a hard earned break for the gaffer and his players.

Ahead of the draw against Hull at Fratton Park, Portsmouth made an announcement via their official website relating to Murphy.

Murphy scoops Player of the Season gong

In a surprise to nobody who has watched Portsmouth regularly this season, winger Murphy has been crowned Pompey’s Player of the Season.

Murphy did not have his best of afternoons against Hull – indeed, statistically speaking, it was one of his worst of the campaign.

The Englishman had just one shot, which failed to find the target, and also did not register any dribbles or key passes on the day.

Still, Murphy can take great delight in being crowned the South Coast side’s best player for 2024-25, which ended in a successful manner all things considered.

Murphy to play key part for Portsmouth next season

Murphy has been “ridiculous” at times for Pompey this season and it is imperative they do all they can to retain him.

Staying in the division was the only target this season and, realistically speaking, that will also be the aim in 2025-26.

At the same time, Mousinho cannot be blamed for dreaming. As we all know, anything can happen in the Championship.

With a few shrewd signings – that being the key – Portsmouth could yet find themselves in the top half of the division or even challenging for the playoffs this time next year.

For now, the players can put their feet up on the back of what has been an arduous first campaign back in the second tier.