Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Tue 27 May 2025 16:11, UK

Portsmouth have had to say goodbye to numerous players since their campaign ended.

In May, Pompey announced their retained list with Kusini Yengi among the names leaving Fratton Park. 

On top of the fans, players have also had to say goodbye to teammates, in what can be an emotional exchange.

However, many stars up and down the country have remained supportive of these players, including Portsmouth ace Terry Devlin.

Devlin applauds Tottenham forward Jamie Donley after his goodbye message to Leyton Orient

Portsmouth learned who the final team to join them in the Championship was on Sunday as Charlton Athletic overcame Leyton Orient in the play-off final.

For Pompey fans, this isn’t ideal, as it is another team that will likely pose a big threat in the next campaign. 

On top of this, the Leyton Orient players were obviously devastated about losing the final.

Jamie Donley, who was on loan from Tottenham, sent a message out on Instagram (May 26) apologising for not getting the win in the play-off final while also saying goodbye to the London club.

Among the players to react to the post was Portsmouth ace Devlin, with the pair both fellow Northern Ireland internationals.

The midfielder simply commented with a clapping emoji in response to his message.

Portsmouth should look to sign Donley on loan

For Leyton Orient, Donley was a great striker. Across the campaign, he collected a total of 19 goal contributions on the London club’s way to the play-off final.

With Portsmouth looking to reinforce their attacking options, they could do a lot worse than Donley. 

If a loan deal could be negotiated with Tottenham, he would be a great option from the bench, and it would give the 20-year-old a chance to play tier-two football.

This, combined with his links to Devlin, could prove to be an exciting opportunity for Donley.

Hopefully, John Mousinho examines this possibility over the coming weeks.