Portsmouth ‘could be part of major Netflix hit’ next season as agreement struck
Portsmouth fans are already looking forward to a second season in the Championship, after a campaign packed with highs and lows.
John Mousinho guided Pompey to survival, as they finished 16th and five points above relegation, after failing to achieve a win in their first 10 matches.
Portsmouth were dealt constant injury blows this season, making their campaign even tougher.
The south-coast team were automatically promoted last season from League One, ending their seven-year stay in the third tier.
The Blues are already planning for next season too, and are set to be active in the transfer market, targeting players from abroad.
Promotion is the goal, but that is obviously easier said than done at Fratton Park.
Championship teams to feature in new ‘major series’
According to City AM (28 May), Netflix are looking to make a documentary on next season’s EFL promotion play-offs.
Inspired by the popular series Sunderland ‘Til I Die, talks are already in place for a major series covering all three play-off campaigns.
An agreement has been made with the EFL and production company Workerbee for the production contract, which will then be negotiated with broadcasters such as Netflix.
Portsmouth could become the stars of the series if they could follow the footsteps of Sunderland and qualify for the Championship play-offs next season.
This could bring more attention to the Fratton club as well as major revenues, which could be important given current concerns over Portsmouth’s finances.
Portsmouth’s crucial next steps
A play-off finish for Portsmouth may be far-fetched, as while they beat the odds to remain in the Championship this season, betting firms are already placing them among the favourites for the bottom three.
Mousinho already faces a challenge with six successful loan players, including Potts, Adil Aouchiche and Isaac Hayden, returning to their parent clubs.
There is hope that one loanee, Atkinson, can remain at Fratton Park after recent developments at Bristol City with Liam Manning.
So far in the transfer market, Portsmouth have not made their key targets clear, potentially allowing other Championship teams to swoop in, but it remains quiet ahead of the window.
As Pompey announced their retained list would not include several experienced players, securing new talent will be essential for next season, especially if a tough survival battle awaits them.
The likes of Sunderland, Ipswich and Luton have faced similar doubts in recent years, so maybe it’s time for Portsmouth to make that step up to the top six, with Netflix potentially waiting.