Murphy ‘can deliver Premier League numbers’ if Portsmouth plan becomes reality
Josh Murphy has enjoyed a dream first season at Portsmouth.
The winger was signed by John Mousinho last summer after deciding not to sign a new contract with Oxford United.
Murphy had endured a career of ups and downs before arriving at Fratton Park, but this season saw him at his most consistent.
He contributed to Pompey’s survival with seven goals and 14 assists, which is more than any other player in the Championship.
While some doubters have suggested that Murphy could be a one-season wonder, it’s possible that the Fratton faithful could see even more from him next season.
Murphy could thrive if Portsmouth deliver summer signings
Murphy delivered his best season number-wise in a struggling team. He and his teammates were in the bottom three for a significant part of the season and only escaped relegation after a timely run of form toward the end of the campaign.
Yet, he continued to deliver when his team needed him most.
Now, as Mousinho looks to build a stronger team to establish Portsmouth as a force in the Championship, the sky’s the limit for Murphy.
With more gifted players around him, the 30-year-old should find it easier to improve on this season’s numbers and lift Pompey further up the Championship table.
Murphy could deliver Premier League numbers
Mousinho’s long-term goal will be to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
However, if you look at what wingers at the top end of the Championship tend to deliver, Murphy is already on the cusp of delivering promotion numbers.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 42 | 3441 | 7 | 14 |
His twin brother Jacob is thriving in the Premier League with Newcastle. He previously had a forgettable spell in the top division with Cardiff. You know he will want a second bite at the cherry before he retires.
Murphy has previously admitted that he has struggled for consistency in his career. Now that he has found it, he has the ability to fire a Championship team all the way to the big time.
It’s now up to Mousinho to find those players so Murphy can live that dream at Fratton Park.
A few astute signings this summer would be a great start.