Portsmouth fans all say the same thing after Rob Atkinson announcement
Rob Atkinson looks set to remain at Bristol City after signing a new contract at Ashton Gate.
The centre-half appeared to be a key transfer target for Portsmouth, after spending the second half of last season on loan, and he spoke fondly about a return to Fratton Park.
That seems unlikely now, and the majority of Pompey fans are reacting the same way.
Portsmouth fans react to Atkinson contract signing
Although some fans expressed their disappointment at the failure to land Atkinson, others were more positive about the news.
A large selection of supporters suggested that the Blues were already well covered, insisting Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, and Hayden Matthews were more than capable at Championship level.
Definitely agree.
— James Setters (@JamesSetters05) June 23, 2025
Would have been nice but not worth the money considering our depth at CB and lack of depth in DM
We don’t need him we need cm is priority
— Martyn Lewis (@noodleboyo) June 24, 2025
Spot on, people making out he was the messiah lol
— George C (@GeorgePFC96) June 23, 2025
Agreed, we don't need 5 CBs especially when we have other players who can also play there if needed, ogilvie, pack, Williams, id rather spend the money on positions we need. CM, ST, winger
— Jamie Rapley (@JRapley1993) June 23, 2025
Atkinson was drafted into Fratton Park in the midst of a defensive injury crisis last season. He slotted straight into the team and performed well before getting injured himself halfway through his loan spell.
He returned for the last five games and ultimately played an important role in helping the Blues avoid relegation. At the same time, some concerns remain over Atkinson’s ability to remain fit.
Bristol City don’t seem too worried about that, though, having offered him a contract that’ll keep him around in red until 2028.
Mousinho likely to target other centre-halves
Portsmouth fans are right to point out that there are many capable centre-halves in the squad. Some suggested that the money not being spent on Atkinson could now be invested in other areas.
However, it’s important to have strength in depth at Championship level. John Mousinho will want to avoid a defensive crisis similar to last season, where Marlon Pack had to slot in for several games.
| Player | Appearances last season |
| Regan Poole | 27 |
| Conor Shaughnessy | 9 |
| Hayden Matthews | 6 |
| Ryley Towler | 14 |
| Ibane Bowat | 0 |
So, it’s likely we’ll still see a new defender or two being signed this summer.
What’s more, if Atkinson is unable to break into Bristol City’s team this season, a loan move during January shouldn’t be ruled out.
Mousinho is a big fan of Atkinson, and Portsmouth will be tracking how he gets on at Ashton Gate next season under new management.
At the same time, it seems that most fans will be satisfied if it’s Poole and Shaughnessy starting the season in the centre of defence.
Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest,
breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.