Done deal: Portsmouth finalise move to sign Gray on short-term deal
Portsmouth Women are preparing for next season after securing survival in the Women’s Championship last season.
Jay Sadler’s side defied the odds as they stayed up in the second tier by the skin of their teeth in the final game of the campaign.
Sadler was awarded the WSL2 Manager of the Year gong at the LMA Manager Awards after winning three of their final six games to complete the great escape.
Pompey Women have already announced the permanent signing of Jazz Bull and are continuing to add depth to their side.
Portsmouth women announce the signing of Jess Gray
Goalkeeper Hannah Poulter, who was on loan from Brighton last season, was nominated for the WSL2 Save of the Season award for one of her stops against Blackburn on the final day of last season.
The save helped secure a clean sheet in the 4-0 victory that guaranteed Pompey Women would avoid relegation.
After the keeper returned to the Seagulls, Pompey have been in the market for a goalkeeper and have now landed their target.
The Blues announced the signing of goalkeeper Jess Gray via their official website on Sunday (6 July) on a one-year contract, with the club option of an additional year.
The 24-year-old made seven appearances for Charlton last season and came through the London City Lionesses player development pathway.
Pompey boss Jay Sadler said: “We’re thrilled to bring Jess to Pompey. She’s a goalkeeper with real physical presence and comes with proven pedigree at this level.
“Jess has massive potential for growth, and we’re confident she’ll bring stability and strength to the goalkeeping position.”
Gray follows defender Bull through the door, who impressed in the second half of last season on loan with the Blues.
Preparations for next season are well underway for Portsmouth Women FC, with the men’s team needing to take a leaf out of Sadler’s book, having made just one summer signing.
Sadler proving that he can help Pompey Women progress
Sadler has shown this summer that he can help his side move on from their difficult last campaign.
| Women’s Championship Final Standings 2024-25 | Games Played | Points |
| 9. Portsmouth | 20 | 13 |
| 10. Blackburn Rovers | 20 | 12 |
| 11. Sheffield United | 20 | 7 |
The Pompey boss demonstrated in January that he can bring in players to significantly improve the side, and he is showing that again this summer.
Gray joining the squad is a real steal for Sadler’s side as she provides experience while still being fairly young at 24.
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