Mousinho has secret weapon in Waddingham after Portsmouth win v Zwolle
Portsmouth supporters have been unsure over who could lead the line for them next season after Thomas Waddingham’s previous campaign.
The Aussie struggled to bed in on the south coast and found himself in and out of the Pompey side last season, despite their struggling attack.
With Colby Bishops future at Fratton Park in doubt, John Mousinho could still explore his attacking options before the transfer window comes to a close.
However, after what Waddingham did in their friendly against Zwolle, he may already have the ideal replacement waiting in the wings.
Waddingham can lead the line next season
Portsmouth beat Zwolle 1-0 on Saturday (2 August) in their final pre-season friendly before the Championship campaign begins.
Waddingham bagged an 88th-minute winner in a largely uneventful game as he puts himself in the frame to start their Championship opener against Oxford.
| Portsmouth | Games | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Waddingham | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Since his arrival in the winter, Waddingham has barely featured for Portsmouth, and when he has, he has managed just one goal.
Ultimately, his arrival was never expected to be one to come and change the fortunes at Fratton Park immediately, but his goal against Zwolle could give him a confidence boost going into last season.
- Waddingham made his debut for Brisbane Roar in an Australia Cup clash against the Newcastle Jets on 14 August 2023
- He made his debut in a 5-1 defeat to West Brom, coming on as a second-half substitute and scoring a consolation
His immediate future on the south coast had been uncertain this summer, and supporters were unsure whether the striker could depart on loan.
Given Pompey’s lack of attacking signings, it is assumed that Waddingham won’t be leaving anytime soon.
Adrian Segecic can create a partnership with Waddingham
Waddingham joined in a chaotic second half of the season for Pompey.
Mousinho had to prioritise using players who he knew would perform for the Blues as they fought to stay up.
With a fresh start and a familiar face in fellow Aussie Adrian Segecic joining the club, the pair could work together to get the best out of each other.
On the basis of what we saw against Zwolle, it may well be that Waddingham is Mousinho’s secret weapon in 2025-26.
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