Pack identifies ‘icing on cake’ moment that could soon be realised at Portsmouth
Marlon Pack is entering his fourth season at Portsmouth with more enthusiasm than ever.
The Pompey captain says he has noticed increased optimism among Pompey’s squad this summer after their heroic efforts to avoid relegation last season.
The midfielder faces more competition for a place in Pompey’s midfield, following the signings of John Swift, Mark Kosznovszky and Luke Roux, but has vowed to continue fighting for a starting spot.
Pack shares ‘only question’ Portsmouth fans seem to ask him
Pack’s return to Portsmouth has coincided with the club’s rapid ascent of the football pyramid.
He played a major role in the team winning League One in 2023-24 and made 41 appearances in the Championship last season.
However, the 34-year-old has identified the upcoming South Coast derby against Southampton as a moment that could be the ‘icing on the cake’ of his Pompey career.
Speaking at a fans forum event hosted by BBC Radio Solent, he said: “Every Portsmouth fan I’ve bumped into over the summer, it’s probably the first and only question they ask me.
“I’ve played them with various clubs, and I’ve been a supporter in the stadium as a Pompey fan watching those games.
“To be a Pompey lad and to be involved in those games will probably be the icing on the cake for where we’ve been.”
Portsmouth visit St. Mary’s on 14 September in what will be only their fifth league game of the season. It will be the first time the bitter rivals have met in the league since 2012.
Southampton come to Fratton Park on 25 January.
Portsmouth look well stacked in midfield but are short of options in attack
Pack was one of Portsmouth’s only remaining options in midfield after the 2024-25 season ended.
The Blues had been reliant on loan signings Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden in that area, but both players returned to their parent clubs in the summer.
With Swift, Kosznovszky, Le Roux and Andre Dozzell all competing for a place in Portsmouth’s engine room, it could be tougher for the Pompey captain to earn a starting place.
| Marlon Pack Portsmouth statistics | |
| Signed | June 2022 |
| Appearances | 117 |
| Goals | 8 |
Pack seemed relaxed when questioned about his Pompey future though, insisting that he still has a lot to offer both on and off the pitch.
He pledged to ensure that all of his teammates understand what the South Coast derby means to Portsmouth fans, and that every player will give their all to get a result in those games.
The former Cardiff City man also hinted that he was hoping to remain at Fratton Park in some form after he hangs up his boots.
That’s a long way in the future though. For now, Pack will be giving his all to help Pompey continue their impressive rise up the Football League.
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