
Regan Poole explains why Portsmouth are ‘disappointed’ ahead of Southampton showdown
Portsmouth have no doubt had a great start to their 2025/26 campaign.
After the first four matches, Pompey sit eighth, with Portsmouth’s 1-0 victory over Preston taking them up to seven points, only one of the playoffs.
This is a massive improvement of the start of the last campaign, where it took the South Coast club until mid-October to win their first Championship match.
With the South Coast derby around the corner, there is a hope that John Mousinho’s side can build on these performances.
Now, Regan Poole has given his take on how the season has gone so far.

Regan Poole: We are disappointed that Portsmouth aren’t sitting second
Many around Fratton Park will be pleased with how the start of the campaign has gone.
With Portsmouth set to play Southampton at St. Mary’s on Sunday, there is real belief that Pompey can get a victory, ending their 15-year wait.
However, not everyone is so pleased with where the South Coast club are in the table as it stands.
Speaking to The News on 8 September, Poole explained that the dressing room is currently disappointed that they aren’t in second on 10 points.
- Portsmouth are currently one point off the playoffs in eighth
- Pompey have won two of their first four Championship matches, drawing one
- Mousinho’s side did however crash out of the Carabao Cup to Reading
Previewing the Southampton match, he said: “I can’t wait. We’ve put ourselves in a really good position, and confidence is very high in the group. Bring it on.
“I’ve been told a lot, the skipper (Marlon Pack) has told us a lot about the game. Obviously it hasn’t happened for a while, it’s really good to have it back.
“It’s something for the fans to look forward to. They (Pompey fans) have sold it out in seconds like always where it sells out at this club. Really looking forward to it, good break now to reset.
“We’ve put ourselves in a great position. This is the difference between this season and last season, I think we’re kind of looking up and quite disappointed really that we’re not sat second in the table on 10 points.
“Hopefully everyone is looking forward to it and we’ve got full focus on that game. Really good start, really positive start so bring it on.”
- Read more: Southampton forward and Matt Doherty – Three players Portsmouth could sign for free in 2026

Regan Poole’s mentality could give Portsmouth edge over Southampton
Based on these quotes, it is clear that Poole isn’t happy with accepting second best.
This could well help give Pompey the edge on Sunday, especially if the scoreline remains level late in the second half.
A victory over the Saints would be a massive statement to the rest of the Championship, and would potentially show that Portsmouth are promotion contenders.
Hopefully, the international break hasn’t ruined Pompey’s momentum, and they will continue their good form against the Saints.
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