Portsmouth boss John Mousinho will be hoping he can lead a significant overhaul of the playing squad at Fratton Park this summer.
Portsmouth only named Mousinho as their new boss in the latter stages of the January window, so this summer will be his first real chance to make a telling mark on his ranks.
The aim will be to build a side capable of pushing back towards the upper echelons of the League One table and with that in mind, we look at just how Portsmouth’s starting XI could look next season…
There is a chance for a big squad overhaul this summer, but it might not necessarily see the starting XI changed completely.
A goalkeeper is a must – with Matt Macey only on loan and Josh Oluwayemi’s contract expiring, Portsmouth will be entering the new season without a senior goalkeeper. At left-back, Connor Ogilvie’s deal is expiring as well, so a new first-choice option should be on Mousinho’s shopping list.
Midfield is an interesting one as all of Joe Morrell, Tom Lowery and Marlon Pack could maintain starting places. Again, depth is needed, but it remains to be seen whether Mousinho would bring in players he views as instant starters or as supporting, cover options.
On the right, winter signing Paddy Lane will be hopeful of claiming a starting spot when loan man Owen Dale departs. The latter could yet be kept long-term though, but Lane could come into the side in a number of roles anyway thanks to his versatility. A new winger will be needed though given the masses of wingers/attacking midfielders who are out of contract.
Up top, the departures of loan men Dane Scarlett and Joe Pigott will mean another striker is needed, but Colby Bishop should maintain his starting spot after netting 19 times this season.
It remains to be seen just to what extent Portsmouth’s squad is revamped, but the look of their side will be in the hands of Mousinho.
