The 2023/24 season is just days away and ahead of Pompey’s opening match against Bristol Rovers we asked Blues fans how they’re feeling about the new season.
Here’s a selection of views from The Pompey, Twitter (X) and Facebook.
The August fixtures give Pompey a great opportunity to hit the ground running – but how quick will the squad gel?
The most interesting aspect of the recruitment this summer is that it feels like we’re following the Plymouth model of attacking this league with a squad horses for courses approach rather than having a best eleven.
All players are different and have strengths and weaknesses but there seems to be more intent in finding options as well as value to give Mousinho different ways to break down the opposition.
Given we drew 19 games last season (only Lincoln and their ridiculous home record drew more) this feels a sensible approach. Only the top three (all promoted) lost less games than Pompey so it’s finding different ways to win that Mous and his squad need to improve upon.
This gradualist approach isn’t the most exciting. We’re not an Ipswich banging down a million pounds for a left-back as occurred last summer nor are we a Sheffield Wednesday with a weighty wage bill. Thankfully there isn’t an Ipswich Town this year in League One and while Reading and Derby have sizeable wage bills, they aren’t at Wednesday levels.
So the question is whether Pompey’s smart in recruitment and coaching better than the other teams in League One? I still have my concerns about our midfield options where we are looking at an improvement in standards from Pack, Morrell and Lowery from last season. If we can bring in someone of a better quality, I would feel more confident in those standards being raised.
But looking at the league, everyone looks flawed. It’s a very open division and probably the best opportunity for a few years for promotion. Can the inexperienced Mousinho exploit that? I haven’t a clue which is why I have optimism going into the season.
They need to gel by middle of Sept really, by then they should be in their rhythm.
I think the whole season will be won/lost on fitness. Having a proper squad gives me confidence we should at least make the playoffs. There can be no excuses this season, Manager & Director have played their hand.
Pre season has been oddly planned and disjointed. As yet only a couple we signed have potential to be a step up, others very average. Also, manager is a rookie and this will be big factor imho.
We have arguably the 5 toughest away games to start, Stevenage and Orient have recruited very well, Derby, Barnsley and Wigan will be strong. Will be a slow start.
Don’t think this is going to be as easy as people seem to think. Bolton, Barnsley Blackpool, Reading and Peterborough will all be a threat and even with -8 can’t rule Wigan out either.
Just please….less draws! Better to win 3 and lose 3 than draw 6!
Unrealistically optimistic first 10 games. Very downbeat next 20. Then cling on to a slender thread of a dream that if we only drop 5pts from last 16 games we make last play-off place on final day of season. That’s the last 60 years mostly.
Super excited to go to first home game. They’ve had a pre-season together so looking forward to seeing what they can achieve. Going to try and go a few times this season.
Reckon it’s going to be a strong season. Young hungry manager, team seem to gelling from all the videos I’ve seen. A top 2 finish.
It might take a while longer that we’d like (for squad to gel). I still think we’ll do well this season though.
I think we’ll get top 6 minimum next season.
8th
Excited, hit the ground running boys, hopefully get promoted, PUP
Come on Pompey, make me feel sorry that I didn’t get a season ticket.
Looking forward to this season. Feeling quite positive with our new squad we have. Really think we could do really well PUP
One things for sure. If we don’t get up this season then there has to be serious questions about how the club is being run on the pitch.
Wishing everyone good luck for the new season, let’s get behind them from the first kick to the last one. PUP this is the one I feel it in my bones.
Well, a few signings, enough to make another team. BUT are they any good? I do not see a leader with character amongs them. Maybe one or two will emerge and drive the team forward in a positive attacking way. l have my doubts, my opinion, hope they prove me wrong.
Underwhelmed. Not sure on the quality we’ve brought in and def not convinced with Mousinho.
Need a central attacking midfielder
Can’t wait til the new season starts and see all these new signings, let’s hope they all gel and get Pompey into the championship – play up Pompey
PompeyNewsNow 
We Look to be NO stronger across the Squad
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