Captain, leader, legend, the ‘boy from Buckland’ Marlon Pack, has truly edged his name in Pompey folklore over his two-and-a-half year, second Fratton spell. But Pompey’s first season back in the Championship hasn’t been all roses for the Blues skipper.
He captained the team in the middle of the park in Pompey’s Championship return at Elland Road. Instrumental in Pompey’s first goal of the season, and a famous point that was so almost three, as though the Blues had never been away.
It felt unfathomable that Pompey would have to wait 8 more games to record their first win of the season. In that time Marlon Pack had come under scrutiny from the Fratton faithful, and questions were raised over the skippers ability to perform in the second tier. Just two games after that first win at QPR, Pack was dropped. A massive call from Mousinho, which only affirmed the legitimacy of those question marks.
But he was back in the eleven, just two games after being dropped. This time as a centre back. A potential stroke of genius might have been on the cards. At an older age, there was every possibility Pack could boss the backline. Indeed, his introduction to the defence saw the Blues record their first home win of the campaign.
Nonetheless, evident in Pompey’s seven consecutive away defeats, Pack’s time in centre half wasn’t the ‘stroke of genius’ fans hoped for. Time after time, the Blues suffered embarrassing defeats on the road, conceding 20 goals in that time, goals that appeared all too familiar.
Unfortunately, Marlon Pack became somewhat of a scapegoat to Pompey’s suffering away form. A red card at Sunderland, four conceded at Derby, five at West Brom, caught alarmingly out of position at home to Middlesbrough and Millwall, Pack’s mistake catalogue was sadly stacking up.
Finally, after Matthews and Atkinson reaching full fitness, and returns to Shaughnessy and Poole, Pack’s days in defence seem to be over. Perhaps much to his own relief.
However, Pack shouldn’t be viewed as a scapegoat nor should his credit as a Pompey legend be diminished. In fact, his credit should be higher than ever after his time in defence, and the crucial role he has played in Pompey’s return to the Championship.
A controversial view perhaps, but Pompey would be considerably worse off without Pack this season. Long term injuries to Shaughnessy, Poole, and Ibane Bowat, matched with Towler’s inexperience and Mcintyre’s struggles, meant Mousinho had no choice, but to turn to his skipper.
There is no doubt, Pack gave his heart and soul into every performance as a defender, which, despite poor away form, coincided with a home run of 6 wins from 7. Prior to Pack’s time in defence, the Blues hadn’t won a single home game. His passion, experience, and intelligence, has been vital over Pomepy’s home run.
The skipper, may not have imagined to be as involved this season, after all, Pack stepped down from the Championship two years ago for a reason. However, his intelligence and experience make him crucial to Pompey’s hopes of survival.
Managing his minutes and fitness effectively, will see Pack remain an integral part of the midfield, as he has shown at different points in the season, particularly at Leeds.
Returning to lead his beloved Blues to League One promotion, captaining Pompey’s Championship return, and answering Mousinho’s defensive SOS, Pack’s influence has been integral to Pompey’s season so far.
Captain, Leader, Legend, and far from a scapegoat.
Photo: Martyn White Sports Images
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