Long-standing Pompey full-back Connor Ogilvie has had several ups and downs last season. After signing from Gillingham in August 2021, he was regarded by Blues’ fans as a reliable and dependable defender.
He fought to start ahead of a more attacking full-back, Jack Sparkes, and became a prominent member of the squad that lifted the League One title – making 24 appearances and accumulating ten clean sheets.
Despite his strongpoints, weaknesses were uncovered when Portsmouth hosted Derby County last season. Both of the Rams goals came from his region of the pitch.
A baptism of fire against Leeds United at Elland Road – where he was outclassed by Wales international Dan James – left supporters feeling the Championship was too much for him. The Tottenham Hotspur youth academy product was heavily targeted by opposition teams.
Quick and agile wingers exploited large gaps in the pitch, when he stepped up too far to regain possession or dropped too deep.
Midfielders drifted to Pompey’s left-hand side to offer one-two passes to get round him. This became a constant through the Blues’ early struggles, particularly when John Mousinho lacked other options following the long-term injuries to Jacob Farrell. He was not contested by natural left-backs until the arrival of Cohen Bramall from Rotherham in the January transfer window.
Despite his earlier struggle, he grew into the season enormously and became a fan-favourite with his defensive displays and frequent threat from set pieces and counter attacks: he scored four goals and made one assist.
The full-back also filled in at centre-back during Pompey’s enduring injury crisis at the position. This new position is a match made in heaven for the 29-year-old. Ogilvie consistently wins his aerial duels, and isn’t afraid of facing a big challenge. All these traits are well-suited to the role. This new narrower position removes the risk of a faster winger getting the best of him down the flank, rectifying his biggest weakness.
Even though Ogilvie struggled with explosive wideplayers early in the campaign, and he’s not the most attacking left-back in the world, he has grown into a rock-solid Championship player and defensive solidifier. Doubts have been put to rest and he’s played a vital role in Portsmouth having another season in the second tier of English football.
Photo: Martyn White Sports Images
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