PLAY UP, POMPEY – Another Rollercoaster In Store?
Jay Sadler and his band of brave new recruits at Portsmouth look to overcome a tough start and fight their way through a no-doubt tougher season – and Izzy Gilligan has a good hard look at their prospects…
Head coach: Jay Sadler has been in charge since 2017, becoming the club’s first-ever full-time women’s manager and leading them to the FA WNL South Division title in 2024. He then oversaw survival in their debut Championship season, a turnaround that saw his side collect 11 points from six matches in the spring to secure ninth place.
New signings: Jasmine Bull, Jess Gray, Lucy Johnson, Angelina Nixon, Tia Primmer, Comfort Erhabor, Jemima Dahou, Annie Wilding, Ella Rutherford, Greta Humphries, Jessie Gale
Outlook: Pompey’s first season in this division was a rollercoaster. They had to wait until March to record their first win, but two victories in their final five matches, including a 4-0 thumping of Blackburn, lifted them to ninth, six points clear of the bottom. Midfielder Ava Rowbotham summed up the mood, saying the squad were “buzzing and excited to kick on.”
This summer has seen wholesale change with 11 additions. Right-back Jasmine Bull, one of those new arrivals, has been named captain at just 22 and is relishing the responsibility. She highlights Megan Hornby as a key player after her ‘unsung hero’ role last season, providing plenty of assists.
Portsmouth head into 2025-26 aiming to build on last year’s momentum, but their opening day 2-0 defeat at home to Durham shows they may face another testing campaign. With four games scheduled at Fratton Park and hopes of moving there permanently in the future, the club’s ambition is clear. On the pitch, though, survival remains the priority in what promises to be another challenging season.
Will finish: 11th
