Portsmouth

The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Who Needs Mourinho? podcast is out now.

Chris Wise and Andy Moon discuss a busy week at Pompey, including the win over Cardiff and the altercation in the crowd. They also look back on the end of the transfer window.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Tom Chappell
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

Fratton Park was an emotional place on Saturday afternoon with a perfectly observed reflection on the life and contributions to both the city and the football club of 'The Legend' Alan Knight, who we incredibly sadly lost this week.

Pompey fittingly kept a clean sheet for the first time this season, just as Knightsie did as a teenager on his debut for the club in 1978.

It was an extremely welcome three points after a rough couple of weeks of results. Fratton Park was at its loud, proud best in the early September sunshine.

Pompey's start to the first half wasn't particularly strong.

There was an initial reluctance to play a pass or be brave on the ball - only natural perhaps, given this was our third home league game having lost the previous two.

Conor Shaughnessy's stunning header really settled us and from there we played well until the break.

You could see by half-time that this was two sides up against each other who will likely be competing in the bottom half of the Championship this season.

John Mousinho's side completely personified 'get a goal early' after the restart, and from there looked likely to add one or two more.

Marezi's expertly guided header ruled out for offside was a real joy to be present for and had Abu Kamara's effort landed a touch lower than the crossbar, then there's a dead cert for goal of the season.

Cardiff weren't without their opportunities, prevented by a number of big saves from Daniel Bielica in just his second game for the club.

Jayden Meghoma's debut was a worthy player of the match performance, alongside a newfound long throw specialist in Tyrese Shade. A potential level-changer in Pompey's goal threat this season.

It's not perhaps the points return from what, on paper, looked to be a favourable opening month or so.

But positive outcomes from both a big test at The Valley and another crucial home game against Blackburn before we pause for international action and Pompey can deem their start to the season an acceptable one.

Find more from Tom at the Fournilwrittenalloverit, external YouTube channel.

Andy Moon
BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator

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John Mousinho's Portsmouth team has a happy knack of finding ways to win matches at Fratton Park when they are needed.

There are no must win games in September but this win was very welcome. Certainly not a sparkling performance but good enough to beat a Cardiff side who look like they may struggle in the Championship.

Pompey are comfortable with teams trying to dominate possession at Fratton Park. The second goal was an outstanding counter attack.

Jayden Meghoma was hugely impressive on debut and Tyrese Shade made a positive contribution.

Tougher tests await. Six points from these opening five fixtures had to be the minimum requirement but the Blues are now off and running at home.

Cardiff seek their first win of the season as they make the trip to Fratton Park on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Portsmouth have claimed one victory so far, but their three other matches all ended in a loss including their past two.

• After their 2-1 win in their last meeting in February 2025, Portsmouth could win back-to-back league games against Cardiff City for the first time since December 1972 (3 in a row).

• Cardiff have only won one of their last 10 league visits to Portsmouth (D5 L4), a 2-0 victory in August 2010 under Dave Jones.

• Portsmouth have lost three of their first four games of a league season (W1) for the first time since 2010-11.

• Cardiff are one of three teams still without a win in the Championship this season (along with Burnley and Preston), while overall their winless in their last 12 second tier games (D8 L4).

• No player has had more shots in the Championship this season than Adrian Segecic (17), though he has just one goal to show for his efforts so far.

Andrew Moon
BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator

Image source, Getty Images

It's tempting to start with the statistics. They are incredible. They may never be repeated at any club let alone at Portsmouth. It was a remarkable playing career.

But the numbers can't tell you about the greatness of the man. The kindness. The willingness to help others. The time he had for absolutely everyone. The desire to help strangers.

When Alan Knight told you to speak to him if there was anything he could do to help, he really meant it.

He battled his own demons. Overcoming alcohol addiction and depression is an impressive feat. He never wanted to hide away from his struggles. He was keen to tell his story to help anyone who might be going through a similar challenge.

His desire to go public with his prostate cancer diagnosis was to try to help others. The charity football match at Fratton Park raised nearly £40,000. It's likely his words have saved countless lives.

I first met him as a young non-league reporter when he was manager of Dorchester Town. He was unfailingly polite and friendly to me. He was an understated manager who was loved by the players and had good success, only stepping down due to other work commitments.

He was always on the end of the phone, keen to chat and happy to help. It is incredibly sad to know I won't ever see him popping into the press room at Fratton Park again, making me chuckle with his dry sense of humour.

He always had such a warm presence. When you talked about his playing career, he was happier reminiscing the rare mistakes he made as opposed to the countless excellent performances.

Those numbers, though. He was the Portsmouth goalkeeper almost a decade before I was born and still there as I entered my teenage years - 801 appearances for the club, the most by a goalkeeper at a single English club.

He appeared for Pompey in four different decades. He had staggering longevity.

Portsmouth Football Club have lost one of their greatest ever servants. The City of Portsmouth has lost a great ambassador. But my thoughts this week are most of all with his family who have lost someone very, very special.

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper in the latest episode of the 72+ podcast.

Knapper discusses how he spent deadline day in Stoke, juggling transfer business with a Championship matchday. He also reflects on the Canaries' start to their campaign and last season's decision to replace Liam Manning with current head coach Philippe Clement.

There's also a round up of the biggest deals from deadline day, first wins for West Ham and Leicester, and Charlton and Swansea's flying starts.

Plus, Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans joins the panel to discuss his side's strong start to the season.

Listen to the full episode above or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho spoke to BBC Radio Solent after Tuesday's loss against Derby County.

For a written selection of his quotes, click here.

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Championship match between Portsmouth and Derby County.

Here are some of your comments:

Portsmouth fans

Peter: Shocking. Slow and negative in possession. Derby pressed and forced Pompey to play the ball sideways and backwards. Midfield virtually non-existent. The only way this side is going is into a relegation battle unless things change dramatically.

Mark: Mostly neat and tidy movement of the ball, but the lack of end product very concerning. Another long season looms, especially with Josh Murphy missing for eight weeks, Pompey are devoid of attacking quality without him.

Andrew: Very disjointed performance v Derby. New signings do not seem to be up to Championship level yet . Early days but there is cause for concern already.

Image source, Shutterstock

Derby County fans

David: Well done Derby after the dire performance on Saturday. It's still not amazing football but this was something to build on. Happy for Salveson too.

George: Much improved, more togetherness. It looked a more settled side with confidence slowly injected into the team. Feels like bringing new players in to help has given the whole team a lift. Full squad of players will no doubt be utilised this season!

Martin: Was it a really good performance or were Portsmouth just very poor?

BBC Radio Solent discuss the transfer business done by Southampton and Portsmouth.

The show, which runs from 22:00-00:00 BST, will offer the latest updates and analysis.

Listen to it here

Subscribe to Solent Sport on BBC Sounds

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Bradford City have signed defender Hayden Matthews from Portsmouth on a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old centre-back, capped once by Australia, has made 20 appearances for Pompey since signing from Sydney FC in a £1.25m deal in January 2025.

Injuries have affected his time at Fratton Park and his most recent competitive action was in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham at Fratton Park on the final day of last season.

Matthews becomes the third recent loan arrival to arrive at Mbanq Valley Parade, with QPR midfielder Kieran Morgan and Blackburn Rovers defender George Pratt recently joining the club.

Image source, Getty Images

Transfer deadline day is upon us and today is the final chance for your EFL club to finalise any business until January.

The transfer window closes at 23:00 BST, so we might have some late night scrambles to get deals over the line.

There has already been plenty of movement this summer and whether it's a busy or quiet day for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our EFL deadline day live text coverage throughout the day here

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