After clinching the League One title, Portsmouth is gearing up to make a return to the Championship after a lengthy absence of 12 years. Since their relegation from the Championship in 2012, the club has faced challenging times, including a subsequent drop to League Two and enduring several seasons in lower league football.

Under the leadership of John Mousinho, the atmosphere at Fratton Park appears to be rejuvenated, signaling hope among supporters that promotion to the Championship is just the beginning of a new chapter for the club.

It’s worth noting that Portsmouth was a Premier League outfit as recently as 2010 and lifted the FA Cup trophy in 2008, a mere five years before plummeting down the divisions to League Two. This rapid decline underscores the turbulent journey the club has experienced in recent years.

During their Premier League tenure, Portsmouth boasted several renowned players, including Glen Johnson. Now, Johnson has expressed his confidence in his former club’s ability to make a significant impact following their promotion to the Championship, suggesting that Pompey is poised for a promising season ahead.

Former England international Glen Johnson, who had a stint at Portsmouth from 2006 to 2009, has expressed confidence in his former club’s prospects in the Championship. Reflecting on their FA Cup victory in 2008, Johnson believes Portsmouth has the potential to perform well in the second tier.

Speaking to BetFred, Johnson remarked, “To be honest, I think they’ve got a chance (of the play-offs). In terms of that league, you’ve only got to be organised, and you’re already better than half the teams, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they end up finishing in the top half.”

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window to maintain momentum and improve their chances. Johnson noted the psychological boost of promotion and emphasized the significance of organization, suggesting that Portsmouth has the capability to surpass expectations and contend for a play-off spot.

Karamoko Dembele’s impressive loan spell at Blackpool from Brest has caught the eye, sparking suggestions that he could be a valuable addition to Portsmouth this summer.

In discussing Portsmouth’s prospects, Dembele expressed optimism about their potential to secure a play-off spot in their debut Championship season. He emphasized the importance of belief among the players in the manager’s vision and the need to raise performance levels. Dembele highlighted the fine margins between finishing in the top half and clinching a play-off berth, emphasizing the possibility of achieving success with the right additions to the squad and organizational structure.

Drawing parallels with Ipswich Town’s recent success in securing back-to-back promotions, Pompey can take inspiration from their achievement as they prepare for Championship football. Both clubs share similar profiles and are guided by young, promising managers poised for success in the game.

Kieran McKenna effectively leveraged the momentum from Ipswich Town’s promotion-winning League One campaign to make a significant impact in the Championship. It would be wise for John Mousinho to seek insights from McKenna this summer, tapping into the Tractor Boys boss’s experience and strategies for success.

Ipswich’s achievement serves as a compelling example for Portsmouth, demonstrating that progression through the leagues is indeed possible. Mousinho should convey this message to his players, emphasizing the potential for continued growth and development within the club. By drawing inspiration from Ipswich’s journey, Portsmouth can aspire to replicate their success and further advance in the footballing hierarchy.

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