The dependable defender arrived from Gillingham in August 2021.
Connor Ogilvie has survived the close-season clear-out, and John Mousinho has explained why.
Within 72 hours of those memorable Southsea Common celebrations, the Blues announced the departure of ten of their League One title-winning players.
Furthermore, the futures of Zak Swanson and Joe Morrell remain uncertain, with the Blues preferring to negotiate new contracts rather than exercise their options.
Mousinho, on the other hand, wants to keep skipper Marlon Park and Ogilvie, both of whom will be offered new contracts.
And, in the case of the dependable left-back, Pompey’s head coach believes he can thrive in the Championship.
According to Mousinho, Connor meets both the criteria for a new contract and the potential to advance to the next level.
‘He has been fantastic since I arrived in the building, starting 43 league games the previous season. Although there haven’t been as many this year, his track record has been impressive, and we’ve taken note of it.
‘We’re not superstitious, but the fact that he hasn’t lost a game in 407 days is truly remarkable.
Connor has been extremely reliable. As a left-back at this level, he offers a lot more going forward, and now that we’re moving up, he offers us even more.
‘There is no way we would have offered him a contract if we didn’t believe he could compete in the Championship. We are confident he can make the step up to left-back.
The 28-year-old joined on a free transfer from Gillingham in August 2021, under Danny Cowley.
He has since made 117 appearances and scored eight goals, impressing as a left-back or a left-sided centre-half, and he has also played five games at right-back.
However, Ogilvie has been hampered by injury issues this season, limiting him to just 25 appearances in the Blues’ promotion to the Championship.
Mousinho added: “Against Lincoln, we named Connor on the bench because he can cover both centre-half and left-back. He hasn’t had to do that this year, but it’s a great option to have.
‘We did not have a centre-half on the bench for the last seven games of the season. Instead, Jack Sparkes was present, so we have cover. If one of the center backs is injured, we can move Connor inside and bring on Jack.
‘Having that in the squad gives us versatility.’
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