Former Portsmouth manager Tony Pulis has questioned whether owners the Eisners will significantly back John Mousinho’s squad this summer, as the club prepares for their second Championship campaign following last season’s promotion triumph.
Speculation surrounds Portsmouth’s transfer budget as supporters and observers await to see how much financial support will be provided to strengthen the squad for another season in the second tier.
Pulis, who briefly managed Portsmouth in 2000 after succeeding Alan Ball under Milan Mandaric’s ownership, has expressed curiosity about the level of investment the current ownership will provide.
The 67-year-old Welshman praised Mousinho’s achievements in securing promotion from League One after seven years and successfully maintaining Championship status with games to spare last term.
During his 10-month tenure at Fratton Park before departing following disputes with Mandaric, Pulis experienced firsthand the remarkable atmosphere generated by Portsmouth’s supporters.
Fratton Park atmosphere remains crucial weapon
Speaking to BoyleSports, Pulis highlighted the unique intimidating factor of Fratton Park: “John Mousinho will be the first to say that the fans at Fratton Park are just extraordinary. If you go to Fratton Park the stadium actually rocks, it actually moves.”
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He continued: “The fans are very important to that team and very important to John. It’s a great football club and they’ve got an advantage with that ground because that ground is really tight, really on top of people and it can be intimidating.”
Pulis acknowledged Mousinho’s excellent work whilst questioning future investment: “It’ll be interesting to see if they’ve got any money to invest, but he’s done a great job over the past couple of years. He’s done a fantastic job there.”
Transfer spending signals positive signs
Indications suggest increased spending power may be available, with Mousinho expressing confidence about enhanced transfer funds following January’s £1.27m acquisition of Hayden Matthews – Portsmouth’s largest outlay since Erik Huseklepp’s £1.5m signing in 2011.
Portsmouth face a Championship division with reduced parachute payment recipients next season, though newly-promoted Birmingham City and Wrexham bring significant financial muscle to the competition.
The Tornante Company, headed by former Disney executive Michael Eisner, completed their takeover of Portsmouth in August 2017.
