Gaffer For A Day: “What on earth is happening at Portsmouth? Something just doesn’t add up”

Gaffer For A Day, Andy Dobbs, a 56-year-old from North End, gives his verdict on Pompey’s narrow 1-0 loss to Sheffield United.

How do you assess the display?

Pompey should have been comfortably ahead by the break three goals wouldn’t have flattered them. But after about an hour, the intensity just drained away.

The injuries are a factor, but the shift in momentum was obvious. From being on the front foot in the first half, the team gradually retreated, inviting pressure, and you could sense Sheffield United’s goal coming. When it arrived, it felt like a hammer blow.

Dobbs mentioned friends who support the Blades, recalling last season’s 2-1 defeat at Bramall Lane when they admitted Pompey were hard done by. After Saturday’s game, one of them messaged in disbelief, saying he couldn’t understand how Sheffield United had managed to win.

He’s trying to stay positive, but believes the current trajectory points towards a relegation fight unless Pompey start converting chances. Quite simply, you won’t survive if you don’t score.

Who stood out?

Ebou Adams was the clear highlight. Dobbs admires his relentless commitment and fighting spirit, joking that he plays like a lifelong Pompey supporter. His all-action style, energy and edge including getting under opponents’ skin epitomise what fans want to see. Whether breaking up play, setting up attacks or throwing himself into tackles, Adams represents everything positive about the side.

What about Colby Bishop?

Dobbs insists he’s not among the critics of Bishop. Against Sheffield United, the striker did much of the unseen work well holding the ball up, winning aerial duels and linking play. What’s missing is the finishing touch that once defined his game.

He believes Bishop thrives on a specific type of service, and the absence of Josh Murphy has limited those opportunities. There was a moment early on when Millenic Alli flashed a ball across goal  in previous seasons, Bishop would likely have been on the end of it.

Right now, he looks slightly off the pace and short of confidence, and with sections of the Fratton Park crowd growing restless, the pressure is mounting.

Injuries and the bigger picture

Dobbs admits he’s baffled by the injury crisis. In five decades of supporting the club, he says he’s never seen anything like it. Something, in his view, isn’t quite right behind the scenes.

While he backs head coach John Mousinho believing he remains the right man  Dobbs argues that luck hasn’t been on his side. He suggests recruitment hasn’t matched Championship standards, comparing the situation to asking a top chef to create a fine-dining masterpiece from basic snack ingredients.

He acknowledges Pompey can’t compete financially with clubs spending £15 million on players, nor should they risk repeating the mistakes of the past. However, if the squad-building strategy struggles to match even clubs like Oxford United and Charlton, that raises concern.

Player ratings:

Nicolas Schmid – 6

Terry Devlin – 6

Regan Poole – 6

Connor Ogilvie – 7

Zak Swanson – 6

Andre Dozzell – 6

Ebou Adams – 7

Adrian Segecic – 6

John Swift – 6

Millenic Alli – 7

Colby Bishop – 6