Josh Murphy’s Stellar Season Goes Unrewarded Despite Portsmouth Survival Heroics
Josh Murphy has been a standout performer in Portsmouth’s return to the Championship, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the club’s survival after his summer switch from Oxford United. Despite a rocky start to the campaign for both Murphy and John Mousinho’s squad, they rallied in the latter stages, culminating in a crucial 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday that, alongside other results, confirmed their Championship status for the 2025/26 season.
Murphy’s form has been a cornerstone of Portsmouth’s revival, particularly at Fratton Park, where his creativity and consistency helped steer the team away from the threat of relegation. A seasoned Championship player, having previously turned out for Norwich City and Cardiff, Murphy has been among the most effective wingers in the division this season.
His numbers speak volumes. With 14 assists and 21 big chances created, Murphy leads the league in both categories. Only Joel Piroe, Finn Azaz, and Josh Brownhill have more direct goal involvements than his 21, making his contribution even more remarkable considering Pompey spent much of the season battling at the wrong end of the table.
However, despite his outstanding campaign, Murphy was left out of the official Championship Team of the Season—much to the disbelief of the Portsmouth fanbase. Instead, the left-wing spot went to Norwich’s Borja Sainz, who has also had a productive year, registering 17 goals and four assists. But with only two of those goals coming after November and his form tailing off in the second half of the season, many believe Murphy’s sustained excellence should have seen him selected instead.
Speaking to Football League World, Pompey fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration. “I absolutely think Josh Murphy was robbed of a place,” he said. “Borja Sainz started well, but since November he’s had more yellow cards than goals. Murphy’s been consistent, led the assist chart, and played for a newly promoted side fighting relegation. What more does he need to do?”
Murphy has earned internal recognition, sweeping Portsmouth’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards, and has the full backing of the Fratton Park faithful. Yet, his omission from the league-wide team has left many wondering how such consistent excellence can go unnoticed.
Still, there could be a silver lining. The lack of broader recognition may help Portsmouth hang on to one of their most valuable assets. At 30, Murphy’s age might deter some suitors, but his impact this season has been undeniable. If he continues in the same vein next term, Portsmouth will have every reason to believe they can build on this season’s survival and push further up the table—with Murphy at the heart of it.
