Portsmouth announce major change for key decision as shortlist announced
Although it’s been a difficult season in the Championship for Pompey, there have been a number of standout individual performers in John Mousinho’s squad this term.
Pompey have shortlisted three players for their end-of-season player-of-the-year award.
For the first time, the Blues have decided to narrow the field of contenders for the coveted prize.
They will also let all fans decide who takes the gong home on the night of the club’s gala dinner, which will be held at Fratton Park on Wednesday, April 15.
Voting for the award usually takes place on the night, with attendees selecting their player of the year. But this term, it’s up to the Fratton faithful online to pick their winner.
Although 36 different players have donned the famous blue shirt over the course of the 2025-26 campaign, Pompey have announced just three are worthy of the prize.
And there’s few surprises, with Terry Devlin, Zak Swanson and Regan Poole all shortlisted.
Terry Devlin
The Northern Ireland international has come on leaps and bounds this term, establishing himself as an ever-present figure in Mousinho’s backline.
Devlin has earned immense praise from the head coach, fellow team-mates and supporters, with his gutsy, determined and brave performances week-in, week-out not going unnoticed.
The right-back has featured 36 times in all competitions for Pompey this term - including starts in 24 of their previous 25 matches since October, with his sole absence due to a one-game suspension.
Not only that, the 22-year-old has become a huge goal threat on the right flank, which has seen him net five goals this term.
The former Glentoran midfielder remains the Blues’ second-highest scorer this season.
Regan Poole
Despite injuries to a number of key central defenders throughout the campaign, the popular Welshman has been a near-enough ever-present fixture at the heart of the backline.
Poole has been a reliable and trusted figure in the back four, with his threat in both boxes, his leadership, aerial presence and ball-playing qualities all on show during the season.
He’s a worthy contender for the prized accolade, having registered 36 appearances in all competitions to date, with only Devlin featuring more this term.
Zak Swanson
Swanson’s showing have largely gone under the radar this season, with the ex-Arsenal talent dazzling in a number of different positions.
Despite starting the campaign at right-back, the 25-year-old answered Mousinho’s SOS at left-back following injuries to Connor Ogilvie and Jacob Farrell in impeccable style.
The talented full-back has been an influential presence down the left-flank, both defensively and in attack, and has even had to contribute in the centre of midfield.
Swanson has crucially stayed fit and available throughout the campaign, amassing 35 appearances so far - and is enjoying his best season on the south coast to date.
Who has missed out?
Ebou Adams has been a revelation since his January arrival from Derby County, which has seen him prove a vital addition to Mousinho’s engine room.
Having featured 14 times so far, the 30-year-old has netted twice, including his header against Southampton to level in January’s south coast derby at Fratton Park.
The News will also shortly be conducting its The News/SportsMail Pompey Player of the Season before the campaign’s climax, which will allow fans to choose any member of Mousinho’s squad for the prized accolade.