Portsmouth man Ryan Williams on why a lack of transfer activity can boost promotion hopes

The Aussie winger feels a smaller, settled squad can promote unity and aid the Blues’ chances of reaching the Championship at the fourth attempt under Kenny Jackett.

Williams knows supporters will be thirsting for signings with no new faces arriving to date ahead of the campaign.

Sean Raggett has signed permanently and Lee Brown has a sealed new two-year contract, but fans have yet to be excited by any attacking additions.

But Williams feels that could work to Pompey’s benefit along with the squad restrictions, which mean they will have a maximum squad of 22 players over the age of 21.

He said: ‘We haven’t really signed anyone, and I know the fans would see that as we haven’t strengthened our squad.

‘But because we’ve had a full year together, and, in some cases had two full years together it strengthens the team because everyone stays together.

‘The starting XI will be similar to last year, so I know how he plays and he knows how I play.

‘So I feel it can actually be stronger.

‘It’s a little bit smaller, a little bit tighter and there’s a little more reliance on each other.

‘So maybe there’s a little more togetherness because people know each other more from last season and there’s no acclimatising.’

Williams has pinpointed a powerful start as critical to Pompey bridging the gap from play-off failure to making it to English football’s second tier.

The 26-year-old feels just one league win in the first seven games amid a shaky opening, ultimately led to the Blues missing out on an automatic promotion berth.

Again, Williams feels a group of players who knows the strengths and weaknesses of each other will be beneficial to starting well.

The former Rotherham man reckons marrying that with the consistency shown for much of the rest of the campaign is the recipe for success.

He added: ‘Everyone knows the start killed us last season, but we’re a pretty consistent team.

‘I think we’ll do well and things will be similar to last season - we just need to start well.

‘If we do that then we’ll end up in a better position, we just need to get the train rolling.’

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