'With the great respect' - The transfer window reality facing Portsmouth ahead of Championship opener against Leeds United

That’s the view shared by both of The News’ dedicated Pompey writers, Neil Allen and Jordan Cross, who have been spelling out the reality checks the Blues have encountered during the current transfer window.

Pompey have recruited five new players to date with, with the free transfer arrivals of Josh Murphy and Jordan Williams their stand-out pieces of business. 

The loan arrival of Middlesbrough’s Sammy Silvera is also considered something of a coup. But since his incoming on July 1, 18 days have passed by without further strengthening.

That has caused angst among sections of the Fratton faithful, with the season-opener at Leeds United just three weeks away. Yet according to both our Pompey correspondents, the Blues find themselves operating in trickier terrain than what they have been used to in recent years.

They both agree, though, that with sporting director Rich Hughes in situ, the club have someone who can successfully navigate them to a better place before the transfer window closes.

Speaking on our new-look Pompey Talk programme, which is now available on Freeview channel 276, Allen said: ‘It’s just not straightforward. Pompey in League One were one of the top clubs in League One, one of the biggest clubs in League One. Now they’re in the Championship, and with the greatest respect to Pompey, they’re no longer one of the top clubs at this level.

Watch on Shots! Pompey Talk: Transfer window latest ‘You’re competing against huge clubs with big attendances, greater financial pull as well, so it’s a more difficult environment for Pompey.

‘But as ever, it’s all about recruitment. They’ve recruited extremely well since Rich Hughes came to the football club, so he has to somehow find more gems, get players who no-one else has noticed or watched.

‘They’re clearly working away, trying to bring the right players in. But they’ve stepped up a level and they need players who can step up to that level. They’re not competing with League One clubs now, they’re competing with Championship clubs. 

‘I know it’s frustrating and I know fans want players straight away, but it’s not that simple. All we can do is judge Pompey at the end of the window, when hopefully they’ve got the quality required to stay in the Championship, because that’s what this season is. Forget doing an Ipswich and that nonsense, and going for the play-offs, it’s about staying up in this division after waiting so long to get here.

‘So hopefully they can upgrade the players and get a stronger squad, because there are positions for me that glaringly need considerable strengthening.’

Cross said the financial clout seasoned Championship clubs and particularly those who have been in the Premier League in recent years have at their disposal puts Pompey at an automatic disadvantage. But he insisted Blues fans must keep the faith.

He said: ‘Pompey are competing now against clubs who are in receipt of parachute payments, have been in receipt of parachute payments and will have playing budgets many times what Pompey will be working with - even with Pompey improved finances at Championship level.

‘Pompey have gone from a big fish to a small fish, and also when they’re competing for these players, these players are going to have options as well. So it’s not going to be straightforward.

‘Pompey could go out and sign five players today if they want to and get players through the door now. But it’s a bit of an art form. And there’s a lot more faith in Pompey executing it since Rich Hughes has been in situ. Look at his record.

‘There is some angst amongst supporters, but the majority of supporters have faith in Pompey to go and get the job done properly.’