The much-missed Portsmouth asset facing challenging start to MLS life after former Ipswich Town and Birmingham City man’s Fratton exit
John Mousinho wanted to keep him at Fratton Park, but the midfielder opted for a summer departure to DC United.
He was the valued member of Pompey’s squad who departed from a department currently looking a little light.
Andre Dozzell turned down the chance of a Fratton stay to pursue a new adventure Stateside, as he opted for a summer move to the MLS with DC United.
Dozzell on DC United: ‘There’s a lot to improve.’
It’s not been a straightforward start to life on the east coast of the USA for the midfielder, however, after signing a deal for an initial two years with an option to extend by 12 months.
And things got tougher over the weekend, as DC’s latest defeat left them with an uphill task to make it beyond the regular campaign and into the end-of-season play-offs.
A 2-1 home loss against Charlotte leaves DC United five points shy of those places with nine games remaining, while they are four points from the berths which will contest a wildcard match to progress.
A failure to make the play-offs would continue a horrific record for Dozzell’s current employers, who have not reached that stage in the past six seasons.
Dozzell has now started 10 games for DC United, including operating as a makeshift centre-back for coach René Weiler’s squad.
Speaking earlier this month, the former Birmingham City, QPR and Ipswich Town man told how he’s enjoying life in his new surroundings with his family.
But the 27-year-old acknowledged there’s strides which need to be made on the pitch at the Audi Field.
He told DC United’s YouTube channel: ‘We’ve got a lot to improve on, for sure.
‘The only way it’s going to turn is through hard work.
‘We have good players, so we need to put in the work on the training pitch - and turn those draws into wins.
‘It’s the first time playing centre-back in my career, but I’m just enjoying being on the pitch. I’ll play wherever the coach wants me to.
‘I feel like I’ve done okay there and enjoyed it so far, so I need to just keep building on it.
‘Me and my family love it here.
‘We’re from a small town near Ipswich, so DC is massive for us. But the kids love it here, the weather is great so far - so we’re enjoying it so far.
‘The mood is positive and the mood has to be positive.
‘Technically the opposition are very good and DC have improved since the last few seasons. You can see that, but it’s a process.
‘It’s not going to turn overnight.
‘Sometimes it takes a few transfer windows to really get where you want to be. There’s a lot to improve but I’m sure we’ll get there.’
Dozzell’s exit from Pompey was one which ‘disappointed’ John Mousinho, with the club looking to offer him a new deal.
The Blues have looked a little light in the middle of the park in terms of Championship-ready options, with Luke Le Roux leaving and Mark Kosznovszky sidelined until the new year.
Rocco Shein is still adapting to the demands of the Championship with Iyad Mohamed in a similar period of transition, after joining towards the window’s close.
Skipper Marlon Pack has started the past six games at the age of 35, with Ebou Adams the other out-and-out deep-lying midfield option.
Mousinho said of Dozzell’s exit earlier this summer: ‘We're disappointed to lose Doz, who has been a valuable member of the side during these past two campaigns.
‘He started every game that he was available for this season – which tells you what I think of him – and has gone from strength to strength.
‘We would have liked to keep him, but he's been given an opportunity to go and play abroad and experience something different.
‘He's earned that right with his performances on the pitch and will always be welcome back at Fratton Park.’