'A hard one for us': Josh Murphy rues Portsmouth exit of 'phenomenal' team-mate Andre Dozzell to DC United
Blues winger is disappointed to see the Fratton Park departure of the popular midfielder for America
Josh Murphy reflected on the departure of team-mate Andre Dozzell and admitted: It’s going to be hard for the dressing room.
The popular midfielder has left Pompey to sign for MLS side DC United upon the expiry of his contract, having featured 80 times and scored four goals during his time on the south coast.
The 27-year-old’s exit comes off the back of an excellent second season with the Blues, with his return from injury coinciding with their late resurgence which secured Championship safety.
Certainly Murphy, who arrived in the summer of 2024 alongside Dozzell, is sorry to see the former Ipswich man quit Pompey - but understands his decision.
‘Teams need players like Doz’
He told The News: ‘Doz has been great. We came to Pompey at the same time, he’s been a mainstay of the team, you just always know what you are going to get from him. He’s so reliable.
‘Him leaving is a hard one for the group because he’s been such a good figure for us, but going to America to play football is not the worst thing in the world.
‘You have to do what’s best for you and your family, but I know he’s definitely going to miss it here.
‘Teams need players like Doz, they might not be in the headlines all the time, but they keep things ticking along. For the two years we have both been here, he has kept things ticking along nicely.
‘He’s been really good to play with, I just wish he went forward a bit more because he’s a phenomenal player. He’s probably going to be glad that I’m not shouting at him to pass the ball!
‘Doz got that vital goal against Oxford as well. He’s been great for us and is going to be a big loss.’
Rejected new Pompey contract
Pompey had been keen to keep Dozzell, yet the midfielder turned down the offer of a new deal in preference for his American move.
He initially arrived at Fratton Park on a 12-month contract in August 2024 after training with Sheffield United following his release from QPR.
Helping the Blues to safety with two games to spare in the 2024-25 season activated a clause which saw Dozzell automatically extend his stay by another 12 months.
However, that expired at the season’s end - and now he has completed an anticipated switch to DC United.
Murphy added: ‘Doz gives you security and the added quality on the ball. He’ll win the ball, recycle it, keep it safe.
‘He might not be the most appealing on the eye because you probably want him to go forward more, but it’s so good having him there to give the team a bit of a breather after spending a lot of time defending.
‘He’s been a great team-mate and great guy. It’s always sad seeing players go, but it’s a short career and moves happen all the time. I wish him all the best.’