The divisive £1m Portsmouth man now a free agent this summer as former Millwall and Bristol Rovers figure’s released
The £1m man came to Pompey with high expectations but, at best, earned mixed reviews. Now the striker who departed for Lincoln City four years ago is looking for a new club.
His 38 goals in 127 appearances sees him sit fifth on the list of Pompey’s top scorers of the 21st century.
Yet, mention John Marquis’ name to Blues supporters and the responses will be varied, extreme and, at best, divisive.
Divisive £1m Pompey man released by along with League One title winner
Hopes were high about the striker’s impact after his high-profile £1m arrival from Doncaster Rovers in 2019, but Marquis was never able to fire his team to League One promotion.
And, for all of the former Millwall and Bristol Rovers man’s goals, there was also criticism of his all-round game and those who questioned the Londoner’s value against the price tag paid by Kenny Jackett.
After Marquis’ release four years ago, the No9 moved on to Lincoln City, Bristol Rovers and most recently Shrewsbury, where he’s plied his trade for the past couple of years.
But after 18 goals in 86 appearances for Salop, the 33-year-old will be looking for new employers this summer after the club released their retained list today.
Marquis was one of 10 players who will not have their contracts renewed, with the club’s skipper now on the lookout for the seventh permanent employer of his 17-year career in the game.
That has drawn a mixed response from Shrewsbury fans, responding to his departure on X (formerly Twitter).
‘All the best JM’, said @nickjames_1. Very much a scapegoat in 2 very bleak seasons. All 4 managers you had spoke well of you and your effort cannot be questioned. All the best for your next adventure.'
Meanwhile,@daleskitt added: ‘Apparently he was a great bloke off the pitch, I didn’t like the way he was booed by some of his own supporters, but his body language and mannerisms suggested he didn’t really enjoy playing football anymore, always looked as if he was carrying the world on his shoulders.’
Marquis is not the only former Pompey employee looking for a new club after Shrewsbury published their retained list.
Former Blues winger Anthony Scully is among those who at New Meadow not having their contracts renewed, in a decision which has caused some consternation.
Scully’s time at PO4 was riddled with injury issues, with the winger restricted to just nine appearances in two years following his arrival from Wigan Athletic in 2023. The Irishman left Fratton a League One title winner, however, with seven of his outings coming in the league.
The 27-year-old has been a regular at Shrewsbury this season, returning five goals and two assists from 35 appearances.
Shrewsbury fan @will17A added on X: ‘Gutted Scully is leaving tbh, feel like we never saw the best of him.’