Portsmouth boss John Mousinho details key reason behind new deal for huge favourite Connor Ogilvie

John Mousinho has explained Connor Ogilvie’s importance to his Pompey side after the left-back committed his future to Fratton Park.

And the head coach has expressed his delight at the ever-present defender’s decision to extend his five-year stay on the south coast.

The 30-year-old put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at coast on Wednesday after talks throughout the summer.

Ogilvie was, of course, offered fresh terms to remain at PO4 following the season’s conclusion, alongside fellow full-back Zak Swanson.

The Blues had long been confident the popular operator would pen fresh terms, with negotiations beginning once their Championship survival was secured.

The former Spurs man remains the longest-serving member of Mousinho’s squad after signing from Gillingham in July 2021.

During his five-year stay on the south coast, Ogilvie has subsequently amassed 196 appearances in all competitions - netting 13 goals in the process.

John Mousinho on Connor Ogilvie’s Pompey importance

This has seen the left-back play key roles for Pompey in their quest to escape League One and has since established himself as a Championship-quality full-back.

And Mousinho has detailed the importance Ogilvie holds on his side as the head coach assembles his squad for the new second-tier campaign.

Speaking after the defender penned new terms, the Blues boss said: ‘We’re delighted that Connor has signed a new deal to keep him at Pompey for another couple of years.

‘The fact that, whenever fit, he has always featured since I’ve been at the club shows just how valuable he is to our team.

‘He made a vital contribution to our League One title success a couple of seasons ago and quickly adapted to playing in the Championship.

‘Connor is an excellent professional and a dependable defender, while also offering us an attacking threat.’

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Pompey’s summer contract situations

Ogilvie is the latest member of Mousinho’s squad to commit his future to Fratton Park, with Marlon Pack also penning fresh terms earlier this summer.

The skipper recently penned a new 12-month deal to extend his stay with his boyhood club, where he’s since amassed 152 appearances in all competitions.

Although Andre Dozzell was also offered a new contract after the season’s climax, the Blues confirmed the 26-year-old turned down fresh terms to pursue other opportunities.

The midfielder subsequently joined MLS outfit DC United, bringing his two-year stay at Fratton Park to a close.

He joined Jordan Archer, Reuben Swann and Harry Clout on departing PO4 at the end of the campaign after Pompey secured an 18th-placed Championship.

The Blues remain hopeful Swanson will also commit his future after being handed a new deal alongside Ogilvie after the campaign's conclusion.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his most successful season on the south coast to date, featuring 35 times in all competitions - the highest number of outings during a single term throughout his four-year stay so far.

His achievements also saw him nominated for the Blues’ Player of the Season award, along with Terry Devlin and Regan Poole.

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