Josh Murphy discusses Portsmouth future year on from doubts amid Leicester City and West Brom talk
A year ago he looked set to join Leicester City, with Josh Murphy admitting he didn’t know where he’s future lied. Now there’s no such doubts for Pompey’s star man.
Josh Murphy is adamant he’s ‘completely settled’ as he looked to a future at Pompey.
Now the Blues star man is eyeing John Mousinho’s men fulfilling their Championship potential, as they prepare for a third campaign in the second tier.
Josh Murphy on Pompey: ‘I’m completely settled’
Murphy is gearing up for a return ahead of the new season, after a campaign hindered by fitness issues for the key figure.
The 31-year-old had a phenomenal maiden season, picking up player of the season plaudits after delivering 21 goal contributions for his team.
Transfer speculation followed last summer, with Leicester City keen and West Brom also credited with interest in the winger.
Murphy confirmed there were bids made for his services but remained at PO4, later signing a new deal which until the summer of 2028.
The outstanding operator isn’t expecting any such talk this time around, as he embraces life at Fratton Park and on the south coast.
Murphy said: ‘I’m loving it here - proper loving it.
‘I’m completely settled. My partner is settled and loves it here, my little boy loves it here.
‘He’s now memorised the route from our house to Fratton Park!
‘We love it here, we love the place and it makes it 10 times easier when you’ve got a really good bunch of team-mates. That makes things better off the field.
‘I can’t say enough when it comes to good things about Portsmouth.
‘It’s lovely and I’ve never lived by the sea before. I’m here and I’m embracing everything about being here - I’m really happy.’
Pompey are setting their sights higher next season in the Championship, after finishing 16th and 18th in their campaigns to date at the level.
The football operation are being afforded increased transfer resources in their efforts to do so, but Murphy already sees a group with players who achieve 'something special'.
He added: ‘Every season is exciting.
‘I’ve been in the game long enough to know there’s comings and goings.
‘You are always excited to see new faces and thery are obviously looking at players to make us better and progress the team up the league.
‘There’s good excitement around the place and now it’s time to have a real good go in the division.
‘Even if we didn’t make any signings now, I have full confidence and belief in this team to do something special.
‘That’s been one of the biggest things since I’ve come here - as a group we need to believe in ourselves more.
‘We’ve shown we’re capable of beating the top teams in the division and we’ve shown at times, especially last year, how good we are.
‘Now it’s about doing it consistently and showing that bravery week in, week out.
‘We can’t keep saying we’re a good team - we need to earn our stripes and actually show we’re a good team.
‘Talk is cheap, it’s been two years now and we need to kick on - and I’m talking as a playing group. We have the ability, now it’s time to show it.’