​Portsmouth’s Regan Poole is focusing on the upcoming Championship campaign and is not harboring thoughts of immediate changes in his contract status. The 28-year-old defender has already logged 82 league appearances for Pompey, contributing four goals since arriving in July 2023. Poole addressed his contract situation candidly, telling BBC Radio Solent that he recognizes he is in the final year of his deal but insists he approaches every match as if it could be his last. He also stressed that he had been pleased to sign a new contract the season before last and hopes to do so again, while proving he can continue to perform at this level.
“I’m in the last year of my contract, but I play every game like it’s my last anyway, and I don’t think I’ll be changing,” Poole said. “I was delighted to sign my new contract when I did the season before last, and I’ll be hoping to do that again. I need to show I’m capable of performing at this level.” He added that he feels he has demonstrated his ability, but acknowledged that each season brings its own challenges, and he would welcome an extended stay with the club if the opportunity arises.
Portsmouth finished 18th in last season’s Championship, eight points above the relegation zone, with Poole making 41 league appearances. He is prepared to compete for his place once more as the season approaches. “We have a fair few defenders in the building, good quality central defenders, maybe five or six, which is crazy for two positions, but it’s healthy,” he said. “I need to make sure I’m in the team at the start of the season; who with isn’t my problem.”
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Portsmouth will begin at home against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, 15 August, kicking off at 15:00 BST. Poole’s focus remains firmly on proving his spot in the starting lineup and helping the club push up the table in what promises to be another competitive season in the Championship.