​Portsmouth midfielder Marlon Pack believes he still has a role to play at Fratton Park next season, even if the club pursues significant midfield signings this summer. The 35-year-old captain is in the middle of his second spell with Pompey after leaving in 2011 and returning in 2022. His combination of drive and composure in central midfield has made him a genuine fan favourite, with his influence evident again last season as Portsmouth secured their Championship safety.
This summer, with talk of a larger transfer budget and the potential arrival of high-quality midfielders, Pack remains unfazed about any reduction in his own playing time. “I always want to play, but at the same time I want what’s best for the club,” he told BBC Radio Solent. “If they spend money on a high-quality number six who adds competition for places, then that’s great. I know that I’ll still have a role to play either way, so we all welcome it; if you don’t, then you probably have to question yourself a bit. It’s about progressing as a club and improving at the level.”
During his time at Portsmouth, Pack has made 154 appearances and scored ten goals. In the most recent campaign, he remained an important part of John Mousinho’s squad, featuring 35 times and finding the net twice across the season. The club’s last two Championship campaigns have been encouraging, with survival achieved on each occasion. Yet the Pompey captain indicated that conversations within the squad this pre-season have focused on raising their level even further.
“The conversation throughout the group is that we don’t want to be where we have been the past two seasons,” Pack said. “The last two seasons have been successful, but now we’re looking at how we can push that level. First and foremost, we’ll look at the playing side of things, and after that it’s everything else that comes with it—transfers included.”
He added that ongoing internal discussions around the club continue to improve, and the aim is to become a truly competitive force in the division rather than lingering at a level of underachievement. “Conversations every year keep getting better around the football club; we need to start becoming a competitive force in this division and not staying where we have been; it’s great to be a part of it.”