Optimism abounds as Pompey prepare for new season

There is reason for optimism and positivity around Portsmouth as they head into their third Championship season.

Abu Kamara's return on a permanent basis has been celebrated by supporters. The owners have sanctioned significantly more spending than previous years. Pompey have already spent more than double their outlays in the whole of the last summer window.

For the first time in a while there have been no key departures. In previous years, important loan contributors have been tough to replace.

If the squad is fully fit the starting eleven looks strong. The attacking trio of Josh Murphy, Adrian Segecic and Kamara is very exciting. Marko Milovanovic is the biggest signing in terms of fee that Pompey have made for nearly two decades. Rocco Shein has made a very bright start in midfield.

However, the squad is not fully fit.

Murphy and Connor Ogilvie would both start against QPR but are out. Thomas Waddingham picked up an unfortunate injury last weekend. Keshi Anderson may not return until October. Franco Umeh is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

There are only two fit full backs. Pompey have six central defenders but there are still valid questions over the position.

New loanee Benji Arthur is highly rated but hasn't played in the Championship. Conor Shaughnessy is an excellent player but has struggled to stay fit. Josh Knight struggled with form and fitness last season. Hayden Matthews may benefit from a loan to try and kick start his career.

There are questions of depth in the squad. Not in terms of numbers but in terms of quality. There are likely to be more exits than arrivals between now and the end of the transfer window.

The budget may have increased but it's still modest by Championship standards. Last year it was probably the second lowest in the division. This season it's likely to be around the fifth or sixth lowest.

Therefore, matching last season's 18th place finish wouldn't be a bad effort. Ending halfway up the division would be an excellent achievement, anything higher than that would be something very very special.

Whatever happens though, if Pompey can get their forward line going, it could be a fun ride.