Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has set a challenge for midfielder Owen Moxon to break back into the first team after being absent from the last six Championship matchday squads.
Moxon, who joined Pompey in February from Carlisle United, has had a rocky start to the season, following a key role in last year’s successful campaign. The 26-year-old was widely praised for his form at Brunton Park, contributing nine goals and 20 assists in 82 appearances before his move to the south coast.
Moxon continued to impress after his transfer, playing a vital part in Portsmouth’s Championship-winning season, including scoring a crucial goal in a 2-2 draw with Derby County. However, this season has been different. After making just three appearances from the bench early in the campaign, he has since fallen out of favour. His last outing was in a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough, where he conceded a last-minute penalty that cost Pompey their first win of the season.
Despite the costly mistake, Mousinho insists that the penalty is not the sole reason for Moxon’s absence, noting that competition for places and other factors have contributed to his exclusion.
Mousinho’s Vision for Moxon’s Return
John Mousinho has clarified that Owen Moxon is not out of the squad purely due to the penalty incident. In an interview with The News, Mousinho explained the reasoning behind the midfielder’s recent absence.
“Owen is not out of the squad just because of the penalty, there are a couple of things we wanted to work on with him,” Mousinho said. “The competition ahead of him is also really good, some of the central midfielders he has ahead of him is a real challenge.”
Mousinho also emphasized that Moxon still has a pathway back into the team, provided he remains motivated and seizes opportunities in training or friendly matches. “We have to make sure we give all our players every chance to work their way back into squads and work their way back into sides, whether that’s through training or any friendlies we put on, such as against Havant recently,” Mousinho added.
“They have got to be at it and keep themselves motivated. We try to have a decent-enough environment here where players who aren’t in the side can day in, day out still enjoy training and still work hard and get on with it.”
Opportunities on the Horizon for Moxon
Moxon remains part of Mousinho’s plans, but the midfielder must stay on his toes, as the competition for midfield spots is fierce. Mousinho has made it clear that players must remain fit and ready for when opportunities arise, particularly in light of the team’s recent struggles. After a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Stoke City, Mousinho has suggested that changes may be needed within the squad.
“There’s the fitness side of it, there are plenty of opportunities for the lads to keep fit, although match fitness is another thing and that is something you can never replicate. They are still very much part of it, which has been my message to the lads, you never know what’s going to happen,” Mousinho explained.
With Pompey in desperate need of positive results, Mousinho hinted that changes could be made after the international break. Moxon could be one of the players brought back into the fold as the team looks to recover from their poor start to the season.
Our View
Owen Moxon’s talent is undeniable, and Portsmouth clearly saw his potential when they signed him to a three-and-a-half-year deal in February. Given Pompey’s shaky start to the season, Moxon’s creativity and experience could be exactly what the team needs to regain momentum. After drawing their first three games, Portsmouth have suffered four losses in their last six matches, including the heavy defeat to Stoke City.
As John Mousinho contemplates changes in his lineup, Moxon may have a chance to break back into the squad after the international break. With Portsmouth hovering near the bottom of the table, it’s crucial that they avoid being pulled into a relegation battle. Moxon’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively could help reignite the club’s season and prevent an immediate return to League One.
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