Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has confirmed Ryley Towler will not be leaving the club on loan for the time being. Portsmouth are just a day away from starting their Championship campaign. It’s been a long road for Pompey to get back to this stage and they’ll be hopeful of finding success at this level after storming to the League One title under the lead of the highly-rated John Mousinho. However, while a host of new signings have been made, one area that remains bare is at the heart of defence. Regan Poole is still on the way back to full fitness, so with no centre-backs signed, only the freshly tied down Conor Shaughnessy, Tom McIntyre and Ryley Towler are options at the back.
The latter was on the outskirts of the squad for much of last season, and he was generally expected to leave on loan when the club advanced to the Championship. However, an impressive summer with Portsmouth and a dearth of summer additions at centre-back appear to have changed things.
Speaking to The News, manager Mousinho affirmed the club’s current situation.
The Pompey manager confirmed that Towler is not currently being considered for a loan exit. Instead, he will compete for a spot in the starting lineup against Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. Mousinho explains:
“Ryley was very, very unlucky to only start those three games last season. When he played, he played well and he was always a credit to himself in and around the place. For him to come in and have a really good pre-season gives him a chance and an opportunity to stake his claim.
“There will be no loan for Ryley at the moment.
“At the back end of last season where we thought if he didn’t get the requisite number of minutes this year to develop, it would be one we would have to look at. “At the moment, Ryley has come back in really good shape and is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.” Towler joined Portsmouth in January 2023, the same month they named Mousinho as Danny Cowley’s permanent replacement. He performed well in the second half of the season, but his first full season was limited. He played only 11 times for Pompey, often watching from the bench as the now-released Sean Raggett covered for the injured Poole.
Fans will be thrilled that the popular defender took advantage of his opportunity. Depth required.
Towler may have forced his way into Portsmouth’s plans for this season, but another body in the heart of defence is essential for Mousinho and co.
Going into the season with only four natural centre-backs, two of whom are returning from long-term injuries, will be a significant risk.
Someone with Championship experience would be beneficial, albeit they may not be available at this point in the window, as many of the better free transfer possibilities have already been taken.
Until then, it appears Towler will have an opportunity to make a starting position his own. amid a shift in his loan plans.
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