Delighted Andre Dozzell’s Portsmouth pledge after securing his Fratton Park future.
Andre Dozzell is looking forward to returning to Fratton Park next season and believes he still has a lot to give.
The midfielder secured his Pompey future with a victory over Watford, ensuring Championship safety with two games remaining.
The former Ipswich player’s 12-month contract was automatically extended, tying him to the Blues until summer 2026.
Dozzell now has the security he desired, while seven of his teammates await John Mousinho’s decision on their future.
He’s excited for a pre-season return and a well-deserved second season with Pompey.
The 26-year-old expressed to The News that he has enjoyed his time here since the first day. Now I am excited to extend that to next year and see what happens.
‘Coming up from League One, our first goal was to stay up, which we accomplished. Next year, we’ll probably have different goals, which I’m looking forward to.
‘I believe I have a lot more to give, and there’s a lot more to come. I’ve been here a year, so I understand how the manager wants to play; it’s very clear to me now. Next year, I hope to reach new heights.
‘It’s not just me; you can see since December that the entire team has changed; they’re playing together more and understanding how to play.
‘Staying here allows me to have a proper pre-season; it was difficult to get up to speed when I first arrived. I spent two weeks training with Sheffield United before coming here and being thrown straight into a game against Leeds.
‘A two-week pre-season isn’t ideal, but that’s football for you, and I’m hoping for a good pre-season myself.
‘Regular matches, confidence, and the manager playing me have all contributed to my improved performance, which I hope will continue at Pompey.’
“Portsmouth could be a real threat in the Championship next season.”
Dozzell joined the Championship just five days before the season began in August, making for a quick transition.
He started Pompey’s first five league games before spending a month on the bench as Freddie Potts and Marlon Pack were preferred in central midfield.
However, with Pack dropping back into the centre of defence in an emergency, Dozzell spent the rest of the season primarily as a first-team regular, making 41 appearances and scoring two goals.
His improved form also won over fans, who had initially regarded the former QPR player’s free transfer arrival as an uninspiring Championship signing.
However, his experience at this level has proven invaluable, and following Pompey’s 16th-place finish in his first season, he is looking even higher for next season.
Dozzell went on to say, ‘It’s a difficult league, so we can’t take staying up for granted; next year will be another tough season.
‘But, based on our performances since December, we can be a serious threat in this league. There’s no reason why we can’t look up; who knows what we can accomplish.
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