Joe Morrell finally fulfilling promise ?

[1960maaan]

Always thought he was a good player, only got a couple of games here and from what I saw he deserved more. Maybe that thing where doing it in training is vital, we'll never know. Surprised he moved around so much, but seems to have found a home now. Odd that it seemed he was more highly thought of by his Country than his Clubs at times. Glad he's doing well now, sows how time passes when you're not looking 26 !

 

 

The massive Portsmouth statement over former Bristol City, Luton Town and Lincoln City man as season soars

That’s the forthright opinion of the Wales international’s form from John Mousinho’s vantage point, as the Pompey midfielder’s displays go from strength to strength.
And the Blues head coach feels the captain’s armband has taken up Morrell’s displays up another gear, as he produces consistently impressive performances.
Mousinho feels the 26-year-old has shown just how important he is to side, as their powerful form continues.

He said: ‘This is easily the best football Joe’s played since I’ve been here. And having watched him for the past couple of years I think it’s the best football I’ve seen him play in his career.

‘He’s controlling games in the middle of the park and been excellent. He’s providing a real defensive stability as well.

‘His output in terms of his running is always incredibly high.

‘You don’t have a massively high sprint distance with Joe, but the distance covered is immense and he does that while looking very tidy on the ball. He hardly gives it away and keeps it ticking over - he plays forward and he runs forward.

Pompey boss John Mousinho believes Joe Morrell is in the form of his career. Pic: Jason Brown.

‘I just think he keeps up ticking very nicely and the way we want to control games, it’s really important we get hold of the middle of the park. Joe has done that really well, no matter who he’s played with.

‘He’s had quite a few different middle partners over the past few weeks and he’s adapted brilliantly.’

Mousinho didn’t hesitate in handing Morrell the skipper’s role as Marlon Pack was injured at Wigan at end of September.

For the Pompey boss, it was recognition for the Luton Town arrival’s form and a decision which has been justified.

Mousinho added: ‘The first shoots of when I felt I was seeing Joe start to play really well was the Stevenage game (at the end of August).

‘Him and Marlon were excellent in that game and since then that partnership has blossomed.

‘Marlon came out after getting injured against Wigan, but Joe just continued - he continued to go from strength to strength. After that game we played Wycombe on the Tuesday night, where Alex (Robertson) and Joe were excellent in the middle against a really tough and physical Wigan side.

‘Maybe the armband has given him a bit extra and quite possibly made a difference, but I think he was proving it before.

‘I think he earned the armband with his performances before that and because of what we’ve seen with his maturity and how he handles himself, the way he trains and how he is around the dressing room.

‘All of those things have made it quite an easy decision to turn to Joe in Marlon’s absence.’

 

[And Its Smith]

Glad it’s finally clicked for him. Letting him go was the right more for us and him and hope he keeps getting better. Seems like a really good lad 

[1960maaan]

14 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

Glad it’s finally clicked for him. Letting him go was the right more for us and him and hope he keeps getting better. Seems like a really good lad 

Could barely get a lone at times (looks the same for Sam Pearson ) and took an age to really get going. 
Really pleased for him.

[Leveller]

Pompey beat Bolton 2-0 tonight and are clear at the top of L1. Pack and Morrell both started and played 90 minutes. 

[Leveller]

Morrell not offered a new contrac by Pompey and seems to be on his way out.

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, Leveller said:

Morrell not offered a new contrac by Pompey and seems to be on his way out.

Was in negotiations according to their retained list.  Has there been an update?

[Leveller]

11 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Was in negotiations according to their retained list.  Has there been an update?

I saw an article saying Pompey aren’t taking up an option to extend and apparently something he put on Instagram suggested he’s leaving. Nothing concrete.