In a significant move for Portsmouth Football Club, defender Regan Poole has signed a new contract that secures his stay at the club until the summer of 2027, with an option for an additional year. This development is particularly noteworthy given the player's recent battle with a serious knee injury, which sidelined him for over 10 months.
Poole's new deal demonstrates the club's commitment to him during his recovery process, an assurance he greatly valued. During his rehabilitation, there was no uncertainty surrounding his future at Fratton Park, a fact Poole was aware of as the club made it clear they wanted him to return to full fitness and contribute to the team.
“I’m delighted to stay here,” Poole expressed. “I think the club have put faith in me to get back to where I was last season, before I did my knee. I haven’t got there yet, but I know I will and the club know I will.” The 24-year-old defender stressed that discussions regarding the new contract had been ongoing and that both he and the club were eager to finalize the agreement once he demonstrated he was fit to play again.
This contract news adds to a series of positive updates from Portsmouth, as Poole joins teammates Colby Bishop and Terry Devlin who have also recently secured new contracts. These developments have stirred enthusiasm among fans who admire Poole’s contributions to the team, especially considering he has already made 35 appearances for Portsmouth to date.
Poole's aspirations extend beyond just playing regularly; he aims for a leadership position within the squad. Having captained both his previous clubs and Portsmouth, he sees himself as an important figure for the team. “I want to be a leader here,” he indicated, asserting his intention to leave a lasting legacy at Fratton Park. “It’s a huge honour to captain this club, and I hope I’m seen as a leader,” he added.
The former Manchester United youth product emphasized his desire to be a consistent presence on the field, stating, “I want to play as many games as I can because I haven’t played a huge amount. I want to play a huge role and be a part of this club’s history.” This sentiment resonates well with Portsmouth's supporters who are eager to see him contribute to the club's ongoing success.
Poole's journey back to form has not been without challenges. After suffering the serious knee injury, he faced intense scrutiny and uncertainty over his future. However, the faith shown by Portsmouth in retaining his services has only fueled his determination to excel. He reflected on this support, stating, “There always was (a feeling he was wanted from the club through his knee injury). It was never a case that I was going to be leaving at the end of the season.”
The clarity regarding his future has allowed Poole to focus on returning to full fitness. With the team’s backing, he is poised to make a significant impact as the season unfolds. The club's focus now turns to harnessing his talent and leadership abilities as they strive for success in the upcoming fixtures.
As Poole continues to work towards regaining top form, the Portsmouth community remains supportive, excited for what the future holds under his renewed commitment. With a solid contract in place, the 24-year-old is determined to showcase his abilities and contribute to Portsmouth's ambitions both on and off the pitch.