Most Portsmouth fans would agree that the January transfer window has given John Mousinho’s side an excellent chance of returning to the Championship.
Weaknesses were addressed, and deals were concluded without fuss, largely thanks to savvy sporting director Richard Hughes.
Each of Pompey’s January additions are ready to impact first-team proceedings immediately, and many already have.
Considering the dire winter windows of yesteryear, with James Vaughan and Omar Bogle etched into the Fratton faithful’s memory, the January window of 2024 will be remembered fondly.
For many, the ambition shown by Eisner and the board was a surprise. The American has long alluded to sustainability as the cornerstone of his ownership.
And Eisner has admitted Pompey’s January business stretched the club’s finances.
Michael Eisner makes Portsmouth transfer admission
Talking to the Portsmouth News, Eisner shared his thoughts on the club’s January business.
“The strategy (is) about building for the future, as well as impressing the need to do well in the present,” Eisner told The Portsmouth News.
“We want to get promoted, but most of the conversations were about strategy, not about costs.
“If you have the right strategy, the right costs will follow. And I think last January’s window under Rich Hughes, last summer’s strategy under Rich and John (Mousinho), and this January’s strategy, I think, is proving us to be doing the right thing.”
He added: “Rich Hughes spends a lot of time with his staff when everybody else is working on today, he’s thinking about tomorrow, and I think today is paying off because that intense look at what is available, what do we need, what do we need for permanents, and what short-term loans would be effective?
“Once we have the strategy, then the question is: does it fit into our sustainability strategy? The answer is yes. We stretched This particular window a bit to keep ourselves up there at the top of the league. We’ll see (if we stay there). We have 12 more games – fingers crossed!”
With just 12 games remaining, John Mousinho’s side are well-placed to end their 12-year exodus from the Championship.
Up next is a trip to the Valley to face Charlton Athletic before a home clash against stuttering Oxford United.