‘Different qualities’: Portsmouth Boss on why newcomer is preferred to Joe Rafferty as Blues right-back..

John Mousinho explains why Jordan Williams is now preferred over Joe Rafferty as Portsmouth’s right-back, highlighting Williams’ unique qualities that align with the team’s evolving style.

Williams, previously with Barnsley, will be the first choice for the right-back position, a role Rafferty and Zak Swanson occupied during their League One title-winning season. Last season, Williams played as a right-sided centre-half, but Mousinho has designated him for the right-back role in the upcoming Championship season.

The decision to release Rafferty was controversial among Portsmouth fans, who expected the 30-year-old to receive a new contract. Rafferty left Pompey after two seasons.

Mousinho appreciates Williams’ different strengths, saying: “Jordan’s natural position is right-back, and he provides width and moves forward well. We play a back four and aim for flexibility and attack. Our full-backs need to be able to push forward and defend effectively.”

Williams offers a different style compared to Rafferty. Mousinho notes that Williams’ experience as a right-sided centre-half and right-wing back at Barnsley makes him both solid defensively and effective in the final third. Rafferty supported attacks from behind, especially with Kamara, allowing Kamara to engage in one-on-one situations.

Williams is currently the only senior right-back at Fratton Park, though Terry Devlin and Regan Poole can also fill the position. However, Mousinho refrains from declaring Williams the first choice, emphasizing that no player is guaranteed a spot.

Mousinho states, “We don’t guarantee spots to anyone. Players must prove themselves in pre-season and demonstrate their fit within the team.”