Woking Hosts Portsmouth in Pre-Season Friendly as Championship Side Prepares for Third Consecutive Campaign

Portsmouth travel to Woking for a pre-season friendly at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, with the Championship side continuing their squad preparation after finishing 18th in their previous campaign. The match represents an opportunity for both clubs to assess player fitness and integration of new signings before the competitive season begins.

Match Details and Venue

The fixture takes place on Tuesday at 7pm, with Portsmouth embarking on a pre-season schedule that mirrors their approach from the previous summer. Manager John Mousinho has structured the preparation to include the Woking visit followed by a fixture at Aldershot Town 24 hours later. Woking defeated fellow non-league side Sholing FC in their opening pre-season outing, with new signing Ashley Clarke and Caleb Richards finding the back of the net.

Portsmouth's most recent visit to the Laithwaite Community Stadium ended in a 2-0 victory for the away side. Both clubs are expected to field mixed squads, with senior players combining alongside academy prospects to build match sharpness.

Portsmouth's Squad Transition

The Championship club has experienced notable departures this summer, with midfielder Andre Dozzell and goalkeeper Jordan Archer leaving the club. Dozzell had featured regularly following his arrival in 2024. To address these losses, Portsmouth have recruited forward Eoin Kenny and defender Odin Bailey, with Bailey representing the club's primary new arrival to date.

The Pompey squad will lean heavily on returning players, including Croatian forward Adrian Segecic, who recorded 11 goals and four assists across the previous campaign. Segecic made a strong impression on his competitive debut for Portsmouth during last summer's pre-season visit to Woking. Despite strengthening their playing budget, Portsmouth operate within constraints compared to Championship rivals benefiting from Premier League parachute payments.

The Defoe Connection

Woking manager Jermain Defoe will face his former employer, having spent one year at Fratton Park in 2008. According to Portsmouth media sources, Defoe's departure came amid circumstances that left some tension, as the striker sought a return to Tottenham. However, considerable time has elapsed since that period, and the expectation is that the reunion will be conducted in positive spirits. Defoe is regarded as having been an excellent addition during his time with the club.

Ticket pricing for the fixture ranges from £3 to £16 depending on age category, with concessions and season ticket holder discounts available. Food and drink facilities will operate throughout the ground.