Midfielder excited for league opener
Michael Doyle was not thrilled with Pompey’s performance at Gillingham.
The Blues played out a largely uneventful goalless draw with their third tier opponents at Priestfield Stadium.
But Doyle is more concerned with how they perform in the League Two opener against Dagenham & Redbridge next Saturday.
And he believes the new-look squad will continue to improve the more they play together.
The midfielder said: “There were some positives to take from the game, but overall I thought we were a little bit off.
“Gillingham are a good side and I’m sure they’ll be looking to have a successful season in League One.
“We looked quite solid as a team and the manager was happy with our shape, although we didn’t play anywhere near as good as we can.
“But we’re still learning and there are a lot of new players getting to know each other. It hasn’t quite clicked yet.
“We’re unbeaten in pre-season, but the real stuff happens next week – that’s when it really counts.
“Everyone’s looking forward to walking out at a packed Fratton Park and experiencing the atmosphere there.”
Doyle skippered the side against Gillingham, but is unsure if he will be given the armband on a permanent basis.
He said: “I led the team out, but I don’t know who the captain is going to be.
“Whether it’s me or not, I’ll still try to lead from the front and try to help the other lads as much as I can.”