'We're not going to put Pompey at risk', says CEO

Defender Hayden Matthews was the second player from the Australian A-League to join Portsmouth in January following Brisbane Roar's Thomas Waddingham

Portsmouth had a busy transfer window, bringing in eight players as they battle to avoid relegation back to League One.

Since the deals were completed, they have produced a strong performance against Sheffield United - despite losing to the side currently second in the Championship table - and, on Tuesday, a win over fellow strugglers Cardiff City.

It's given a sense of optimism to chief executive Andy Cullen, who thinks the signings made in the window have certainly improved the squad.

"We will find out at the end of the season but I, myself, believe we are a lot stronger going into the second half. Certainly defensively, and going out with some more attacking options," Cullen told BBC Radio Solent.

The club set an Australian A-League record when they purchased defender Hayden Matthews from Sydney FC for a reported £1.26m.

Some fans will be pleased to see the investment made into the squad given their lowly position in the league table - though others may have reservations about the Hampshire side's finances.

Portsmouth's losses amounted to £5.6m overall last year, prompting questions over whether the club can sustain a place in a competitive Championship.

"We are now getting some really strong assets into the club that will serve us well in the future but we're not going to put this football club at risk," Cullen said.

"The supporters will, only in recent times, know the consequences of overspending and getting yourself into difficulties - but every time we've gone to the owners for some extra cash, we've been able to make the case for why we want to bring players in and as of this window, they've supported us yet again."

Part of Portmouth's long-term plan is player development, buying with an eye to selling on for a larger fee.

Cullen referenced Plymouth Argyle, who sold Morgan Whittaker to Middlesbrough for £5m plus potential add-ons having purchased the forward for £1m from Swansea in 2023, as a club that have "traded players successfully".

However, the model depends on owning players and four of Pompey's eight signings in January were loans; Sunderland's Adil Aouchiche, Bristol City's Rob Atkinson, Liverpool's Kaide Gordon and Newcastle's Isaac Hayden.

"If you go back two or three years ago, we were spending - of our budget - twice as much as any other club in League One on loan players and now we've got that balance right," Cullen added.

"The numbers might seem the same but the actual percentage of budget spent on loan players is far less than what it ever was."