'Murphy's value outweighs any offer'

It took Portsmouth until early November to register a league win at home last season. This time around, we have done it with a day left in August to spare.

A zippy pitch and testing conditions almost always spells victory at Fratton Park and the 1-0 win over Preston North End was no different. In recent seasons, Pompey have consistently settled quicker than their opposition during inclement weather, particularly on home soil.

John Mousinho's team started the much better side, a marked improvement on our last home league game when two goals were shipped within 15 minutes.

We played well for half an hour and when Andre Dozzell's goal came, it certainly went the way of the team looking the more likely to score.

Arguably Pompey's most improved player since joining the club, Dozzell has quietly shone as a top performer from the off this season.

I distinctly remember one of his first games in a blue shirt at home to Sunderland last season, where he lost a challenge in the middle with Chris Rigg and 30 seconds later the ball was in the back of the net.

He looks undeniably much more comfortable a little over 12 months on and at times has a real command of Pompey's midfield.

As the window reaches its climax, there's palpable concern that Pompey may well lose Josh Murphy following reports of interest from two Championship clubs.

I have been pretty firm since speculation began, Murphy's value to us far outweighs any offer for me - especially as late in the window as we are.

His departure would genuinely cast doubt on Pompey's chances of retaining divisional status in the Championship - he is that important to us.

And with such minimal time to look to reinvest any funds generated from his sale, the logistics and timing of it all further enhances the jeopardy. Pompey cannot afford to sell Josh Murphy. Not now.

Find more from Tom at the Fournilwrittenalloverit YouTube channel.