Marlon Pack admits his love for Portsmouth is helping him manage the natural disappointment of reduced playing time — and insists his leadership role remains just as crucial even from the bench.
The Pompey skipper, who returned to Fratton Park in 2022 for a highly emotional homecoming, has been pivotal in guiding the club back into the Championship and helping them secure safety in their first season back. But now, as he nears the end of his third season, Pack finds himself starting games less frequently, named as a substitute for the past eight matches.
Despite that, the 34-year-old is clear that his commitment and influence as captain will not waver:
“My role doesn’t change whether I’m starting, on the bench or not in the squad.
If I’m on the bench and I come on then great, if not it’s how can I maximise the opportunity I have?
It’s making sure standards don’t drop, picking lads up when they need it, maintaining intensity in training, rallying the troops — and you can do that whether you’re playing or not.”
Pack has made 40 appearances this season and played an unaccustomed role in defence when required, always prioritizing the team’s needs. He admits that while sitting out games is tough, being at his boyhood club eases the sting:
“The natural disappointment I feel as a player isn’t as strong as it may be elsewhere because of the affiliation.
For me here, I take away any personal disappointment from not playing, I want what’s best for the football club first and foremost.
Of course I want to play, I’m an individual who wants to win and play, but I know I can gain other aspects when I’m not playing.”
Pack also shared that being a spectator is often harder for him than being involved directly:
“I’m always a lot more nervous watching games on the bench here over starting, because if I was starting I would have control over things.
But I can make sure I have a role to play within the group to ensure everyone’s ready to go if I’m not playing.”
He credits his ongoing leadership to his deep connection with the club:
“That just comes with leadership and having a love of the football club.”
As Portsmouth close out their first season back in the Championship, Pack’s attitude and experience look set to continue playing a major role — whether he’s on the pitch or off it.
Would you like me to also pull together a quick overview of Pack’s overall impact across this season compared to other Championship captains?
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