‘I think…’: Manchester United, Spurs and Portsmouth great’s Championship warning against Leeds United, Norwich City & Co

Pompey have been warned to forget any thoughts of delivering back-to-back promotions.

And former Fratton favourite Teddy Sheringham believes every existing member of the Blues’ squad will need to up their games for their side to be a success in the Championship.

Sheringham has sounded a firm note of caution to those thinking there could be a repeat of Ipswich going straight through the second tier, after John Mousinho’s side delivered success this term.

Kieran McKenna’s side produced an incredible success to make it to the big time, as they finished second in front of the likes of Leeds, Norwich and Southampton.

That has raised hopes among some of Pompey being able to tread the same path, with the likes of former midfielder Tim Sherwood among the pundits tipping that to happen.

Sheringham is not among that group, however, as the former England international and Champions League winner assessed the impact his old club could make at a higher level.

The man who made 38 appearances and bagged 10 goals in the Blues’ maiden Premier League campaign in 2003, feels Mousinho will have to be realistic about where his sights are set.

That certainly seems to be the case with the Pompey head coach’s words on the subject to date underlining the size of the task his team face.

While Ipswich flew through the Championship, the other two teams promoted from League One in the 2022-23 campaign found the going much tougher last term.

Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth occupied the two spots immediately above the relegation places, with relegation avoided late in the day.

Sheringham thinks a spot comfortably tucked into a mid-table finish would represent success for Pompey on their return to a division they last resided in 12 years ago.

Sheringham told Genting Casino: ‘I think Portsmouth would be delighted to consolidate themselves in mid-table, which all clubs should be after they secure promotion.

‘I don't think you envisage going straight up again or being at the top end, although sometimes it can happen.

‘I think as a manager you need to have a little bit of caution because your players have to step up a lot and they will come up against some really big teams, look at Leeds United who were so close to getting back into the Premier League.

‘Looking at every player on the pitch and on the bench, they're gonna have to up their standards. So I think they'll be delighted with a mid-table finish.’