Despite scoring 38 goals in 127 appearances — enough to rank fifth among Portsmouth’s top scorers of the 21st century — John Marquis remains one of the most divisive figures among Portsmouth F.C. supporters.
The striker arrived at Fratton Park in 2019 from Doncaster Rovers F.C. in a high-profile £1 million move, with expectations high that he would spearhead Pompey’s push for promotion from League One. However, despite his respectable goal tally, Marquis was unable to guide the club to the Championship during his time on the south coast.
While some fans appreciated his work rate and goalscoring contributions, others criticised elements of his overall play and questioned whether he justified the hefty fee paid by then-manager Kenny Jackett.
Following his Portsmouth exit four years ago, the former Millwall F.C. and Bristol Rovers F.C. forward went on to feature for Lincoln City F.C., Bristol Rovers again, and most recently Shrewsbury Town F.C..
Shrewsbury recently confirmed that Marquis would be among 10 players leaving the club at the end of the season, meaning the experienced striker is now searching for the seventh permanent club of his professional career.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions among Shrewsbury supporters on social media. Some fans defended the striker, describing him as a hardworking player unfairly made a scapegoat during difficult seasons, while others felt his performances suggested he no longer enjoyed the game and often looked weighed down by pressure.
Marquis is not the only former Pompey player departing Shrewsbury this summer. Former Portsmouth winger Anthony Scully will also leave New Meadow after the club opted against renewing his contract.
Scully’s spell at Portsmouth was heavily disrupted by injuries following his 2023 move from Wigan Athletic F.C., limiting him to just nine appearances across two seasons. Nevertheless, he still collected a League One winners’ medal during his time at PO4.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a more consistent campaign at Shrewsbury this season, contributing five goals and two assists in 35 appearances. His departure has disappointed sections of the club’s fanbase, with some supporters believing the winger never truly got the chance to show his best form.
