“A New Hero Emerges”: Former Derby County Captain Quickly Wins Hearts at Portsmouth Following £500,000 Transfer
Ebou Adams, who recently left Derby County, has made an immediate impact at his new club, Portsmouth, despite having only appeared in three games so far. The former Rams skipper has already begun to establish himself as a key figure for the Pompey faithful.
Earlier this month, Adams completed a move from Derby County to Portsmouth for a reported fee of £500,000. The midfielder had played a crucial role at Derby, helping the club achieve promotion from League One and later captaining the team in a successful battle to remain in the Championship last season. His leadership and on-field contributions earned him widespread respect during his time at DCFC.
However, the landscape at Derby County shifted with new signings and squad changes. Midfielder Lewis Travis was handed the captaincy, and Adams’ influence on the team began to diminish over the first half of the current season. This reduction in his role made a mid-season transfer increasingly likely, and when the move to Portsmouth was confirmed, fans and pundits alike praised him for his past contributions.
Now 30 years old, Adams has quickly immersed himself in another high-stakes challenge—a relegation battle, this time with Portsmouth. His early performances have already endeared him to the supporters, but his defining moment came in a recent clash against local rivals Southampton. Adams scored a dramatic equaliser by heading the ball into the net amid a crowded scramble in the box, showcasing both courage and technical ability. His celebration, sprinting the length of the pitch to acknowledge the cheering Fratton End, highlighted the passion and commitment that endeared him to Derby fans—and is now winning over the Pompey faithful.
Adams had already impressed in his initial appearances for Portsmouth. He made a positive impact coming off the bench in his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, helping the team secure victory. His first start came away at Watford, where he again contributed to a valuable 1-1 draw.
However, it was his performance against Southampton that cemented his status as a fan favourite. Beyond scoring, Adams displayed the trademark aggression, determination, and work rate that define his playing style. Statistically, he was dominant in key areas: he won seven aerial duels (second only to Colby Bishop on the team), completed all four of his tackles, and maintained an 82% passing accuracy, surpassed only by Zak Swanson. His ability to combine defensive grit with reliable ball distribution made him an indispensable presence in midfield.
Media and fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Neil Allen of The News called him “a new hero” and named him man of the match. BBC Sport’s Pompey writer Tom Chappell suggested Adams could be the best investment the club has made for a long time. Matchday presenter George Wedlake also highlighted his rapid rise as a fan favourite, noting the immediate connection he has forged with the Portsmouth supporters.
For Derby County fans, Adams’ departure may have been bittersweet. Many supporters recognize his value not only on the pitch but also as a leader and mentor within the squad. However, with limited playing opportunities at Derby, the move to Portsmouth provided him with a chance to play regularly and make a tangible impact on games—a chance he is seizing emphatically.
Between November 1st and January 16th at Derby, Adams made 14 appearances, started seven games, logged 702 minutes, and was an unused substitute twice. His combination of technical skill, mental toughness, and relentless energy makes him an ideal player for teams fighting to avoid relegation. Portsmouth, which lacked a midfield presence of his caliber, appears to have found exactly the type of player who can drive their survival campaign forward. His first three appearances already signal that he could become central to Pompey’s hopes of staying in the league.
