When a player leaves a club, fan reactions can often reveal more than any scouting report.
In the case of Ryley Towler’s move from Portsmouth to Lincoln City, the verdict from Fratton Park is remarkably consistent: this is a good lad with real promise who deserved better luck—and more game time.
The standout message across social media was that Towler never let anyone down. As @beano438 wrote, “Loved this lad! Never let anyone down! Should have continued his development by going on loan ages ago. He’s going to be a brilliant player and Lincoln’s perfect for him!” That theme was echoed by several others, with @Iain_Macdonald7 calling him “a great addition to Lincoln” and noting, “never let us down and gave his all.”
Thank you, Ryley. 💙
The defender has left #Pompey to join Lincoln for an undisclosed fee.
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) July 7, 2025
It’s clear that the 23-year-old centre-back made a lasting impression with his work ethic and attitude, even if opportunities were limited. Multiple fans mentioned his professionalism, humility, and commitment whenever he was called upon. @CharlieFarnsba9 put it best: “Underrated player IMO, always turned up when asked, never shirked, never complained, just got on with it and was able to score too.”
Untapped Potential and a Sense of What Might Have Been
While Towler’s character isn’t in question, several Portsmouth fans reflected on a sense of unfinished business. The general consensus is that he was underused, mismanaged, or simply unlucky. @Tutts558 commented, “I feel he really never got the rub on the green with us. I wish he had a decent chance, but understands needs must when fighting to remain in the Championship.” Others, like @noodleboyo, believed he was “much better in my view then McIntyre,” suggesting a sense of missed opportunity in the way the squad was rotated.
There was frustration, too, around his lack of loan development. @Iain_Macdonald7 argued, “Too bad we let him down by not letting him go out on loan and develop,” a point that @beano438 also made. It’s not often you see a fanbase openly admit a player’s stagnation was a failure on the club’s part, but in Towler’s case, there’s a surprising amount of honesty and regret.
Even the club’s transfer strategy was questioned. @c_d_b1 wrote, “Why has he been sold, right age and right amount of experience type of player we are after… I don’t get this at all from a club point…” That remark gets to the heart of the matter: Lincoln City have signed the type of player many at Portsmouth would have liked to keep and develop themselves.
Good Luck Wishes and a Clean Departure
If there’s one thing that really stands out, it’s the lack of bitterness. Towler leaves with his head held high and a string of classy farewells behind him. @PropPersonnel said, “You leave with my blessing, along with the majority of Pompey fans,” while @PompeyTransfer added, “Thank you for everything, always welcome back at Pompey, Doors 💙.”
It’s rare that a young player exits a club amid such uniform goodwill. @Mattbaldwin23 wrote: “Great character, decent player too! What’s really great for the club is seeing good players leaving the squad and no bad grudges. Him Saydee and Yengi can leave heads held high and can go on to better their careers.” It’s a sentiment mirrored by @PompeyFlag, who simply said, “Will watch his journey with interest. Best of luck Ryley.”
Towler clearly meant something to fans—not necessarily as a first-team regular, but as someone who conducted himself with professionalism and promise, who never kicked up a fuss, and who may yet prove them right elsewhere.
What Lincoln City Can Expect
The overwhelming message from Portsmouth fans is that Lincoln have picked up a talented, grounded young player who just needs the right environment to flourish. @nisbeckian offered a more analytical view of Towler’s journey, noting: “He looked really good when he first signed. Then he had a game where he was schooled by Ellis Harrison, subbed at half time and I think Mousinho lost some belief in him. Still really young and has all the attributes to make it.”
That, ultimately, sums up the gamble for Lincoln: a left-footed centre-back with physicality, mobility, and untapped upside, still only 23, and now likely to be given a run of games in a stable League One side.
Fans like @TrumagooFM and @Nio62487226 kept it simple, thanking Towler for his service and wishing him well. It may have been a quiet exit in terms of headlines, but the collective reaction from Fratton Park should be music to Michael Skubala’s ears.