How Colby Bishop and Josh Murphy have reacted to Callum Lang's move from Portsmouth to Preston North End | OneFootball

Colby Bishop and Josh Murphy were among the Portsmouth players to respond to Callum Lang's emotional Pompey exit message.

Callum Lang penned an emotional message to Portsmouth players and supporters after completing his transfer deadline day move to Preston North End.

The forward made just eight Championship appearances for Pompey this term, courtesy of injury problems, and scored in December's encounters with Blackburn Rovers and Derby County.

Intriguingly, Lang's new club, Preston, host Portsmouth at Deepdale this Saturday.

The Lilywhites have endured a four-game winless run in the Championship, following last weekend's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, which saw Jack Clarke score a 92nd-minute equaliser for the Tractor Boys from the penalty spot.

Colby Bishop and Josh Murphy respond as Callum Lang shares emotional Portsmouth exit message

Lang was a key figure for Portsmouth last season, notching 10 goals and two assists in 32 second-tier appearances as John Mousinho's men avoided relegation.

Meanwhile, after completing his move to Preston on Monday, the former Wigan Athletic man wrote on Instagram: "I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to play for this amazing football club.

"It has been an honour to call Fratton Park home for the last two years. From my debut away at Oxford, I felt an instant connection with this club and fans and never looked back since.

"I've had so many special memories here that will stay with me forever. The night we got promoted, my first professional hat-trick at Fratton Park and surviving relegation last season after a tough start. It was a season to be proud of!

"It's hard saying goodbye because of how much I have enjoyed my football here, but now is time for my next challenge. I couldn't have wished to share the dressing room with a better group of lads and worked with staff who I feel have helped me improve me as a player massively.

"I am thankful to everyone involved at Portsmouth Football Club and the fans for a special atmosphere every week. PUP. Pompey's No. 49."

His former Pompey teammate Colby Bishop commented: "Miss you already, mate" whereas Josh Murphy posted on his Instagram story: "Gutted, but so happy for you brother! Go well Callum Lang, you'll be missed by everyone."

Callum Lang could inspire Preston North End to re-establish strong form

Preston remain just three points adrift of the Championship play-off places, but their top-six credentials have taken a major dent thanks to five successive games without a win across all competitions, including heavy league defeats against Hull City and Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, new signing Lang's Portsmouth exploits suggest that the versatile forward has what it takes to inspire Paul Heckingbottom's men to turn their form around.

The ex-Wigan man made a blistering start to his Pompey career after joining the Fratton Park outfit from the Latics in January 2024, scoring in a 2-2 draw against Oxford on debut.

Lang went on to score four goals and produce one assist in 12 League One appearances for Mousinho's side, helping them win promotion to the Championship at the end of a successful 2023/24 season.

He proved how dangerous he can be in the second tier when he scored four goals in Portsmouth's 4-1 win over Coventry City in December 2024.

Preston will hope that the 27-year-old can establish a rich vein of form at Deepdale and fire his new club to the play-offs.