Portsmouth chief’s message over John Mousinho’s future after side fall into Championship drop zone
Pompey chief executive, Andy Cullen, underlines the club’s position over John Mousinho, amid unrest at the Blues falling into the Championship bottom three following poor form.
Pompey’s board remain staunchly supportive of John Mousinho.
Blues chief executive Andy Cullen has reiterated the club’s support for one of the ‘most admired young coaches in the country’.
Cullen on Mousinho: ‘One of best and young coaches in country’
Cullen’s firm message of backing for Mousinho comes with his side falling into the relegation places on Saturday, amid boos at Fratton Park.
The disappointing home defeat to Bristol City saw angst grow, with the reverse the fifth league defeat at PO4 this season - matching their total defeats last term.
Cullen acknowledged strides need to be made to improve a run of one win in nine games, which has seen Pompey fall down the second tier.
But the Blues hierarchy’s backing remains as strong as ever for Mousinho, as he heads towards starting his fourth year at the helm in the new year.
Cullen said: ‘Our support for John is absolutely as strong as it’s ever been.
‘We have one of the best and most admired young coaches in the country at this football club.
‘We have a hugely impressive character who has taken the club forward and transformed its fortunes on the pitch, in such an outstanding way.
‘He’s had incredible success but also come through all the challenges thrown at him, like the start to last season.
‘We have to look to the long term, and we don’t give up.
‘Maybe the fact it (sacking Mousinsho) is spoken about is characterised by what happens elsewhere.
‘But we’ve got continuity, while recognising we need to progress and improve.’
Pompey ‘committed’ to Mousinho and Hughes
Cullen stressed it’s not just Mousinho who retains the backing of the Pompey board, but also the rest of his coaching staff who have also been under the spotlight across a difficult period.
And sporting director, Rich Hughes, has faced his criticism after a summer of recruitment which was lauded at the close of the transfer window, but has yet to reap significant dividends.
Cullen added: ‘John’s been successful, and he’s done that supported by a sporting director and a model with total alignment.
‘John was the longest established coach in the Championship last season, and, when we went out (to appoint a new head coach), we wanted someone with strong leadership and total alignment with our model.
‘That has seen us be successful in achieving what we’ve achieved to date - and also led us through some of the challenges we’ve faced.
‘We’re totally committed not just to John, but his coaching team and Rich as well.’