New twist in Bristol City pursuit of Portsmouth boss John Mousinho
The latest over the Pompey boss’ future tonight amid Bristol City’s chase of their head coach.
Pompey are bracing themselves for Bristol City to intensify their pursuit of John Mousinho.
The Blues boss have this afternoon cancelled a scheduled end-of-season press briefing with Mousinho, as their Championship rivals eye their manager.
Pompey and Mousinho cancel press briefing amid Bristol City interest
The Robins have the Pompey head coach on the shortlist to become their new boss, with another contender in Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala today reportedly ruled out of the running for the Ashton Gate hot-seat.
Pompey and Mousinho have now taken the decision to can the press gathering, which has been a staple of his three-and-a-half year stay at Fratton Park.
The News understands Bristol City’s interest in the 40-year-old has not yet developed into a concrete offer for the Blues’ head coach.
But the delicate nature of how things currently stand over his future puts Mousinho in a difficult place to deal with ongoing questions on the topic.
The Pompey boss has spoken openly, honestly and extensively over his position at Fratton Park moving forward, since Bristol City’s latest interest in the League One title-winning boss emerged.
Mousinho talked of his appreciation for Pompey, the club, fans and city while expressing a desire to not ‘disrespect’ and ‘mug off’ supporters with lies over his future - potentially tainting his Fratton legacy in the process.
Now it looks set to become a waiting game to see if and when Bristol City will make their move, with Mousinho odds-on favourite with the bookies to become their new boss.
The opportunity to launch a promotion push with the Robins is one which no doubt has appeal to it, with talk billionaire owner Steve Lansdown is ready to loosen the purse strings to bankroll a charge up the table for his club.
That assignment will come with big demands, however, while Mousinho’s name being attached to the Ashton Gate posting has been afforded an underwhelmed response by much of the club’s fanbase.
In contrast, the man who took at his first managerial job at Pompey in January 2023 is feted by the Fratton Faithful - who have made their appreciation for their boss overwhelmingly clear over the season’s finale.
And Mousinho finds himself in one of the most secure positions in football at Fratton Park, with his family settled and enjoying life in the city.
Now, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin others to be linked with succeeding Gerhard Struber, the picture looks set to become clearer in the coming days.