Players, targets and fans: John Mousinho uncertainty's negatively impacting Portsmouth and needs to end
It’s been going on for approaching three weeks and is now in the realms of a saga. How doubt over John Mousinho’s future is impacting Pompey - and what needs to happen now.
It’s ultimately out of Pompey’s control.
But the feeling is the continuing unsettling noise over John Mousinho’s future needs to be resolved - and quickly.
The air is one of doubt around PO4 right now
Developments over the past 24 hours unfortunately point to doubts over the Blues boss’ future only deepening, however, as the situation undoubtedly enters the realms of becoming a saga.
It’s now approaching three weeks since fresh reports of Bristol City once again being keen on the 40-year-old surfaced.
Yet that has still to manifest into an official approach for Mousinho’s services, with it now clear the Robins have activated a number of managerial clauses to speak to options on their shortlist.
That, of course, doesn’t detract from their interest in the Blues boss - nor does it not mean hushed conversations aren’t continuing to take place.
What it does underline, however, is there’s others in the frame when it comes to finding a long-term successor to Gerhard Struber at Ashton Gate.
The picture has been further muddied by news today there’s another unnamed Championship club ready to serenade the Pompey head coach, with a summer second-tier managerial merry-go-round potentially developing.
Ultimately there’s no suggestion of an imminent conclusion to Mousinho’s future, with that being what’s required.
The air is one of doubt around PO4 right now, not least from the fans desperate to see their prized managerial asset stay - but equally keen for some kind of clarity.
But they aren’t the only ones.
The Fratton dressing room’s asking what is going on over their gaffer, with the squad as much in the dark as anyone.
Pompey introducing a sporting director in September 2022 was with a view to there being continuity amid managerial upheaval.
Yet the recurring question among those of transfer interest to the Blues this summer is: What on earth’s going on with Mousinho?
It’s a scenario which will undoubtedly impact transfer business, with players drawn to the prospect of playing for the man who’s now three-and-a-half years into this maiden managerial role.
All the while The News are staying across developments and keeping readers up to date with what’s unfolding.
That is being construed as reports revelling in the precarious circumstances - nothing could be further from the truth.
There’s a unanimous desire to see Mousinho remain from this publication, but that has to be balanced against duties of reporting updates.
Yet there’s certainly an understanding of a growing fatigue over the continuing managerial narrative and agreement, for better or worse, we now need a conclusion to it.