John Mousinho has detailed what Portsmouth will aim to do in the Championship if they can secure promotion over the next week.
The Blues host an out-of-form Barnsley side on Tuesday evening, knowing a point will see their 12-year stay in the EFL’s bottom two divisions come to an end.
Three points will see Mousinho’s side promoted as champions and cap what has been a remarkable debut season of management for the 37-year-old.
For Pompey fans, it’s hard not to cast an eye ahead to what could happen next season. Should promotion be secured, the Blues will return to a league that looks entirely different from the one they departed in 2012.
John Mousinho shares what Portsmouth’s Championship aim will be live on talkSPORT
Premier League parachute payments have made the Championship a daunting environment for clubs promoted from League One over the years.
Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Plymouth Argyle have all struggled during the 2023/24 season. Of course, many will point out Ipswich Town’s success, although it’s important to recognise the finances available to the Tractor Boys. Under Kieran McKenna, Town were a top-end Championship side operating in the third tier last season.
Mousinho appeared on talkSPORT Breakfast this morning and was asked by Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist what his expectations will be in the Championship.
“I think if we do go up, it will be about trying to consolidate,” he explained [8:30am].
“Obviously, we need to try and get the job done first this week, but it will just be about consolidating if we do make it to the Championship.”
Will Portsmouth get the job done against Barnsley this evening?
Portsmouth’s record against the current top six is mightily impressive. To date, Mousinho’s men are unbeaten against their promotion rivals.
They’ve emerged from recent tussles against Derby County and Bolton Wanderers unscathed and produced a fine away performance during the 1-0 win over Peterborough United.
All signs point towards the Blues sealing the deal tonight, although the visitors cannot be unestimated. The Tykes, under Neil Collins, are a free-scoring side who are more than capable of hurting the Blues. A free-scoring game with Mousinho’s side sealing promotion upon its conclusion feels like the most likely outcome.