When Richard Hughes hung his reputation on the appointment of John Mousinho, there was plenty of scepticism from all four corners of Fratton Park.
Who is Mousinho? Why have Pompey employed Oxford United’s fourth-choice left-back? Aren’t we trying to get in the Championship?
To say the appointment was ‘left-field’ is an understatement. It’s a phrase the Pompey boss has even admitted is justified.
After Mousinho was appointed, CEO Andrew Cullen stated the 39-year-old was the “standout” candidate, with no mention of Mousinho’s previous experiences or lack thereof.
“Following a thorough process, where we spoke with a number of people, John was the standout candidate. After meeting him and conducting our interviews, we concluded the search and offered John the opportunity to coach this great football club,” he said.
Very few knew what to expect but with Pompey six points clear at the top of League One with ten games remaining, the genius of Hughes’ judgement cannot be understated.
The sporting director’s bold call looks even better when assessing how some of Pompey’s other managerial candidates are fairing.
Liam Manning, who was linked with the job before Mousinho’s appointment, has already jumped ship after being given a route back into management by Oxford United.
Another name that emerged after Danny Cowley’s sacking was Ian Foster. The 47-year-old was open to a Fratton Park return, yet Pompey opted to head down another route despite interviews taking place.
Many had advocated for the Liverpudlian to take the Fratton Park job at the time. However, after recent developments, the Blues could have dodged a bullet.
Portsmouth dodge Ian Foster bullet
Foster has since replaced Steven Schumacher at Plymouth Argyle. With just four wins from his 13 matches, things aren’t going to plan.
Plymouth are now dangerously close to the relegation zone after Tuesday evening’s loss to Sheffield Wednesday.
Argyle are known for an expansive play style that engages supporters even when results aren’t going their way. Presently, Plymouth are averaging under a goal a game under Foster in the Championship.
The Plymouth Herald’s Chris Errington shared the frustrations of the travelling fans at Hillsborough with Foster in his post-match interview.
“We need everybody to stay together. I said this when I came in, it’s going to be quite a tumultuous rollercoaster ride, we know that, that’s the Championship,” he said.
“We are going to have our ups and downs.- We have had some great ups and we have had some disappointing downs, and tonight is one of those, but we ask the fans who have travelled and given us incredible support to stick with us.”
Portsmouth get it right with Mousinho
Foster has a glowing record within youth football, but his Plymouth reign to date further highlights why Mousinho’s character and communication ability are so important.
Some Argyle fans are entirely disconnected from their club, and similar could be said for some of the players.
The Pompey boss is clearly liked by the players and can convey his ideas on the training ground. They are playing for their manager, which is highlighted in the number of comeback wins during the 2023/24 season.
Modern-day football can often be overly complicated. A good leader with innovative ideas that players can believe in is all that’s required; Mousinho’s tenure is an example.
Perhaps looking beyond pure footballing pedigree should be considered before EFL clubs look to replicate Portsmouth’s bold managerial appointment.