Regan Poole drops claim on John Mousinho's Portsmouth future as Bristol City circle | OneFootball

John Mousinho has been linked with a move to Bristol City ahead of the end of the season

Portsmouth have secured their survival in the Championship ahead of this weekend’s final round of fixtures.

John Mousinho’s side were in the mix of the relegation battle, but impressive wins against Stoke City, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough have ensured they will avoid the drop.

The Hampshire outfit earned promotion back to the second division in 2024, and finished 16th in their first season at this level since 2012.

The club could still finish as high as 17th this year, depending on results of the last round of fixtures, with Oxford United seven points behind in 22nd.

However, speculation surrounding Mousinho’s future has clouded the build-up to the last game.

The 39-year-old has been linked with a move to Bristol City, who will be looking to appoint a permanent manager after appointing Roy Hodgson to the end of the campaign during the March international break.

Regan Poole urges John Mousinho to snub Bristol City interest

Regan Poole has urged Mousinho to remain at Portsmouth amid interest from the Robins, claiming that he’s been a brilliant manager for the club.

He credited the coach with helping the defender through a crisis of confidence last season, praising him for his adaptability and for his ability to get the best out of his players.

“The gaffer has been brilliant for me, he’s a really good manager,” said Poole, via The News.

“Last year, when I wasn’t having the best of seasons, he was still picking me, he still had his confidence in me, and he’s been really good for me.

“There is always going to be a bit of interest (in the manager), he has done a phenomenal job at this football club, of course, I expect there’s interest in him.

“I hope he stays, he has been brilliant for me, he’s been brilliant for this football club, so hopefully it will continue.

“He’s really good at a lot of things, such as adapting to different styles and different teams.

“I wasn’t having the best of seasons last year, but he was still confident in me, which is big because I could have easily dropped out of the team when I wasn’t playing my best football.

“The gaffer had real confidence in me and I don’t think I would have had the season I’ve had this year without that season.

“That in itself shows him as a manager.”

Poole is unsurprised by the interest being shown in Mousinho’s services because of the work he’s done in three seasons at Fratton Park, but he is hopeful that the manager will continue with the club into next year.

“He’s a young manager, he has obviously started his career off very well and getting any interest in him isn’t a surprise, to be honest.

“Last season staying up was a big one, this season is a big one again.

“He’s had three fantastic seasons at this football club, so hopefully he will continue.”

Portsmouth have won four of their last five games to secure their position in the Championship with one match to spare.

The club have also matched their points tally from 2024/25, despite falling down the table compared to 12 months ago.

A win on the final day could leapfrog Pompey as high as 15th, although their inferior goal difference means that 17th is likely to be the best outcome possible for the team.

Planning will now be underway for the summer ahead, and the Championship side will be hoping that Mousinho sticks around to see the start of the next campaign.

Portsmouth confirmed in September 2024 that Mousinho had extended his long-term contract, but no date was given for its expiration.

Next up for Pompey is a home clash against Birmingham City on 2 May in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Keeping John Mousinho would be huge for Portsmouth

Mousinho has shown over two seasons now that he has what it takes to work at this level, keeping Portsmouth free of relegation relatively comfortably despite a lack of resources.

The most convincing argument Pompey could make for him to stay this summer would be to back him in the transfer market.

If the club aren’t going to offer him a path forward, then other jobs like Bristol City will be tempting as they might provide him with a route to working at a higher level.

Portsmouth have to match Mousinho’s ambition, otherwise they risk losing a highly-rated young coach to a rival, which would leave them in a difficult position going into the summer.