Portsmouth announce managerial appointment | OneFootball

Portsmouth have appointed John Mousinho as their new head coach on a long-term contract.

Mousinho had been first-team coach at Oxford United, whilst also remaining registered as a player with Karl Robinson’s side, but he departs to take up his first managerial post at Fratton Park.

The 36-year-old replaces Danny Cowley, who was sacked earlier this month after a run of one win in 14 league games.

He inherits a Pompey side sitting 15th in the table, nine points from the play-off places. They have lost all three games in all competitions since Cowley’s departure under the guidance of caretaker boss Simon Bassey.

Mousinho will take charge for the first time for Saturday’s home game against Exeter City and says he is delighted to have been handed an opportunity.

“I’m delighted to be appointed Pompey head coach and am excited to get started in the role,” Mousinho told the club’s official website.

“The club and I are share similar ambitions and we’re focused on delivering the short and long-term success that the supporters here deserve.

“After meeting with Andrew Cullen and Richard Hughes, I really bought into the process and am pleased that the club have also bought into me, giving me this fantastic opportunity.

“I want our team to play on the front foot, with aggressive and attacking football that will win games and entertain the fans.”

Quiz: What club do these 15 ex-Portsmouth academy players play for now?

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ADAM WEBSTER

NEWCASTLE BRIGHTON

The verdict

This is certainly a surprising appointment by Portsmouth.

It feels like a huge risk to appoint someone with no previous managerial experience, particularly given the size of the task at the club with their form in serious decline.

Mousinho clearly had strong ambitions to be a manager and has evidently impressed in the interview process, but you do have to question his credentials for the role.

The restless and expectant Pompey fans will likely be underwhelmed by this appointment and it could put Mousinho under immediate pressure to deliver results, while the failure to do so could turn the atmosphere toxic rapidly.

Clubs are increasingly looking to younger, up-and-coming coaches, with Steven Schumacher and Kieran McKenna two notable examples who are enjoying success in the third tier, so Mousinho should not be written off, but there is no doubt this appointment is a significant gamble.