Update in Portsmouth managerial search as Oxford United coach emerges as surprise contender | OneFootball

Oxford United first team coach John Mousinho is a serious contender to become the next Portsmouth manager, according to journalist Chris Wise.

Pompey are currently on the hunt for a new manager after the sacking of Danny Cowley earlier this month following a run of one win in 14 league games.

Their fortunes have not improved since Cowley’s departure, losing all three games in all competitions under caretaker boss Simon Bassey. The latest of those defeats was Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the University of Bolton Stadium, which leaves the club sitting 15th in the League One table, nine points from the play-off places.

Last week, journalist Alex Crook claimed that Pompey were “increasingly likely” to appoint former Milton Keynes Dons boss Liam Manning, but no deal has yet been announced.

Now Mousinho has emerged as a surprise contender for the post in what would be his first managerial role.

The 36-year-old became joined Karl Robinson’s coaching staff with the U’s last summer, whilst also remaining registered as a player at the Kassam Stadium.

In October, Mousinho claimed he felt ready to step into management and he could be set to be handed an opportunity at Fratton Park.

“When will I feel I’ll be ready? I feel ready in a way now,” Mousinho told the Oxford Mail.

“I don’t think I’m ever going to be fully ready, I don’t think anyone ever is going into any job.

“I’ve done as much preparation as I can, and I speak to the manager quite often about this.

“One of the things he’s been brilliant with me in terms of supporting me on that journey and progression, is the fact he says ‘you have got everything on paper, it’s just about getting the experience now’.

“We’ll have to see on that, I think I’ve been pretty open.

“I’ve been working closely with the manager here, which is brilliant and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.

“I’m not entirely sure on timescales, and when I would ever properly feel ready but certainly I think an exciting chapter coming up.”

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

1 of 15

ADAM WEBSTER

NEWCASTLE

BRIGHTON

The verdict

This appointment would be a huge risk for Portsmouth.

While it is likely they will go for a younger manager to fit into their model rather than an experienced one, opting for someone with no previous managerial experience would be a gamble, particularly given the size of the task Cowley’s replacement will be inheriting with Pompey’s form in serious decline.

Mousinho clearly has strong ambitions to become a manager, but you do have to question his credentials for the role at arguably a bigger club than the one he is currently at.

Clubs are increasingly turning to young, inexperienced coaches, with Steven Schumacher and Kieran McKenna two notable examples in the third tier, so Mousinho should not be written off, but this would be an incredibly surprising appointment.