Exclusive: Former Portsmouth Star Makes John Mousinho Admission

Portsmouth are back in the Championship after an 11-year hiatus, under the watchful eye of John Mousinho.

The former Oxford midfielder was a surprise choice to take over from Danny Cowley, but he’s achieved what others have failed to do: get Pompey out of the third tier.

He did so with style – they won the title at a canter, and look well-suited to a stint back at a level they feel they belong. Mousinho looks to be the sort of up-and-coming coach that can help them achieve that – at least that’s the view of former England and Pomepy striker, Teddy Sheringham.

Sheringham was an EFL manager himself with Stevenage, so he understands the challenges faced by ex-players trying to move across to coaching. The striker, who scored nine Premier League goals for Pompey during his spell there, admitted he feels Mousinho is the man to help the club ‘progress well’.

“He has done an excellent job at Portsmouth and it’s good to see Portsmouth promoted to the Championship,” he said, speaking exclusively to The Real EFL.

“He is obviously a talented coach, so hope he stays as Portsmouth is a good club and they can progress well with him in charge.”

They certainly progressed under the 38-year-old last season. Managers such as Kenny Jackett and Cowley struggled to put Pompey in the sort of position fans felt they should be in – the top six in League One. During their time in League One they only twice finished in the top six, and on both occasions were beaten play-off semi-finalists.

Last season they started well and never faltered, with the play-offs only ever looking like a consolation prize. Playing effective football under Mousinho, they amassed 97 points, ten clear of the third-place team, and were promoted a week before they made the final-day trip to Lincoln City.

Writer’s View

Sheringham has been around enough to know a good coach when he sees one. He’s played under the best, including Sir Alex, and recognises the talent in Mousinho.

What the coach did at Pompey shouldn’t be underestimated – Bolton and Derby were favourites for promotion, but with significant squad churn, Mousnho built an effective side – this coming despite big injuries, such as summer signing Regan Poole.

This season, they’ll be among those fancied to come down, but Sheringham firmly believes that Mousinho can avoid that. Plymouth managed it last season, and with momentum, there’s no reason why the former England striker’s prediction won’t come true.

 

 

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