John Mousinho makes promise to Portsmouth fans in Championship rallying call

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has attempted to rally the Blues fans as a first Championship season in over 12 years beckons.

As published by The News [9 August], Mousinho directly calls on the Fratton faithful to use their significant power to push the club into a solid campaign back in the second tier.

The curtain is raised on Pompey's 2024-25 season this weekend, with the team set to travel to Leeds on Friday afternoon in preparation for the big kick-off at what will be a deafening Elland Road on Saturday.

Mousinho promised supporters his team would always try and be on the front foot, declaring: "After all the excitement of last season and anticipation we’ve felt through the summer, we are now here at the start of a special campaign. I can tell you stepping up to the Championship after a 12-year absence for this club is an opportunity and challenge we are going to relish.

"This is a day we’ve been looking forward to for a very long time. From our point of view we approach the game with excitement, not trepidation: we will attack every game we play.

"I can’t overstate the importance of the role you once again have to play this season. We know it’s going to be tough at times and there will be testing moments, but I also believe there is the character and quality in this group to respond to those battles. We know you won’t be found wanting - and together we can make this another memorable season for Portsmouth Football Club."

Portsmouth will respond to Mousinho battle cry

In the space of a little over 18 months, Mousinho's words have become power in Portsmouth.

The head coach has earned the trust of his players, staff and supporters and the mood heading to Leeds will dial in somewhere between "nothing to lose" and "why can't we go and win?"

The aforementioned words of the Blues boss were the tip of the iceberg - he also discusses team selection, and mentions that players who steered the club over the line to last season's League One triumph are worthy of a crack at the Championship and have earned their stripes.

This makes it interesting as to who of the new signings may drop out of the team, with Josh Murphy - who the gaffer names the "outstanding player of pre-season" in a race to be fit to play a part.

There is also a lot of excitement over the two most recent signings - Matt Ritchie and Andre Dozzell - the latter is expected to be match-fit, whilst Ritchie may need a little more time to get up to speed, but it remains to be seen.

In other Portsmouth news, David Norris weighs up the risk and reward of potentially re-signing Tino Anjorin.

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