John Mousinho in Manager of the Season fray despite Portsmouth ‘reality check’
John Mousinho can take pride in himself after steering Portsmouth relatively clear of the relegation zone in the Championship.
Pompey looked certain for the drop at one point this season as they lingered near the bottom of the table at the turn of the year.
However, with just eight more games left to play, the Fratton Park outfit now sit 17th in the Championship table, sitting four points above the relegation zone.
As things stand, there are four teams between Mousinho’s side and the danger zone, meaning they are well on course to avoid playing in League One next season.
Andy Moon tips Mousinho for Championship accolade
Portsmouth were at the bottom of the table when they faced Bristol City at Fratton Park on 7 December and it is a testament to Mousinho’s tactical acumen that they have since moved seven places above.
Having steered clear of the relegation zone, the 38-year-old can now focus on how high he can finish with Portsmouth, who Andy Moon reckons have the lowest budget in the league.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
| 16. Swansea | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | -11 | 44 |
| 17. Portsmouth | 38 | 11 | 9 | 18 | -15 | 42 |
| 18. Oxford United | 38 | 10 | 12 | 16 | -16 | 42 |
The BBC journalist is of the view that Mousinho should be in the fray for the manager of the season award if he leads Pompey to at least a 14th-place finish, although they were given a reality check by bottom-placed Plymouth after a shock win against Leeds United.
“Look, you have just to be realistic. Portsmouth’s budget might be the lowest in the division”, Moon said on BBC Radio Solent (15 March, 2:32 pm).
“Say they finish in the top half or if they finish 13th or 14th, that should put John Mousinho in the conversation for the manager of the season because it would be that much of an achievement.
“Everyone gets a bit carried with the Leeds game, and it [the defeat against Plymouth] is a reality check and it is ultimately where Pompey is at the moment.
“Let’s be honest, they are in a much better position than any of us thought they’d be for most of this season.”
Portsmouth in good hands at Fratton Park
Having suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday (15 March), Portsmouth have now lost games on the bounce.
Meanwhile, 22nd-placed Derby County have reduced their gap with Pompey to four points after winning each of their last three games.
However, with four teams placed between the two clubs, Mousinho will not be concerned about dropping back into the relegation zone yet.