Mousinho exit claim made at Portsmouth amid strong West Brom links – Exclusive
John Mousinho could be on his way out of Portsmouth as West Brom continue their search for a new head coach.
The Englishman had a superb year with Pompey as his side avoided a true relegation battle with ease in the Championship.
This was certainly an achievement, especially as established sides like Cardiff City and Luton Town faced the drop after poor seasons of their own.
As a result, it is little surprise that Mousinho would be of interest to a side like West Brom, who are in need of a new manager ready for the upcoming campaign.
Mousinho of interest to West Brom
It is fair to say that the 39-year-old boss has caught the attention of a number of sides across the Championship who are in need of a new manager.
None more so than West Brom, who sacked Tony Mowbray after a short, ill-fated return to The Hawthorns, which certainly didn’t pay off.
As a result, the Baggies will be after a new man in the dugout, with Mousinho emerging as one of the names at the top of their shortlist.
This saw the Englishman named as a 2/1 favourite with bookmakers on 9 May, as options were considered at The Hawthorns.
With that being said, former Pompey midfielder Martin Allen was assured in his thoughts that the manager would be staying put at Fratton Park.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, Allen said: “I don’t think he’ll leave Portsmouth, I think he should stay and have one more year and see if he can take them to the playoffs.
“They had a really poor start with a lot of big injuries, so they will be looking for a good start this time, improve the team with some decent players and then I could see it being a really good season for Portsmouth.
“No [a move to West Brom], it’s not [a step up] for me. Mousinho has work to do at Portsmouth.
“They stuck by him after such a poor start, so I think he needs to take the club, add some decent players, and I would say they’ve got every chance at aiming for the playoffs.“
Mousinho to stay at Portsmouth amid West Brom links
It would feel like a kick in the teeth to the PO4 club if the ex-Oxford United man were to walk and move to another second-tier side this summer.
After what was such a positive year on the south coast, after a superb year in League One, it would make little sense to move on.
| Matches | 124 |
| Wins | 56 |
| Draws | 34 |
| Losses | 34 |
Mousinho was able to get the best out of the likes of Josh Murphy, who was able to push Pompey over the line with his raw creativity.
As a result, to move on and join West Brom would be highly frustrating for everyone associated with Fratton Park, but hopes are growing that he will stay on.