Atkinson move to Portsmouth ‘to be green lighted’ amid developments at Bristol City
John Mousinho is looking to strengthen his Portsmouth side this summer, in the hope of a higher Championship finish next season.
Pompey flirted a little too closely with the relegation zone this season, although they saved themselves before the end of the campaign.
Having secured another season in the second tier, though, the key now is to build upon the progress already made and solidify a position as a Championship side.
Mousinho recruited the right people to help in the efforts against relegation this term, one of which was Rob Atkinson, who has now returned to his parent club Bristol City.
Bristol City developments to raise Portsmouth eyebrows
Although Bristol City finished sixth in the Championship before losing in the play-off semi-finals against Sheffield United, manager Liam Manning has made the move to Norwich City.
The Canaries finished 13th in the table and have poached the Robins’ boss ahead of the new season.
Bristol City will be eager to make an appointment in good time, allowing them the ability to get underway with transfer business this summer.
An early contender who is reportedly in line for the role is Rob Edwards after his departure from Luton Town earlier this season.
Edwards has a strong relationship with Pompey Sporting Director Rich Hughes, with the pair having previously worked together at Forest Green Rovers.
The already established connection could work well in helping Portsmouth achieve their ambitions.
Portsmouth have to aim for Atkinson
Although he missed some minutes through injury, Rob Atkinson’s return made him man of the moment at Portsmouth as he scored twice in a crucial game against Derby, one of which was a late goal to cancel out his own goal and earn his side a point.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 14 | 2 | 1 |
The defender made it clear that he was emotionally invested in Pompey’s survival in the Championship and made himself popular, meaning the South Coast side would surely love to see him return.
Atkinson made no appearances for the Robins before making his loan move to Fratton Park for the second half of the season and given his contract expires in 2026, Bristol City could see this as an ideal time to cash in.
If Edwards was to be given the job at Ashton Gate, surely Hughes would have to do all he could to use his established connection to try and strike a deal that could suit all parties this summer.