Portsmouth fans deserve more as uncertainty surrounding John Mousinho's future refuses to go away

Three long weeks have passed since Bristol City were credited with an interest in Pompey boss John Mousinho.

However, the purgatory Blues fans currently find themselves in began a week earlier after the club’s Championship status was confirmed.

And it was the Fratton Park boss himself who lit the touchpaper on the conjecture surrounding his future following a candid interview with The News when he spoke honestly and clear about how he sees the pathway ahead.

‘Summit talks’ with the club’s hierarchy over ambitions moving forward, an increase in the playing budget, and improvements to the club’s footballing operations appeared crucial. Although, Mousinho insisted at no point would an ultimatum be put to anyone as his stock in the game rose amid the back drop of securing another year in England’s second tier for the club with the division’s second smallest purse.

A lot was said in those seemingly early days, including the 40-year-old’s vow not to disrespect the Fratton faithful as talk of a potential Fratton Park exit grew.

‘We’ve managed to achieve something this year and I want to build on that next year,’ the head coch told The News. ‘By the same token I don’t want to disrespect the fans and mug them off - I don’t think that’s the right thing to do.’

The soundbites appeared carefully crafted, with Mousinho speaking as eloquently as ever since his introduction to the Pompey supporters as a left-field successor to Danny Cowley in January 2023.

His words were also gratefully received by supporters who admired his honesty and were understanding of the potential consequences if his ambitions were not matched by those in the corridors of true power at PO4.

That remains the case today, despite The News understanding that a second Championship club are showing an interest in the Southsea resident.

Yet that doesn’t mean fans’ patience hasn’t started to wear thin as a saga evolves and a lack of direct communication from the club becomes increasingly deafening.

Twice chief executive Andy Cullen has spoken directly to The News to confirm no approaches have been made for Mousinho’s services by the Robins or any other club. He has also insisted it’s business as usual, with Mousinho, himself, sporting director Rich Hughes and the Eisners all aligned on the Blues’ direction of travel.

In fairness, that says a lot nearly four weeks into this drama. But, simultaneously, it’s proven insufficent to quell the rumours.

With that in mind, some might argue why would the club respond to tittle-tattle with an official statement? It’s not their job to rebut every bit of gossip thrown up by the rumour mill, whether it’s a player or the manager under the spotlight. There’s obviously nothing to see here, mush!

There’s a simple counter argument to that, though, which is gathering momentum. Why not put the rumours to bed and let everyone crack on with their lives?

It’s a valid point that’s relevant to both Mousinho and the club. But, clearly, neither are in a position to do so at this precise moment in time.

There’s no smoke without fire, after all! And, believe me, there’s more than just media meddling or the stirring of the pot at play here!

Whether Mousinho ends up at leaving Fratton Park this summer remains to be seen, with only a few close to the Pompey boss truly knowing what is simmering beneath the surface.

Yet there’s a world-wide Fratton fanbase who deserve to know, too, not just a select few. And the sooner they are informed the better.

This purgatory the Pompey supporters are currently experiencing can’t go on for much longer.

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