Portsmouth boss highlights Chris Wilder’s influence on his career as he prepares to lock horns with Sheffield United manager
Chris Wilder and John Mousinho lock horns in the Championship tomorrow - with there appreciation from the Pompey boss to his Blades counterpart for his managerial guidance.
John Mousinho lauded Chris Wilder as a significant influence on his formative managerial career.
And the Pompey head coach thanked his Sheffield United counterpart for the positive impact he’s had on his first steps as boss at Fratton Park.
Mousinho: ‘I’m a huge admirer of Chris’
Mousinho and Wilder go up against each this Wednesday, as the two sides meet at Bramall Lane looking to take steps to pull themselves clear of the Championship danger zone.
But the Blues boss explained it’s the 58-year-old who has been offering a lending ear and helpful sounding board in his first role in management.
Mousinho is 34 months into his first posting since leaving Oxford United to succeed Danny Cowley at PO4, with Wilder making himself available for advice as and when required.
Mousinho is a big admirer of Wilder’s work and the success he’s had in the game at the likes of Oxford United, Northampton and with the Blades.
The pair crossed paths in Mousinho’s playing career in opposition, but that hasn’t stopped the former defender being a ‘bright spark’ for the Pompey boss on his Fratton voyage.
Mousinho said: ‘I’m a huge admirer of Chris.
‘I’ve played against Chris’ sides quite a few times over the years. We never managed to work together, but I remember his Northampton side really well.
‘Pretty much wherever Chris has gone he’s had a huge amount of success - with Northampton, Oxford and with Sheffield United obviously more recently.
‘He’s a manager who I would say through my short time and experience as a young, English manager always was there to lend me a bit of support or a wise word.
‘Obviously when we go up against each other on Wednesday night that all goes out of the window - but he’s someone who’s a real bright spark for younger managers like myself.’
Same Pompey squad available for Bramall Lane
The appreciation of Wilder will be parked tomorrow, as Mousinho aims to come out on top against the man who returned for a third stint at the club he started his playing career at in September.
Pompey were boosted by Callum Lang, Nico Schmid and Adrian Segecic coming back into the fray against Millwall, with the same squad to pick from in South Yorkshire. Mousinho has to consider the extent of their involvement across a run of three games in eight days.
He added: ‘It’s the same squad to select from as the weekend, we’ll just have to take a view on some of the players who haven’t played in a while.
‘Even the likes of Langy, we’ll see how he is after half hour (against Millwall). Everyone has reported okay, but Tuesday will be the real acid test to see how the players are going into Wednesday.’