Portsmouth boss reveals what Eisner ownership changes means for club’s future
There’s been plenty of talk over what Pompey’s transfer of shares means for the club moving forward, after the development was confirmed this week. John Mousinho offers insight on how he thinks it impacts the Blues.
John Mousinho believes Michael Eisner’s children becoming Pompey shareholders affirms the family’s long-term commitment to the club.
Mousinho feels this week’s news over Breck, Anders and Eric Eisner becoming minority shareholders at PO4, should put rumours they’re looking cut ties with the Blues to bed.
Eisners not looking to sell Pompey after share transfer news
And the head coach welcomed the development as ‘positive’ news, on the basis it affords certainty over Pompey’s ownership through their succession planning.
The ownership change was confirmed on Monday night, with 73.5 per cent of the shares distributed equally between the siblings - and the American billionaire retaining a 26.5 per cent stake and 100 per cent voting rights.
Mousinho feels it gives him and supporters clarity on the direction their club’s headed off the pitch.
He said: ‘It just confirms their long-term commitment to the club.
‘It shows they’re not looking to sell up or seek outside investment.
‘We’ve got a family who are really committed to the football club, so I think it’s a positive move.’
Mousinho gave an insight into the mechanics of his relationship with the Eisner family, with a nod toward how things could well pan out for Pompey moving forward.
The Blues boss feels the influence of the chairman’s children will be felt moving forward, though it’s Eric who could conceivably be most hands on.
Mousinho added: ‘I deal with the entire family.
‘That’s not just Michael and his sons, but there’s such an interest from Michael’s sister and Michael’s wife will come over.
‘There’s always a lot of presence when the Eisner family comes over. There’s Eric, Anders and Breck, whether there’s Michael or (his wife) Jane here, too.
‘It’s really everyone in that family who enjoy the football club and has an interest in everything we do.
‘There will be times when it’s just Eric over on his own, or just Michael over on his own. Anders and Breck have done the same thing as well, so you get a different perspective - but they are all fully committed to the club.
‘That’s probably fair (Eric has been the most involved of Eisner’s sons). Maybe (he has the most passion for football), but when you speak to all three of them there’s still a lot of knowledge.
‘Whether it consumes as much of their time as it does Eric’s, I don’t know, but there’s a huge amount of interest across the board.’