Is Bristol City a step up? Will Portsmouth back Mousinho?: Pundit’s view as boss’ future hangs in balance
The former Premier League man and pundit has given his view over John Mousinho and his Fratton future.
John Mousinho has shown the qualities of a ‘proven winner’ to make him a desirable managerial appointment for Bristol City.
Now there are key decisions for the Pompey boss and his club’s owners to make, as his Fratton future hangs in the balance.
Pundit: ‘Whether he views Bristol City a step up or Pompey back him’
That’s the view of former Premier League man and pundit, Robert Snodgrass, as the wait continues to see if Mousinho will depart PO4 after three-and-a-half years.
That situation remains ongoing today, after the 40-year-old and his club cancelled a scheduled press briefing on Monday amid the Robins’ interest.
Bristol City are keen on Mousinho, as they look for their long-term successor to Gerhard Struber who departed Ashton Gate in March.
Snodgrass can see why the Pompey head coach will be generating interest, after guiding his team into the Championship as League One winners two years ago.
Mousinho has since kept his team in the division for two years on a relative shoestring budget by Championship resources.
Snodgrass feels the experiences gained by the Pompey head coach will hold him in good stead moving forward, with the big question whether he views Bristol City as a step up from his current employers at present.
The other significant consideration for the former Leeds United and West Ham man is the question of will Pompey’s board afford Mousinho the resources to push on from perennially fighting relegation fires in the Championship?
Speaking to OLBG, Snodgrass said: ‘Listen, ultimately it’s up to John Mousinho whether he stays or goes.
‘He’s a great manager, and sometimes you really judge a manager when the pressure is at its highest, whether that’s in a relegation scrap or a promotion fight. He’s done both now.
‘He got Portsmouth out of League One, and then he showed his quality by saving them this season, much like James Morrison has done at West Brom. He picked up some massive results toward the end of the campaign.
‘No matter where he goes next, he now has that breadth of experience. He knows he can go into a new environment and deliver, whether he views Bristol City as a step up or if Portsmouth decides to back him with the investment needed to ensure they aren't fighting relegation every year.
‘He’s a manager who builds in phases and processes, and any club with him at the helm will have a great chance because he’s a proven winner.’