Portsmouth chief’s honest message over John Mousinho’s future as Stoke City eye boss
The latest on the Pompey boss’ future, as chief executive Andy Cullen this afternoon speaks to The News amid Stoke City’s emergence as suitors for John Mousinho.
Andy Cullen admitted he’s powerless to stop the continuing doubt over John Mousinho’s future.
But the Pompey chief executive revealed there has still been no approach for the club’s head coach, as Championship rivals Stoke City eye Mousinho.
Pompey chief speaks on boss’ future amid Stoke City interest
The News yesterday confirmed the Potters are the club who are considering making a move for the 40-year-old, with Mark Robins under pressure at the bet365 Stadium.
That comes off the back of Bristol City turning elsewhere in the hunt for their new head coach, as Mousinho was considered as Roy Hodgson’s successor at Ashton Gate.
Cullen sees the continuing noise over the 40-year-old as a consequence of his success at Fratton Park, with sporting director Rich Hughes also touted to join Sheffield Wednesday in recent weeks.
But Pompey’s CEO confirmed he was with Mousinho yesterday continuing with plans for next season, with the situation from the club’s point of view still the same.
Cullen told The News today: ‘We’ve had no contact from any football club - this year. The situation is exactly the same, no change.
‘We’re all in a position where we’re aligned. We’ve consolidated the club for a third year in the Championship.
‘We’re at that stage now where we want to look forward as to where we go next.
‘A successful head coach, a bit like a successful player, is going to attract speculation and interest.
‘But we all want to progress, there’s nothing more to report and there’s no approaches from any club for our manager or sporting director.
‘John and I were together last Tuesday when he was apparently down at Bristol!
‘We were together again yesterday. He’ll have a break, but we will be talking most days in terms of what we’re doing with player recruitment.
‘Every day will bring conversations over what we’re doing to improve the squad - we’re into that mode now.
‘We’re in a position where we’re looking to progress the club - we’ve all got contracts and we’re working to build.
‘John is the head coach of Portsmouth Football Club, Rich is the sporting director of Portsmouth Football Club and I’m the CEO - I can’t stop the speculation. I just can’t stop it, because I’ve got talented people in the building.’
Mousinho is now 40 months into his maiden managerial posting at PO4, a stay which leaves him as the division’s second longest-serving boss behind Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson.
Cullen added: ‘When you have talented people who are good at their jobs, it’s football.
‘Jobs come up and jobs come up regularly in these positions, the turnover of head coaches is phenomenal.
‘We know the average tenure of a manager is 12-13 months, we’ve got one who’s been here for three-and-a-half-years and been hugely successful.
‘You can become a victim of your success sometimes because you can’t stop the speculation - but we’re working on moving forward.’