Fans and pundits alike were left somewhat baffled as to why a club of Pompey’s size and stature were turning to a managerial novice in the case of the Oxford United player-coach.
But fast-forward nine months and it appears the Fratton Park hierarchy knew what they were doing all along – or just got lucky. Either way, Mousinho has, by anyone’s standards, made an impressive start to life in the dugout.
From an initial 15th place to a finishing position of eighth in League One last term showed signs of promise, though the 37-year-old freely admits it could have been even better.
For while Portsmouth finished the season on the back of an 11-game unbeaten run, seven of those were draws and, ultimately, it meant the playoffs remained frustratingly out of reach.
This term, the Hampshire club have continued where they left off, topping the standings with the only unbeaten record left in the division pre-weekend. Five wins and four draws left Portsmouth sitting pretty going into yesterday’s game at Wigan.
It’s no wonder the doubters are beginning to eat a slice of humble pie, though even Mousinho admits he could understand why there may have been some concerns at first.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 01, 2023 من The Football League Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 01, 2023 من The Football League Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
DION'S DOUBLE PUTS WANDERERS ON TOP
DION Charles helped give Bolton “a deserved lead”, according to manager Ian Evatt, as he scored twice in Wanderers’ victory at Barnsley.
ICTURE: Alumy Moore secures U's a slender lead
OXFORD United drew first blood in their play-off semi-final by taking a narrow advantage to London Road for the second leg on Wednesday.
GILLS IN HUNT FOR GAFFER AS CLEM DEPARTS
GILLINGHAM intend to appoint a new manager ‘as quickly as possible’ after calling time on Stephen Clemence’s short reign.
'I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!'
OUR years after Hudderssteering field to Championship safety, Danny Cowley is celebrating another great escape at Colchester.
TASTY LATTE LATH BAGS TOP PRIZE
MIDDLESBROUGH striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has put the seal on an impressive end to the season by being named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.
FIVE-STAR MILLERS BOW OUT ON A HIGH
ROTHERHAM United boss Steve Evans says he is hopeful for the future after his side signed off from the Championship with a shock win against Cardiff City.
CHAIR LIFTS HOOPS WITH SUPER STRIKE
QUEENS Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes wanted his players to give their supporters one more victory to cheer – and Ilias Chair’s super strike set them on their way.
NEIL WON'T BE RUSHED OVER HIS LIONS STAY
NEIL Harris insists he will not be swayed on committing to being at Millwall beyond next season after masterminding the Lions’ successful fight to stay in the Championship.
Rohl's joy at Owls' great escape…..
DANNY Rohl was as proud as punch at his Sheffield Wednesday side’s achievement after victory over Sunderland confirmed the club’s survival.
CARRICK: LATTE LATH CAN SPUR BORO ON
MICHAEL Carrick believes Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath can carry his fine goalscoring form into next season.