THE hunt for a new manager instils a buzz around a fanbase. With the names of candidates being thrown around and the general feeling of a ‘fresh start’ on the horizon, it’s hard not to get swept up in a tidal wave of optimism.
When your club announces the person to fill the role is a centre half for a fellow League One side, eyebrows were raised as high as our faces would allow them.
However, what immediately felt like a baffling appointment, eight months later is looking like a stroke of genius.
Portsmouth have now gone unbeaten in 20 consecutive league games, a new all-time club record which has helped them sit at the top of the table.
The Blues have also only conceded six goals in their opening nine games, boasting the best defensive record, alongside Stevenage, in the league.
READ AGAIN: John Mousinho appointed Portsmouth head coach
John Mousinho came to Pompey from Oxford United with no managerial experience. He did however possess the highest coaching badge available in the country, the UEFA Pro Licence, and the role of chair of the PFA.
After mass frantic googling, the academic and footballing brain of Mousinho became clear to many Portsmouth fans.
This sentiment was only enforced during his first interviews, coming across very articulate and honest. The transparency given over subjects such as player injuries is something that perhaps Blues fans have missed in previous appointments.
Recruitment during the summer transfer window certainly caught the eye and left many putting Pompey amongst the favourites to reach the Championship next year.
The U’s have looked to utilise the Irish market for new faces in recent years, something which Mousinho has brought to the south coast in signing 19-year-old Terry Devlin from Glentoran.
Gavin Whyte was a successful product of the Irish market during Karl Robinson’s tenure at United, and he is another player who is now a member of Mousinho’s Portsmouth outfit.
Success from this route has already been seen on the south coast before Mousinho arrived, with Pompey’s top scorer of the century, Ronan Curtis, the perfect endorsement.
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Mousinho has also looked further abroad for young talent. Australian striker Kusini Yengi netted four times in his opening three games after joining from Western Sydney Wanderers, however an ankle injury has since ruled him out.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has also played a big role in these signings, however Mousinho’s influence in this department is undeniable and has so far been spot on.
I can only speak positively about Mousinho’s start at Pompey and it’s been easy to forget this is his first managerial role. A real professional who seems destined for success – success we hope will be with Portsmouth.
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