John Mousinho: Portsmouth boss reflects on 'special privilege' after promotion to the Championship
- Published
Portsmouth return to the second tier of English football for the first time in 12 years
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has described his role as a "special privilege".
The Blues were promoted back to the Championship on Tuesday night following a dramatic 3-2 win over Barnsley.
Pompey will now play in England's second tier for the first time since being relegated in 2012.
"I have never experienced anything like that, the atmosphere here was incredible," 37-year-old Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.
Portsmouth left it late, twice falling behind before two goals in the final 10 minutes sent the Fratton Park crowd into wild celebrations, with some fans streaming on to the pitch.
With two games remaining, Portsmouth's win confirmed them in top spot on 94 points, eight clear of second-placed Derby County.
The Blues are the first side in League One to be promoted this season with Derby, Bolton and Peterborough fighting it out for the second automatic promotion spot.
'So tough over past 15 years'
Michael Appleton was in charge when Portsmouth last played in the second tier
Mousinho has achieved promotion in his first full season in management.
The former Oxford United coach and player was still turning out for the U's less than two years ago.
He joined Pompey in 2023 and following the win over Barnsley, he paid tribute to the support of his players and staff.
"I'm so proud of the boys," Mousinho said.
"I'm genuinely pleased for everyone connected with the football club - they've gone through so much, it's been so tough over the past 15 years.
"To be on the brink of liquidation and now have nights like this is incredible, it's a special privilege to be the head coach of this club."
Portsmouth were relegated to League One under Michael Appleton in 2012, dropping out of the top two divisions for the first time since 1983, and fell into the bottom tier a year later, in part because of financial troubles.
Their return to the second tier is another big step in their resurgence since supporters bought the club to save it from liquidation.
The Blues will be presented with the League One trophy on Saturday when they play their final home game of the season against Wigan.