Portsmouth boss Mousinho signs new deal

John Mousinho and sporting director Richard Hughes have both signed contract extensions

Portsmouth have extended the contracts of head coach John Mousinho and sporting director Rich Hughes.

Mousinho guided the Blues to promotion last season from League One to the Championship in what was his first full season in management.

Portsmouth's owners - Michael and Eric Eisner - had flown over from the United States to watch Pompey take on West Bromwich Albion last Sunday.

“I believe strongly in the power of partnerships to bring the very best out of people in business," chairman Michael Eisner told the club website.

“John and Rich have done great things together for Pompey, they are totally aligned to our long-term strategy and both possess the enthusiasm, talent, intelligence and expertise to bring more success to Portsmouth Football Club.

"I’m very excited for this extension and looking forward to seeing more magic from them.”

Portsmouth, who travel to face Burnley on Saturday, are second-bottom of the Championship after three draws and two defeats from their opening five games.

Mousinho joined the Blues from Oxford United, where he had a player-coach role, in January 2023, steering them from 15th to eighth in League One by the end of the season.

Portsmouth secured promotion and the League One title in a memorable 3-2 victory over Barnsley in April that saw fans flood onto the pitch after the full time whistle.

Mousinho brought second-tier football back to Portsmouth for the first time in 12 years.

"I have loved every minute of my time at Pompey so far and am delighted to have agreed an extension to my contract," Mousinho said.

“I am grateful to Michael and the board for the faith they have shown in me, the coaching team and players, as well as for the support we continue to receive from our magnificent supporters.

“Winning the League One title last season is, of course, the highlight and now our full focus is on establishing this side in the Championship."

The Eisners were at Fratton Park last Sunday - the first time they have flown over from the US for a match this season - to rubber-stamp the new deals for Mousinho and Hughes.

Eric Eisner (left) and Michael Eisner (right) attended Portsmouth's match against West Brom last Sunday

'Surprise it took this long' - Analysis

BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator Andrew Moon:

The only surprise with this news is that it's taken until the middle of September to sort out.

Mousinho and Hughes were the key architects of Portsmouth’s promotion from League One at the seventh time of asking, winning the division last season.

Worth noting these are extensions rather than new contracts, although both are highly likely to have received pay rises following promotion.

The lengths of the deals have not been disclosed but what matters is the clauses if either party wants out of the contract. This move is likely to ensure Pompey get significant compensation if a club wants to poach either of the pair.