'Only natural' for interest in Mousinho - Hughes

Portsmouth expect interest from other clubs in boss John Mousinho this summer, sporting director Richard Hughes has admitted.

Mousinho, 39, was appointed to his first managerial role at Fratton Park in January 2023 and has already etched his name into club folklore.

He guided Pompey from 15th in League One to finish eighth in his first campaign before winning the title last term and then guiding the Blues to a 16th-placed finish in their first season back in the Championship.

Mousinho has been linked with the vacant coaching roles at West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City but Hughes told BBC Radio Solent he hopes his head coach will stick with the "exciting project" he is building.

"This club is incredibly special and has got a real unique character around it," Hughes said.

"It's exciting for me and John. There's scope to progress and build the club and I know that's something that really appeals to John.

"I'm sure there absolutely will be interest in John, and rightly so because he's done a terrific job in the time he's been with us.

"There's likely to be people that want to have those conversations but I know John is happy, he loves the area, he loves the team and the project.

"It's natural in football if people do well there's likely to be interest but our expectation is to keep moving forward and keep progressing, that way we can keep the group and the staff together, add to the squad and keep making everything stronger, better and keep delivering on the pitch."