Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes believes head coach John Mousinho’s exceptional work at Fratton Park remains underappreciated beyond the club’s supporters, despite leading the team from League One to Championship survival in just two seasons.
Hughes, who orchestrated Mousinho’s surprise appointment in January 2023, insists the football world fails to recognise the ‘remarkable’ job performed by his head coach at Portsmouth.
The footballing community was stunned when Pompey named an Oxford United player and part-time set-piece specialist as manager of a League One side sitting 15th in the table during January 2023.
Within two complete campaigns under Mousinho’s guidance, Portsmouth secured a 16th-place Championship finish last season, ensuring survival with two fixtures to spare.
Hughes championed the recruitment of the then-36-year-old, and the pair have developed a strong working relationship throughout an remarkable journey that has included claiming the League One championship.
The architect of the appointment has now revealed insights about the manager who has won over the Fratton Park faithful.
‘He is performing an absolutely remarkable job’
Hughes revealed to The News: ‘The finest thing I can say regarding John is I believe his achievements last campaign will never truly be recognised beyond Fratton Park.
‘Most people understand how closely John and I collaborate – working alongside him brings genuine satisfaction. He is a remarkable person above all else, excellent company.
‘When you examine all the personal attributes he possesses in abundance and consider the footballing work he has accomplished across these two-and-a-half years. The flexibility and continuous learning, how he has guided the squad regarding the tactical requirements he has imposed. That absolutely demonstrates his quality as a coach and the coaching team surrounding him.
‘In today’s game, numerous coaches are convinced their approach is correct – and something I admire about John is he discovers solutions. There’s a significant distinction there, he isn’t imposing his methods on others, it’s about finding ways to secure victories, earn points, maintain momentum and achieve success.
‘I simply believe he is performing an absolutely remarkable job and I know he wouldn’t claim all recognition personally. It would include the coaching staff and everyone within this building working collectively.
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‘Portsmouth manager is a joy to work alongside’
‘He has been outstanding, composed under pressure and reliable. These are all truly excellent qualities he demonstrates as a coach. Combined with his off-pitch character and being very approachable and highly intelligent, John is simply a joy to work alongside.’
Both Hughes and Mousinho penned fresh Fratton Park contracts during September 2024 in acknowledgement of the club’s impressive development.
However, it proved a challenging beginning to Championship life, with the Blues languishing at the division’s bottom entering December after securing merely two wins.
Nevertheless, owners Tornante – alongside Hughes – maintained complete confidence in Mousinho.
Pompey’s sporting director continued: ‘We discuss all matters and naturally there have been occasions when we’ve felt frustrated this season, but that reliability (from leadership) represents a crucial characteristic to possess.
‘People shouldn’t concern themselves about consequences based on results following late goals. It should be considered: Are we implementing correct procedures consistently? If so, let’s have faith in our methods.
‘He has succeeded in remaining composed’
‘There have been moments when John has displayed frustration during matches at decisions or incidents, but predominantly, it reflects his character and temperament that he has succeeded in remaining composed within a turbulent environment regarding Championship football.
‘Consider some external circumstances we’ve encountered which could have been extremely disruptive.
‘Your leading striker requiring cardiac surgery, players sustaining injuries at different stages, the disappointment of the Millwall fixture with floodlight failure, we’ve also experienced two matches involving cardiac incidents amongst supporters.
‘There were numerous unusual external occurrences last season, so maintaining composure when others around you are panicking sends a powerful message for us as a club – and for John as head coach.’
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