Ex-Oxford United captain in talks for Bristol City job

The Portsmouth head coach is a strong favourite for the Robins job, alongside Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala, after guiding Pompey to safety for a second consecutive season.

The red side of Bristol are looking for a new leader after former England manager Roy Hodgson’s stint as interim finished at the end of this season.

78-year-old Hodgson took charge in a surprise move after Gerhard Struber was sacked in March.

Mousinho has spent three years in charge at Fratton Park in his first head coach role, winning League One in his first full campaign, the same year that the U’s won the play-off final.

Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho playing for Oxford United (Image: David Fleming)

Playing for the Yellows between 2017 and 2023, Mousinho became club captain during his first year and played a total of 150 times, scoring on five occasions.

The 40-year-old took up a player-coach role in 2021 with Oxford before leaving to take charge of Pompey two years later.

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Portsmouth manager John Mousinho applauds the fans (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

According to multiple news sources, Mousinho has held talks this week with the Robins.

He currently stands as the bookmakers’ favourite, closely followed by Lincoln hero Skubala.

Alongside those talks, City have also reportedly triggered the release clause in Skubala’s contract and held talks last week.

The Imps boss led his side to League One glory this season meaning they will compete in the second tier next season for the first time in 65 years.