Ex Millwall and Preston North End bosses linked with Portsmouth job as pressure grows on John Mousinho

Former Millwall head coach Joe Edwards has emerged as a frontrunner to take charge of Championship rivals Portsmouth should John Mousinho be unable to reverse the south coast side's poor run of recent form.

Pompey stormed to the League One title last season, losing just five games as they picked up 97 points, but the second tier has proved a new challenge. The club sits 23rd in the Championship with just four points so far this season, still looking for a first win of the campaign.

‘Full responsibility’ - John Mousinho under pressure

Portsmouth were beaten 6-1 on Wednesday night as they travelled to Stoke City in the latest blow which has heaped pressure on Mousinho. Speaking after that game, the manager told The News: "Myself and the coaching staff are taking full responsibility for anything we need to take, but the players have to take a long, hard look at themselves as well. It’s their careers that these sorts of performances affect.

“I didn’t see this coming, it was a big surprise to me because we had been so good in the last three games. We were excellent at the weekend against promotion contenders and had a real chance to come and get something.

“It was the nature of the way we went under. We didn’t run, I didn’t think we competed, we lost tackles, we lost headers, we lost second balls. The players have to do a lot better than they did.

“It is probably too early to say whether we’re in a relegation battle, but we’re not exactly covering ourselves in glory in terms of picking up points.”

Joe Edwards linked with Portsmouth job

Should Portsmouth seek a new direction and part ways with Mousinho, several familiar Championship faces have been named as shortlisted candidates for the role at Fratton Park. One of those is former Millwall boss Joe Edwards.

The 38-year-old, who worked among the staff at Chelsea, Everton and the England set-up before coming to The Den, was sacked by the London outfit in February. Edwards managed just 19 games in charge at Millwall and has been out of work since being replaced by Neil Harris.

Speaking at the time of the sacking, Millwall chairman James Berylson said: “This has of course been a very tough time and it is not a decision that we have taken lightly.

“Joe has worked incredibly hard during his spell with us and it is with sincere regret that the move hasn’t worked out for both parties in the way we had anticipated.

“I cannot praise him highly enough for his professionalism, standards, values, and work ethic, and I am confident he will have a long and successful career as a Head Coach. I would like to thank Joe and Andy for everything they’ve done for the club and wish them every success for the future.”

Ex Preston North End and Bristol City coaches also rumoured

Former Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe is another frontrunner to replace Mousinho. The 46-year-old left the Lilywhites suddenly after just one game this season as it emerged that he had asked to leave Deepdale.

Nigel Pearson is another candidate linked with the role. The former Leicester City, Hull City and Derby County boss had spent more than two-and-a-half years at Bristol City before leaving the club in October 2023.