Bristol City line up former Oxford United ace as top target to succeed Hodgson

John Mousinho has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over at Bristol City following Roy Hodgson’s spell in charge at Ashton Gate.

The Portsmouth boss secured Championship survival in Pompey’s second season back in the division, guiding the club to an 18th-place finish and ending the campaign eight points above the relegation zone.

Despite links with a move away, the former Oxford United midfielder recently insisted he remains happy at Fratton Park. Speaking at the end of April, Mousinho said he was not actively looking to leave Portsmouth and praised the backing he has received since arriving at the club.

Addressing speculation surrounding Bristol City’s interest, the 40-year-old explained that no contact had been made and described the reported admiration as flattering, while stressing discussions had not progressed beyond rumours.

Bristol City are searching for a permanent replacement for Hodgson this summer after the veteran coach oversaw a mixed interim spell, winning three of his seven matches in charge.

According to Football Insider, Mousinho is now viewed as a serious contender for the role, with suggestions that frustration over limited investment at Portsmouth could open the door to a departure during the off-season.

Former Oxford United teammate Josh Murphy previously praised Mousinho’s managerial impact after Portsmouth sealed promotion from League One in 2024, highlighting the impressive achievement of earning promotion in his first full campaign as a manager.

However, Mousinho is not the only name under consideration. Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala is also believed to be on Bristol City’s shortlist after guiding the Imps to Championship promotion with an outstanding 103-point campaign.

Both Mousinho and Skubala remain relatively inexperienced at senior managerial level, having each only held one permanent managerial role, but both have already delivered League One promotion successes early in their coaching careers.

Mousinho has overseen 172 matches as Portsmouth manager, recording 70 wins and averaging 1.49 points per game, while Skubala has posted an impressive 1.75 points-per-game average across 140 matches with Lincoln City.