Mousinho 'composed, relaxed & thoughtful' about future

I've been to managerial press conferences that have been tense. Awkward topics get raised and things can get frosty or hostile quite quickly.

This was not the case with John Mousinho on Wednesday. For the best part of an hour he took questions on his future in a composed, relaxed and thoughtful way.

What did we learn? Mousinho was adamant that at this stage there has been no contact between himself and Bristol City. He'll be meeting Pompey's owners ahead of the final match of the season.

Not for the first time he was clear that he wants to hear the club can move forward on and off the pitch. He praised the owners for their significant investment so far and for sticking with him when times were tough in the past two seasons.

Being a manager is always stressful but being in a relegation battle is all encompassing. The physical, mental and emotional toll of living it for two years cannot be underestimated. It's completely understandable to not want a third year of it.

Three-and-a-half years at the same club is a lifetime in modern football. How much further can Mousinho take Portsmouth? Well that realistically depends on the budget. Mousinho was clear that his requests to the owners will not just be about more resources for his squad. However, all improvements require money. The Eisners' current investment stands at around £60m in nine years.

Mousinho did not imply he was making an ultimatum. At no point did he suggest he was about to simply walk away, quite the contrary.

However, if an offer appears on the table, you would understand Mousinho wanting to hear it. I know, in theory, interested clubs would have to request permission to speak to him, but that isn't actually how football works.

Mousinho has twice turned down the chance to leave Portsmouth for another club in the past. It surprises me there haven't been more offers. Speaking to contacts, it feels outside of Portsmouth his achievements at the club aren't recognised to the level they should be.

Will there be an offer on the table? Mousinho is far from the only name linked to Bristol City. Will it be better than his current position at Portsmouth? Will he get the answers he hopes for from the Pompey owners?

There is a lot of uncertainty. The next few weeks will be interesting.

John Mousinho has done an incredible job at Pompey. Fans will be desperate for his spell to head into a fifth season.