TALK of John Mousinho taking the head coach role at Portsmouth makes a lot of sense, for a lot of reasons.

Becoming a manager is something the 36-year-old has appeared destined for since knee surgery in January 2021.

Since then, he has taken over set piece routines at Oxford United, and is often on the touchline with Karl Robinson and his coaching staff.

United’s club captain already has the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in the country, and chairs the Professional Footballers’ Association.

That tells you enough about Mousinho’s knowledge of the game, thirst to learn and leadership abilities.

Judging by the reaction online, Pompey fans initially seemed a bit put out by links between the club and Mousinho.

Of course there is the risk that he has never managed a team before, but Mousinho himself said this is something he felt ready for in October.

And for U’s fans, who would begrudge him this opportunity?

A big club rich in history and with an outstanding fanbase – surely as first managerial jobs go, it couldn’t be more enticing?

The deal appears only a matter of time and if that is the case, then Pompey’s trip to the Kassam Stadium on April 18 will certainly be an intriguing one.