Former club captain John Mousinho has ruled himself out of the running to become the next Oxford United manager.

Whilst at United, Mousinho was often seen on the touchline as part of Robinson’s coaching set-up.

He revealed the pair were "really open" to the fact that Robinson was gearing Mousinho to be the next United manager.

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However, Mousinho left the club to become Portsmouth manager in January.

Now a month later, Robison has been sacked after losing 3-0 to Bristol Rovers over the weekend, a seventh defeat in eight games.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of Pompey's game with Bolton Wanderers Mousinho said there is "zero possibility" of him returning to United.

Talking to Portsmouth News, he said: "I suppose the timing of Oxford looks great, but I am very, very happy here and it’s one of those things I look on with a bit of sadness because I would have loved for Karl to have kept his job for a long, long time.

"Pompey is definitely a place which really excites me. People can link me to Oxford if they want, but that is zero per cent of a possibility.

"Going back is definitely nothing that is remotely on my radar or Oxford’s to be honest."

Mousinho revealed he has exchanged text messages with Robinson since his exit admitting he was “really sad" about the news.

He admitted Robinson served as his mentor at the Kassam Stadium, providing guidance in his ambition to enter coaching and management.

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The former United captain said he has never seen a manager give a player such access to a current player in terms of coaching.

He said Robinson did a "fantastic job" at United and leaves with a "huge amount to be proud of".

Mousinho continued: “I remember when he first came into the job in March 2018, his first job was to avoid relegation with Oxford, which he did.

“Coincidentally, his first game in charge was a 3-0 loss at Fratton Park. I remember playing that day and it was a really tough time and a tough period for the club when he came in.

“There has been a huge amount of progress in those five years, including a play-off final and a play-off semi-final and another close run to the top six.

“There’s a huge amount to be proud of and certainly an excellent achievement to stay at the helm at a successful club for almost five years.

“Everyone who knows about Karl Robinson knows about his teams and how well he’s played throughout the years, with MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford playing an excellent brand of football."