Portsmouth defender Regan Poole has made it clear he wants head coach John Mousinho to remain at Fratton Park, despite growing speculation linking the boss with a move elsewhere. With three and a half years at the helm, Mousinho has transformed the club—securing promotion from League One and guiding them through two competitive Championship campaigns. Now, with Bristol City reportedly circling, the pressure is on to keep their leader in place.

"I hope he doesn't leave," Poole told BBC Radio Solent. "He's really good for me as a fellow centre-half, so it's no surprise he's attracting interest. He's done a fantastic job here." The defender emphasized their strong relationship, adding, "He has full belief in me, which definitely helps. I really hope he stays."

Portsmouth secured their Championship status in dramatic fashion back in late April, thanks to a stunning three-game winning streak that saw them defeat Middlesbrough, Ipswich, and Leicester in just eight days. It was a remarkable turnaround that erased any lingering relegation fears and showcased the resilience of the squad.

Poole himself has been a key figure this season, featuring in 42 matches across all competitions. After an injury-plagued previous campaign—where he battled back from a ruptured ACL and a significant calf injury—he missed only five league games this time around. Reflecting on the season's challenges, Poole credited the team's mentality for their survival. "It's been a tough season, but I can't be more grateful for this group," he said. "After that heavy loss at QPR in March, a lot of teams might have crumbled. But we stood up and got ourselves out of it. We didn't want another relegation fight—we wanted to build on last season. Honestly, the campaign wasn't good enough, but the way we got it over the line was special. We gave absolutely everything under huge pressure and came through."

Portsmouth wrap up their season this Saturday with a home clash against Birmingham City, and all eyes will be on Mousinho's future. For now, Poole and the Pompey faithful can only hope their manager isn't tempted away from the project he's built.