Portsmouth Set to End Nine-Month Wait as John Mousinho Reveals Zesh Rehman Replacement Update

Portsmouth are finally closing in on the appointment of Zesh Rehman's successor, with John Mousinho confirming the club have reached the final stages of their search.

The Blues have been without Rehman since his departure from Fratton Park nine months ago, but that long wait now appears to be nearing an end.

Mousinho revealed that the club's final-stage interviews have been taking place this week as Portsmouth look to add another member to their coaching staff.

"We are in the final stages," Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.

"We had the final stage interviews at the back end of last week and we are actually doing the last one today."

The update suggests Portsmouth could soon have a new face alongside Mousinho and the existing coaching team.

Portsmouth finally nearing Rehman replacement

Rehman joined Portsmouth in 2022 as the academy's lead professional development phase coach during Danny Cowley's time at the club.

His responsibilities expanded following Cowley's departure in January 2023.

Rehman and Simon Bassey took temporary charge for matches against Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur before the former Pakistan international returned to a first-team coaching role.

When Mousinho was appointed head coach later in 2023, Rehman became the club's development coach.

His eventual departure left a vacancy that Portsmouth have now taken considerable time to fill.

Why Portsmouth waited so long

The club did consider the position last season but ultimately decided against making an appointment midway through the campaign.

Mousinho explained in March that Portsmouth were comfortable operating with Jon Harley, Michael Doyle and Joe Prodomo as his coaching staff and did not want to introduce a new coach while concentrating on their league campaign.

"Changing anything to do with the coaching staff and the impact of a new coach coming in at this stage of the season is something which probably isn't the right thing to do," Mousinho said at the time.

The plan was therefore pushed back until the summer.

That decision has now led to Portsmouth finally reaching the decisive stages of the recruitment process.

Joe Morrell was previously considered

One possible candidate previously linked with the vacant development position was former Portsmouth midfielder Joe Morrell.

The 29-year-old was sounded out about returning to Fratton Park as he looked to begin his coaching career.

Morrell instead joined Bristol City as an under-21 coach, although his spell at Ashton Gate lasted only seven months.

Portsmouth consequently continued with their existing coaching structure while Shaun North also provided support.

Mousinho has kept the coaching structure together

Despite the prolonged vacancy, Portsmouth have not been operating without experience.

Harley, Doyle and Prodomo have continued to form the core of Mousinho's coaching staff, while North has remained involved and retains strong links with the club.

Mousinho previously pointed out that, although Rehman's departure reduced the number of coaches, the addition of former Portsmouth favourite Doyle meant the club still had three coaches working alongside him.

That allowed the Blues to delay the appointment without feeling immediate pressure to make a change.

Now, however, the process is much further advanced.

What happens next at Portsmouth?

The final interview stage has now been completed or is being completed, meaning the club appear to be approaching a decision.

Mousinho's comments do not reveal who the preferred candidate is, and Portsmouth have not yet announced an appointment.

But after nine months of waiting, supporters finally have confirmation that the search is moving towards its conclusion.

The next announcement could therefore be one of the more significant changes to Mousinho's backroom team since he took charge.

Portsmouth are no longer simply planning to replace Zesh Rehman — John Mousinho has confirmed the Blues are now at the final stage of finding his successor.