“Decisions Made?” — Portsmouth FC Boss Breaks Silence on Fratton Park Exit Calls for Seven Stars

Deciding the futures of Portsmouth FC’s seven out-of-contract players at Fratton Park is “not a difficult choice”, according to head coach John Mousinho.
The Blues boss has also moved to reassure supporters that efforts are already underway to retain “a number of them” beyond the summer.
Goalkeeper Will Archer is expected to depart, while Pompey hold 12-month club options on Toby Steward and Reuben Swann, meaning the club controls their immediate futures. However, there are no such options in the contracts of Marlon Pack, Zak Swanson, Connor Ogilvie and Andre Dozzell, leaving them free to leave for nothing at the end of the season.
Mousinho has made his preferences clear to sporting director Rich Hughes regarding who he wants to keep.
Speaking to The News, he explained that his role in contract decisions is straightforward: he gives a simple yes or no from a footballing perspective, while Hughes handles the financial negotiations and discussions with agents and clubs.
The Pompey head coach insisted the process is clear-cut this year. While acknowledging that informing a player their deal will not be renewed is never pleasant, he stressed that final decisions are not made until the summer and are always based on the information available at the time.
Reflecting on recruitment more broadly, Mousinho admitted that every club gets decisions wrong. However, he believes contract exits should, in theory, be easier to judge than new signings because staff see those players daily in training and matches, understand their personalities, and know exactly what they offer. New signings, by contrast, always carry a degree of risk — regardless of transfer fee.
He added that the club must carefully balance offering long-term contracts to protect its interests while also ensuring players’ futures are secured promptly.
Surprise exits in summer 2024
In May 2024, Mousinho faced similar decisions following Pompey’s League One title-winning campaign. The departures of Sean Raggett, Joe Rafferty and Joe Morrell divided opinion among supporters.
Since then, Morrell has not played again after suffering a career-ending injury in January 2024. Rafferty now plays for Rotherham United, who are battling relegation in League One, while Raggett is on loan at Cambridge United after struggling for opportunities at Rotherham during an injury-hit spell.
‘We made the call based on the facts’
Mousinho emphasised that such decisions require predicting future needs — not only assessing the individual player but also anticipating potential summer signings.
He explained that conversations typically take place in early May, though circumstances can shift significantly in the months that follow.
Using Raggett as an example, Mousinho admitted there may have been moments last season when the defender could have featured regularly. However, the original decision was made based on the facts available at the time and the club’s recruitment plans.
Ultimately, he stressed that the club’s approach remains consistent: assess all available information, make the best possible call in that moment, and stand by it.