Mousinho shows rare honesty about Robins' approach

There is always a lot to discuss on the opening day of pre-season but today's interview by John Mousinho with BBC Radio Solent was particularly fascinating. His honesty over what happened regarding the Bristol City management job is rare in football. Yes, there was interest, but it did not get beyond Bristol City speaking to Mousinho's agent, according to the Portsmouth boss. It is interesting, given their respective CVs, that the opening was offered to Lincoln City's Michael Skubala, who accepted , and - reportedly - Bournemouth coach Tommy Elphick ahead of Mousinho. The playing budget will increase for next season and Pompey are set to spend more than in previous summers. There will have to be departures. Mousinho far from guaranteed that Colby Bishop will remain a Pompey player this summer. Free-agent midfielder Archie Collins can be crossed off the list of potential targets, Mousinho says. He would not be drawn on what could be achieved this season, instead suggesting we will have a better idea at the start of the campaign. There might not be any matches but July is a big month for Portsmouth. Recruiting well will certainly help ensure that, even if another club come calling for their head coach, Pompey might be able to hold on to Mousinho for a while longer. Latest Portsmouth news, analysis and fan views