The Opposition: Portsmouth (A)

The lowdown on Pompey

March 31st 2023FGR Media

We make our first ever to Fratton Park this weekend to take on Portsmouth. Rovers will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in League One for just the second time following an impressive victory against Sheffield Wednesday last week.

Ahead of our trip to the south coast, here is everything you need to know about Pompey.

IN THE DUGOUT: JOHN MOUSINHO

It's not been a bad start to life in management for John Mousinho. The 36-year-old has lost just four of his first 15 matches as a Head Coach, picking up 1.8 points per game - play-off form over the course of a season.

Mousinho took over at Fratton Park in January, following the departure of Danny Cowley. He was still a player at Oxford United when he made the move, although his game-time had been significantly reduced this season.

The former Brentford, Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion defender is regarded as a bright, young coach, with chairman Michael D.Eisner highlighting his leadership and motivational skills upon his appointment. He was appointed as chairman of the PFA's players' board back in May 2021 - a position he stood down from soon after taking the Portsmouth gig.

Pompey are still in with a shout of reaching the play-offs this season (they're in ninth, six points off Derby in sixth), but if they don't, Mousinho's side have shown signs that next season could be a promising campaign in the third tier.

ONE TO WATCH: SEAN RAGGETT

A regular in the Pompey backline, Raggett has missed just one league game so far this season. A towering presence in the defence, the 29-year-old has taken on the captain's armband under John Mousinho.

Forest Green fans will know Raggett well from his time at Lincoln City. He's an aerially dominant centre-back, winning the seventh most aerial duels per game (5.3) in League One, according to whoscored.com.