Coach signals early-week announcements after Bristol Rovers draw
Portsmouth are set to strengthen again in the coming days, with head coach John Mousinho indicating that two additions are on the verge of completion following a 1-1 friendly draw at Bristol Rovers. Speaking after the match, he said the club is working through final formalities and expects unveilings at the start of the week.
“We are very close on two, I would be very surprised if, by the time I speak to you next – if we have a press conference on Wednesday – we don’t have a couple. These ones are close, they are complicated… I think you guys have a pretty good finger on the pulse in terms of where we are and I don’t think that it will be a huge surprise when we hopefully announce the players on Monday or Tuesday.”
While Mousinho declined to identify the players, The News has reported that the club has pursued Marko Milovanovic and Daniel Bielica, both of whom have been repeatedly linked. The manager stressed that the deals involve significant administrative steps, citing agent involvement and international paperwork as factors extending the process.
Summer intake taking shape
Portsmouth have already brought in three signings this summer. New arrival Rocco Shein made his first appearance in the Bristol fixture, coming on midway through the second half and showing composure in central midfield. Earlier additions Odin Bailey and Eoin Kenny both started at the Memorial Stadium.
With the squad still being tuned ahead of the next pre-season test at Wycombe on 25 July, Mousinho’s comments suggest the recruitment drive is entering a decisive phase. He emphasised that even complex moves can progress rapidly once documentation aligns, hinting that the club’s targets are familiar to supporters based on prior reporting.
Fratton focus turns to areas of need
The manager did not confirm positions for the near-term arrivals, framing his remarks with a touch of levity about whether they might be a forward or a goalkeeper. However, his nod to the level of due diligence reflects the club’s push to land players who can contribute immediately as pre-season builds toward competitive action.
- Two signings imminent: Mousinho expects announcements early in the week as paperwork concludes.
- Integration underway: Shein debuted; Bailey and Kenny featured from the start.
- Pre-season cadence: Next outing scheduled at Wycombe on 25 July.
Match notes and momentum
In the draw at Bristol Rovers, described as a meeting with a League Two opponent, substitute Brandon Downey levelled after the break to ensure a share of the spoils. Beyond the result, the game offered a useful platform to bed in new faces and assess combinations as the coaching staff weighs further adjustments before the next friendly.
| Pre-season marker | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | 1-1 at Bristol Rovers |
| Notable debut | Rocco Shein (second-half appearance) |
| Other new faces | Odin Bailey, Eoin Kenny (both started) |
| Scorer | Brandon Downey (77th minute) |
| Next friendly | Wycombe, 25 July |
What happens next
Mousinho indicated he would be surprised if the club arrives at its midweek media duties without having finalised the two deals now nearing the line. With the squad already supplemented and pre-season fixtures providing a live testing ground, supporters should expect clarity on the identities of the next arrivals early in the week.
Although the head coach would not be drawn on specifics, he made clear that the work is advanced and has involved multiple parties, a typical feature of cross-border recruitment. For fans, the key takeaway is timing: if all proceeds as suggested, Pompey’s build will gain further definition on Monday or Tuesday, leaving additional time to integrate the newcomers before the visit to Wycombe.
The club’s approach this summer has combined measured additions with on-pitch assessment in friendlies, ensuring that new personnel are given minutes in fair conditions. As the countdown to competitive games continues, the coming days look set to provide a clearer picture of depth and balance across Mousinho’s squad.
