Former Bristol City man completes Portsmouth return as Blues confirm key appointment

Portsmouth have appointed former midfielder Joe Morrell to manager John Mousinho's backroom staff as the club's new first-team development coach. The 29-year-old Welshman succeeds Zesh Rehman, who left Fratton Park in December 2025 for an opportunity in the Middle East. Morrell's first match in his new coaching role will be Sunday's south-coast derby against Southampton at St Mary's.

Morrell previously made 105 appearances as a Portsmouth player, helping the club secure the League One title before early retirement led him into coaching. He recently served as Bristol City's under-21 interim boss before leaving in July, and holds a UEFA 'A' Licence earned through the Football Association of Wales.