Kieron’s now free to ‘motivation’ after a
John Mousinho believes Kieron Freeman’s Fratton Park release – and the end of daily Nottingham commutes – will allow the right-back to rediscover his footballing ‘motivation’.
The 31-year-old’s wretched Pompey spell is now over after the Blues opted against offering a fresh deal.
In two disappointing years on the south coast, the former Sheffield United man made 32 appearances – with his last outing on January 10.
According to Mousinho, Freeman’s desire to be near his family saw him travel from Nottingham most days to attend Pompey training.
The head coach is convinced that impacted negatively on the defender, both mentally and physically.
And Mousinho is backing a move closer to his family home to kick-start a flagging career.
He told The News: ‘Kieron and I had a really good, but brief, chat and wished each other the best of luck.
‘It has not gone to plan for him here, having hardly been involved at all, maybe included in a few squads under me. He’s much better off moving back home, getting somewhere closer to his family and taking the commute out of it.
‘He was coming down from Nottingham every day to train. Mentally and physically that’s not great for players to be travelling that amount of time to try to be top-end professionals.
‘Kieron is a terrific player, he has played in the Premier League and had a really good career, I’m sure he’ll pick up another club. He needs to kick-start that career.
‘He needs that reset, he needs to go again, to get motivated to play football again.
‘Kieron’s not particularly
old. He’s towards the back end of his career, but it’s not too late for him, and going back home is the best thing.
‘I just think he’d be a bit more motivated, taking 3-4 hours out of travelling every day, while spending a lot more time with his family.’
Danny Cowley recruited Freeman on a free transfer in July 2021, handing him a two-year deal with a club option.
Previously he had been a popular figure in Sheffield United’s march to the Premier League under Chris Wilder, while also spent time at Swansea and Swindon.
Mousinho added: ‘Let’s not forget Kieron was competing with two other rightbacks here.
‘There’s definitely a player there, he’s hugely talented, but has a bit to do in terms of getting himself fit and match-ready.’
*Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan dedicated his side’s incredible play-off win to boss Darren Moore.
Wednesday beat Peterborough on penalties on a breathtaking night at Hillsborough on Thursday, recovering from a 4-0 first-leg deficit to draw 5-5 on aggregate after extra-time before their spot-kick success.
In the wake of the 4-0 loss, Moore was the subject of a racist social media post from a Wednesday fan who has been banned for life by the Owls.
‘What he’s done in the last week has been unbelievable, to turn around the mindset of the players, he had a massive job,’ said Bannan.
“I’m so proud of him, the way that he’s handled this week after the racism he’s received. That one’s for him.’