Zesh Rehman has been appointed to a key coaching role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation nine months after his departure from Portsmouth. The 42-year-old former Pompey first-team development coach is now the Elite Individual Development Coach for the country's youth national teams and will also assist with the under-16s side.
Rehman announced the move himself. "I am pleased to share I have joined Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as Elite Individual Development Coach for the Youth National Teams as well as assisting the U16s," he said. He added that he appreciated the "trust placed in me to implement Individual Development plans that inspire players to maximise their potential regardless of age or stage."
Pompey's coaching gap
The former centre-half, who played for Bradford City, QPR and Fulham in a 20-season career across four countries, spent three-and-a-half years at Fratton Park. He initially joined the Academy in summer 2022 as lead professional development phase coach, replacing Liam Daish. After the dismissal of Danny and Nicky Cowley in January 2023, he assisted caretaker boss Simon Bassey with the first team and was kept on by new head coach John Mousinho, being appointed permanently as first-team development coach in March 2023. His work at the club coincided with Portsmouth's League One title win in the 2023-24 season.
Rehman left the club in December 2025 to move to Saudi Arabia, and his role has not been filled. Manager John Mousinho offered the position to newly-retired former Wales international Joe Morrell, who had helped coach the under-14s while recovering from a knee injury in the 2024-25 season. Morrell turned down the first-team role in favour of continuing in Academy football.
Portsmouth are now believed to be close to naming a replacement, with the appointment process having been paused towards the end of last season to focus on securing Championship survival. The club currently sits 18th in the Championship with seven points from six games. Their recent form reads two wins, one draw and two defeats from the last five outings.
Current context
John Mousinho's side drew 0-0 with Charlton in their last match on September 12. The squad's current standing and recent results are available in our standings section. Rehman's former Academy position was filled by Sam Hudson, and the club continues its search for a new first-team development coach as it prepares for the upcoming Championship campaign.
