The race for the job of Portsmouth manager has hotted up this week as the list of potential candidates is whittled down into serious applications.
It is has also been reported by the Portsmouth News that former player and footballing legend Teddy Sheringham has applied for the post. While Pompey are believed to be looking for experience after the departure of the young and inexperienced Andy Awford, Sheringham is thought to be on the list that will be discussed at a board meeting this week. Sheringham is the current attacking coach for West Ham but with Sam Allardyce expected to leave Upton Park, he is searching for his first job in management.
Chesterfield have also announced they will fight to keep the bookies’ favourite Paul Cook as their manager with Cook expected to be on the list. The 48-year-old has led Spireites to promotion from League Two and they are currently in the play-off hunt. His age and footballing philosophy are also appealing to both fans and the board but he has recently signed a contract extension until 2017. Chesterfield Chief Executive Chris Turner told the Portsmouth News:
He is the best manager in the league and I would have thought clubs would be interested in Paul Cook, his record since arriving at this club is second to none. However, he is under contract at Chesterfield and that is the way it is.”
Current favourite Phil Brown, both with the bookies and on The72, is also thought to be out of the race after announcing he has signed a new, three-year contract with Southend United.
Portsmouth Chief Executive Mark Catlin has been pleased with the number of responses to the vacancy compared to the 2012 when they last looked outside of the current coaching structure for a new boss. However, Catlin has also warned that findng the right man could take a long time, he told BBC Radio Solent:
“It could end up waiting until the end of May. I know that’s not ideal, but what we don’t want to do is take someone now just because they are available, so we might have to wait another six weeks.”
Gary Waddock is still in caretaker charge with Pompey travelling up to Mansfield for the penultimate game of another wretched season on Saturday.
