Portsmouth official delivers key update in search for new manager with Liam Manning seemingly in pole position | OneFootball

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Football League World

·12 January 2023

Portsmouth official delivers key update in search for new manager with Liam Manning seemingly in pole position

Article image:Portsmouth official delivers key update in search for new manager with Liam Manning seemingly in pole position

Portsmouth CEO Andy Cullen has insisted that the ‘right decision’ takes priority over the speed of the search for the next manager after Danny Cowley recently departed the club.

Pompey are reportedly closing in on appointing the candidate they want to replace Danny Cowley, but are not giving too much away when it comes to revealing who might be in contention.


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Liam Manning and Ian Foster have been considered, along with Anthony Barry and Leam Richardson, all coaches with a similar profile.

But with it being ten days since the sacking of Danny Cowley, it’s left Cullen reiterating the need for patience with the search.

Speaking to The News, Cullen said: “I can’t give an indication of whether anybody will be in quickly, because it has got to be the right decision.

“You want long-term, not the hire-and-fire strategy you sometimes see, that’s why you have to be really considered in everything you do. It’s such a big decision and a huge responsibility for Portsmouth Football Club – one you can’t take lightly.”

“I wouldn’t want to put a timeframe on it, it would be wrong to do so, you have to give yourself space to make the right decision.”

Manning has been heavily linked with a move so far, with TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook suggesting that “it’s increasingly likely” that Manning will be the next manager at Fratton Park.

Whoever it may, it seems that the hierarchy are choosing to be measured in their approach as they look to revitalise their season having seen a positive campaign drop-off considerably in the lead up to the festive period, which ultimately lead to Cowley being sacked as manager.

Quiz: What club do these 15 ex-Portsmouth academy players play for now?

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Article image:Portsmouth official delivers key update in search for new manager with Liam Manning seemingly in pole position

ADAM WEBSTER

NEWCASTLE BRIGHTON

The Verdict

It’s definitely the right approach for Portsmouth who would have hoped to see the Cowley’s take them back into the CHampionship.

That wasn’t the case and it’s meant a need to move on midway through a season in which they were hoping to be in contention for promotion. That isn’t currently the case and whoever is appointed, they will need a significant budget to improve the squad.

Several loan signings have since returned to parent clubs meaning depth wise, the team is looking lighter than it had done before the January transfer window started.

The measured approach taken by the board will stand them in good stead, as it did with Kenny Jackett and the Cowley’s.

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