Portsmouth’s MANAGERIAL dILemma

Portsmouth Football Club hot on the heels of losing the EFL Check A Trade Trophy Final to Salford on Saturday are now facing a managerial dilemma

Following the shock loss to Salford City on Saturday Kenny Jackett, the first team manager departed the club.

Many die hard Pompey fans will tell you its been long over due. This author, however, was in the camp of seeing what happens at the seasons end That though proved to be a false hope after the result on Saturday

Portsmouth were devoid of ideas and persisted in trying to go through Salford’s packed midfield, which clearly failed to work. When they did finally open the midfield up, they had joy in getting crosses in.

But that digresses from the point…

This brings us to Pompey’s managerial dilemma…

Following Kenny Jackett’s departure his trusted assistant Joe Gallen is in temporary charge for tonights game at Peterborough.

Gallen, according to the clubs website has the job on a game by game basis, while they interview prospective new managers

The dilemma is ultimately of the South-Coast Club’s own making according to Mark Caitlin the CEO

It is like this, Portsmouth are currently just outside the League One play -offs in seventh position. This is because other results went against them on Saturday. There is still 13 games left to play in the 2020/21 season Caitlin has stated that the post is attracting plenty of interest.

So, with this in mind, do they stick with Joe Gallen until the end of the current campaign? Appoint an Interim manager and then weigh up their options again in the summer? Or confirm a permanent manager now and go for it?

Of the many linked names with the vacancy these are just a few of the names that stand out:

Potential Candidates

Daniel Stendel you might recall was in charge of Barnsley, when they got promoted from League One and he got them playing some super football.

He led the Reds to promotion to the Championship at the first attempt as well as winning the EFL League One Manager of The Year award.

This subsequently attracted the attention of Hearts and Stendel was tempted north of the Border to the Scottish Premiership, against the back drop of the Scottish clubs troubles at that time.

Currently now out of work, it is thought he has been interviewed for the job. The sticking point seems to be the length of the contract Portsmouth are offering, as discussed above.

Add into the equation, the fact that AS Nancy in France are also very keen on him and willing to offer him a longer term contract, then it becomes a real dilemma for Portsmouth and one that is of their own making

There are of course other names in the frame, such as Neil Harris, but he is unlikely to excite fans despite the fact that he got Millwall promoted from the Championship.

Danny Cowley, is another linked name, but has previously stated he wants to manager in the Championship following his time at Huddersfield Town.

On the other hand, Cowley has said that he would like the chance to take Pompey there. They are after all: a big club, great history, superb fan base and Cowley has a more than impressive CV, which until the Huddersfield appointment was littered with success and numerous promotions.

So, with all that said what do Portsmouth do? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below….