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Pompey have confirmed that Joe Jordan will have a job on the coaching staff next season. It's the news that a lot of fans wanted to hear as, despite all the madness and change this season just gone, Joe has been the one ever-present and calming influence on the squad. Popular with the players, it's a decision widely welcomed.
Joe was brought to the club by Harry Redknapp in 2004 and there was some mumblings that he might follow Redknapp to Southampton. When that didn't materialise he ended up being the "public face" of Pompey under the Velimir Zajec regime, with Zajec himself un-willing to talk to the press. With the appointment of Perrin there was some fear for Joe's future but it is now confirmed he will be on the staff next year. And well deserved too.
Andy Awford however has not been so lucky. Although the reserves finished bottom of their league this season that is not believed to be the main reason why he has lost his job; it is suggested that Perrin will be bringing in his own specialist coaches with the relevant qualifications rather than just referring to the "old boys network" - as with the departure of Alan Knight. Awford has been invited to re-apply for his job, and Jim Smith has been stirring it up by saying he reckons Awfs is a good young coach, but I'd be surprised if he got a job here again. It's a sad end to his Portsmouth career which started in the youth team, getting to an FA Cup semi and a play-off semi, disrupted by injury and now with his contract cancelled.
Finally, Valery Mezague has returned to Montpellier after his loan spell. According to Peter Storrie we still have the option to buy him but after 14 unspectacular appearances I'd be most surprised if we bothered. If we want someone who'll give the ball away and blaze the odd shot over the bar, we can sign Nigel Quashie. |
