Laws reveals Pompey interest

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley manager Brian Laws has confirmed his interest in becoming the next Portsmouth boss.

Chief executive praises caretaker duo Whittingham and Gray

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley manager Brian Laws has confirmed his interest in becoming the next Portsmouth boss. Pompey are sifting through over 50 applications for the Fratton Park vacancy following Steve Cotterill's departure for Nottingham Forest earlier this month. Ex-Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll is the current favourite for the position, while former Brighton boss Mark McGhee is among those to have expressed an interest in the job. Laws has now thrown his hat into the ring as he looks to get back into management after leaving Pompey's Championship rivals Burnley at the start of the year. "I have shown interest in the Portsmouth the job," Laws told The News. "But that is as much as I will say at the moment."

Grateful

Meanwhile, chief executive David Lampitt has praised the role caretaker managers Guy Whittingham and Stuart Gray have played since Cotterill's exit. Lampitt said: "We have to be incredibly grateful to the existing coaching staff, as well as the players. They've done a fantastic job since Steve left. "It's not only the wins which have been first class but the performances, too. "From my position, and that of the board, it gives us breathing space. "It doesn't take the pressure off. Not many things do that! It just gives us a bit of time. "If we had any concerns about the strength, ability and experience of the coaching staff we would be under more pressure. But people can see Guy and Stuart have the team set up well and playing well."