Pompey midfielder Richard Hughes says keeper David James should be appointed the club's new manager.
England keeper should be given chance, insists team-mate
Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes says goalkeeper David James should be appointed the club's new manager.
Avram Grant stepped down from the post on Thursday after guiding the financially stricken club to the FA Cup final amidst a campaign of turmoil, and James is believed to be interested in taking the reins.
Should the England shot-stopper take over at Fratton Park, it would be his first foray into football management and Hughes reckons the 39-year-old is the man who should be given the nod.
He believes the appointment of James would be a cost-effective option for a club saddled with debts, and would prove a popular choice amongst the playing squad.
Logical solution
Hughes told the
Portsmouth News: "Jamo is the person to go for. It's the move which makes sense to me. He ticks all the right boxes and would be the logical solution.
"It's a case of when, not if, he goes into management, and this would be the right move at the right time. He has the respect of the players and his appointment would be well received.
"He is an intelligent man, has experience and is a good communicator. He loves the team ethic and is a hard worker. When he speaks, people listen.
"The purse strings are tight and money is almost non-existent. The ideal person is already here, though. Jamo has seen what has been going on here and knows the situation."
Club administrator Andrew Andronikou has confirmed that talks would be held with James over the possibility of him leading the South Coast club.
But whether he takes over as manager or not, Hughes would like to see the former Liverpool keeper remain at the club, suggesting a joint player-manager role could be a viable option.
He went on: "It's paramount Jamo stays here as a keeper, but I think with the backing he would get he could combine the roles. I haven't spoke to Jamo, but I think offering him the job would be a way of keeping him here next season.
"He's proud of the number of Premier League games he's played. We need progressive continuity to give us the best chance of success. He would give us that.
New era
"If we are looking for someone positive to take this club into a new era, I can not think of anyone better suited than Jamo."
Hughes suggested former Bournemouth team-mate Eddie Howe - who now manages the Dean Court club - could be an alternative should James be overlooked.
He added: "If I didn't think Jamo should be manager I would suggest looking to Eddie. He was the youngest manager in the game when he took the reins at Bournemouth.
"It just goes to show that if you are good enough, you are old enough. I think Jamo would prove that, too."
