Former Derby, Stoke and Norwich man keen on in-demand Portsmouth role

And former Blues winger Kevin Harper is among those to show interest in the key role overseeing the development of the club’s young talent.

The News understands the Blues are impressed with the level of applicant, since the search for the new man at the academy helm kicked off this week.

Harper represents an interesting name in the frame, with the Scot having vast experience from a career in the game which took him to the Premier League and the required Uefa A coaching badge.

Another potential contender who fits the bill is former Blues coach, Mikey Harris, who was working within the England set-up until the end of last year.

Harris left the academy in 2017 to take up a role with Premier League Brighton, before becoming national specialist coach with the Three Lions.

The lifelong Pompey fans holds a Uefa pro licence and would be an attractive and progressive option.

It remains to be seen if former Blues boss Andy Awford is interested in the role, who has strong academy credentials.

The former defender has been enjoying success bringing through young talent at Championship Luton.

Pompey have called upon The Executives In Sport Group to oversee the recruitment process, who are headed up by managing director Darren Simmons.

Simmons has previously worked with the club on a consultancy basis, and will be joined on the final interview panel by chief executive Mark Catlin.

Long-term Pompey servant, Jon Slater, currently holds the academy manager position on an interim basis.

Slater, who replaced Mark Kelly after he moved to a position as player development manager amid a structural change, is set to return to his job as head of education and welfare later this year when his successor is appointed.

Former Bournemouth, Doncaster and Nottingham Forest manager, Sean O’Driscoll currently holds a position as head of coaching within the academy.

Ex-Republic of Ireland international Liam Daish currently works as under-18 coach with long-term Blues man Shaun North overseeing the under-16s.

Applicants have until March 31 to register their interest in the academy manager’s position.