Gary Waddock: Pompey's youngsters can flourish with us

Paul Cook is eyeing a link-up with Aldershot to provide his promising young players with a regular first-team platform.

The National League club last month appointed former Blues assistant manager Waddock as boss, succeeding Barry Smith.

With Cook eager for the likes of Adam May, Brandon Haunstrup, Calvin Davies, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alex Bass to glean more playing experience, the Shots represent a natural connection.

Waddock remains a highly-regarded figure following his six months at Fratton Park, which also included a spell as caretaker boss, before departing in May 2015.

Positive talks have already taken place between the respective managers over a relationship which is perceived as mutually beneficial.

And Waddock has no doubts his club can aid the development of any Pompey youngsters sent his way.

He told The News: ‘I have spoken to Paul, we have kept in contact since I left the club and have had some good conversations.

‘Going forward, who knows what may happen, maybe we can do something like that.

‘That is obviously down to Paul and Portsmouth. They have some very, very good players there, some good young players. That will be their call.

‘In terms of their development, he knows I try to play football the right way and also in a certain manner which will develop the younger players.

‘If we can have that link-up in the future it would be fantastic for this football club and would be great if he could put that in place.

‘I would like it to happen. We can help with these players’ development, so it would be good for Portsmouth as well.

‘I think all parties would be very happy with such an agreement.

‘Portsmouth have a lot of very good young players in need of first-team experience.

‘They may be in the first-team next season, who knows, we will have to wait and see during pre-season how their squad is shaping up at that end.

‘There is nothing concrete at present, we will continue to touch base during the summer and keep talking to one another.

‘Then hopefully that can develop into something we can both benefit from.’

Waddock arrived at Fratton Park in December 2014 to act as Andy Awford’s assistant.

Following Awford’s departure five months later, the former QPR midfielder took over the reins for the final four matches of the campaign on a temporary basis.

He spent last season as assistant first-team coach at Barnet before taking over former club Shots for a second time.

He added: ‘It is going fine at Aldershot. We are in the process of trying to assemble a squad, talking to a lot of players and a lot of agents.

‘Hopefully it will fall into place during pre-season.

‘I’ve missed this side of it. I had a taste of management at a few clubs and also a taste of being number two.

‘Now I have got this opportunity of being a number one again and am looking forward to it.’