Hollands: Hard to please everyone in boss search

The Blues midfielder knows the size of the task facing chairman Iain McInnes and fellow board members, with so many names being touted for the Fratton Park hot seat and already dividing opinion.

With the departure of Andy Awford earlier this week, it is three managers in two seasons since the Pompey Supporters’ Trust takeover – and their next decision is under intense scrutiny.

Fans have their own varied views on the direction the club should go, but Hollands revealed that it would be equally difficult to find a consensus among the playing staff.

Although, he did admit caretaker boss Gary Waddock would be met with approval by most of the players.

‘It’s a really tough one,’ said Hollands.

‘Do you go for a big name or do you go for someone with experience?

‘For me, it’s got to be someone who knows a bit about the club because the supporters are a good bunch of people who travel with us up and down the country, even when times are hard.

‘The first thing would be to know about the club.

‘But they would need to know the level of football as well and someone who is still hungry to achieve things in the game.

‘There are a few names that have been mentioned already, but I think Gary Waddock fits the bill.

‘I don’t think you would go far wrong with him or someone in that kind of mould.

‘The players respect him and they wouldn’t be disappointed if he was appointed.

‘But it’s not mine or the players’ decision to make those calls.

‘As players, it might be good to be asked but you could ask the whole squad and they would all have different opinions.

‘Some people would say one person, others would disagree.

‘It’s the same if you ask the supporters – it’s no different really.

‘There are positives and negatives to every person and you will never be able to please everyone.

‘Players might have their opinions but as long as the new manager picks you, that’s all that matters really!

‘But I’m sure they will do their homework and make the right decision so we can move forward to put things in place for next season.’

Twenty-nine-year-old Hollands also understands that he will need to prove himself to the new Blues boss, having already admitted that he and his team-mates have underachieved this term.

The midfielder added: ‘We are all playing for our futures. It doesn’t matter if I have got another year on my contract.

‘A new manager will come in and decide if he likes you and will try to build the squad for next season. Hopefully, I am part of it.

‘For me, it is a good bunch of players.

‘People have doubted whether we have got the quality in the squad but I think we have the players here to do well.

‘It didn’t happen for the last manager but I still think we have players here.

‘One thing is for sure, it’s a massive, massive job for someone.’