Pompey coach poised to quit

Ian Foster is poised to leave his role as Pompey's first-team coach.
Pompey first-team coach Ian Foster   Picture: Joe PeplerPompey first-team coach Ian Foster   Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey first-team coach Ian Foster Picture: Joe Pepler

It is understood the 40-year-old has been offered a job elsewhere and is interested in taking up the opportunity.

Foster informed Blues boss Paul Cook of developments in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Wycombe.

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He subsequently did not carry out his customary duties of overseeing the reserves for Tuesday evening’s trip to Wolves under-23s.

In his absence, Academy under-18 coach Mikey Harris took the side for their 4-2 victory, which lifted them to the top of Group D in the Premier League Cup.

Foster’s willingness to consider quitting Fratton Park represents a blow to Cook, who has moulded a tight backroom set-up.

However, Pompey discussions with the highly-regarded former Coventry City development coach are continuing.

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As a result, any potential departure is on hold, ensuring he officially remains at Fratton Park.

Foster, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, linked-up with Pompey in May 2015 following Cook’s appointment as manager.

He followed Cook’s ex-Chesterfield assistant Leam Richardson in venturing to the south-coast, completing the Blues’ new-looking coaching set-up.

The former Liverpool apprentice had previously managed Dundalk and Galway during spells in Ireland, where he came across Cook’s Sligo Rovers.

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He joined Coventry in 2011, where he took on responsibility for the under-21s as the professional development phase lead coach.

Following three years at the Ricoh Arena, he left by mutual consent in the summer of 2014.