Coach admits he'd walk to Fratton Park to link up with Daniel Stendel if German landed Portsmouth job

They are the sentiments of one of Daniel Stendel’s former coaching colleagues, Dale Tonge, after his former boss emerged as an early frontrunner for the vacant Pompey manager’s job.

Pompey have put out the feelers for the currently out-of-work German to replace Kenny Jackett, whose near four-year stay at Fratton Park came to an end on Sunday morning.

It is understood the Blues have already sounded out the former Barnsley and Hearts boss to serve as caretaker for the remainder of the season.

However, it’s understood that Stendel is keen to stay longer than the temporary terms presently being offered.

Former Millwall and Cardiff boss Neil Harris is also in the frame.

Yet if it’s Stendel who is appointed, his former coaching assistant at both Oakwell and Tynecastle, Tonge, said he wouldn’t need any convincing to link up with him for a third time.

In fact, he’d ‘walk’ to Fratton Park for the privilege to represent an ‘outstanding’ club and fans.

The 35-year-old made the remark on Twitter after he was tagged in a comment made by a Barnsley fan.

The message read: ‘@Tongie85 play up pompey!! If you guys team up for this one i think @Pompey will be back in the champ in no time.’

A compliment indeed for both Stendel and Tonge, who helped lead the Tykes out of League One in the 2018-19 season – but also something the Fratton faithful will love hearing as their club look to appoint a new manager to fulfil expectation levels at P04.

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