Daniel Stendel coach's message to fans over future Portsmouth role alongside former Barnsley and Hearts manager

And Dale Tonge has left the door ajar for the pair to arrive at Fratton Park moving forward, in a message to Blues supporters.

Tongue has worked alongside Stendel successfully at Barnsley, where they gained a promotion from League One before moving to Hearts with the German.

The 35-year-old told he was prepared to walk to PO4 for a job at Pompey and lauded an ‘outstanding club and fans’.

That’s after Stendel emerged as a strong favourite among supporters to succeed Kenny Jackett, after his departure on Sunday after nearly four years.

Contact was made with the 46-year-old, who wanted longer terms than the interim appointment Pompey were looking to make.

Ultimately, it was Danny Cowley who the board plumped for on a deal until the end of the season.

Depending on Cowley’s success, that situation could be revisited in the summer, though, and Tonge made it clear he would love the opportunity to link up with Stendel at Pompey in the future.

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But that prospect didn’t stop the former Rotherham man wishing the Blues a successful conclusion to the campaign.

Replying to a message from a Pompey fan on Twitter, he said: ‘To you and all the @Pompey fans who sent all kinds of messages, thanks, it shows what great fans you really are.

‘I didn’t set off walking but I’ll happily keep those taxi numbers for future reference hopefully. I really hope there’s a positive end to your season. #PlayUp.’

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