Ex-Leyton Orient man given chance to shine during Portsmouth sporting director hunt

Roberto Gagliardi has been handed the opportunity to impress during Pompey’s search for a sporting director.
Pompey's head of European scouting Roberto Gagliardi as been given extra responsibilities as the Blues eye the appointment of a sporting director. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages/PinPPompey's head of European scouting Roberto Gagliardi as been given extra responsibilities as the Blues eye the appointment of a sporting director. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages/PinP
Pompey's head of European scouting Roberto Gagliardi as been given extra responsibilities as the Blues eye the appointment of a sporting director. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages/PinP

The Blues’ head of international recruitment has been granted extra responsibilities in the aftermath of Kenny Jackett’s departure as boss.

It has also put him in contention to be a potential candidate for the technical director role.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Previously he spent four months as a recruitment consultant at Bolton and, from February 2016 to March 2017, served as head of recruitment at Leyton Orient.

Now the former goalkeeping coach has become more involved in Pompey’s set-up as the club heads towards a summer overhaul.

Mark Catlin told The News: ‘Roberto Gagliardi is our head of international recruitment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Along with Phil Boardman (head of recruitment), he has been closely working with everyone in trying to settle Danny and Nicky as best they can and as quickly as they can.

‘There are a lot of elements of the roles that they have been undertaking that you would say does cross over.

‘As an example, there’s pre-season planning.

‘Not many clubs are going to be going away this year due to Covid and there’s a real lack of facilities within the UK to host training camps.

‘Roberto, along with Phil and others, have been pulling together and working together in trying to facilitate forward planning at the club.’

Read More
For the latest Pompey news direct to your inbox sign up for our free newsletter
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition to Greg Miller’s arrival as Academy boss, the Blues have also been searching for a sporting director.

However, it is understood no permanent appointment will be made until after the season ends.

The position of Pompey manager beyond the summer has also yet to be decided, with Danny Cowley presently head coach for the remainder of the campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Catlin added: ‘In all walks, you are always looking at varying roles.

‘In common with the rest of the club, you are always looking at ways you can improve and at people within the organisation.

‘We always like to give a chance of fulfilling that role (sporting director) before having to go outside.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than 14p a day.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.