Talks over Portsmouth manager return for former favourite Matt Taylor

The former Fratton Park hero is keen on a return to the Blues where he’s lauded, as Kenny Jackett’s successor.

And The News understands there’s been discussions over the 39-year-old linking up with the club he made 203 appearances for over six years.

Taylor is currently in his second season as Spurs under-18 coach and has gained his Uefa pro licence.

The role offers a pathway into established positions at the top of the game, with Scott Parker a predecessor of Taylor’s before he moved to Fulham and delivered the Craven Cottage outfit promotion to the Premier League.

Irishman Kieran McKenna is another respected coach to have held Taylor’s post, before linking up with Manchester United as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team set-up.

Taylor has already turned down managerial positions in the Football League, including the Northampton post, but there’s little doubt an opportunity at Fratton Park would tempt him.

It remains to be seen if Pompey would be prepared to take a chance on an untried manager, as they weigh up their best course of action over the new man at the helm and whether to go for an interim boss or long-term appointment.

But there’s little doubt a homecoming for Taylor would go down well with many supporters, who still adore the left-sided flying machine.

It would also undoubtedly be seen as a progressive, forward-thinking call and would bring a brand of football which would be a departure from that seen under Jackett.

German Daniel Stendel is under consideration to succeed the 59-year-old, while former Millwall and Cardiff manager Neil Harris has admirers at PO4.

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