The critical dilemma facing Mark Catlin as he agonises over direction of Portsmouth manager hunt

And that reflects a crucial dilemma facing Mark Catlin and the club board.

Following Kenny Jackett’s dismissal on Sunday morning, the Blues have been exploring potential replacements.

It is understood Daniel Stendel and Neil Harris are high on the list, although Pompey have sounded out a number of potential candidates, in addition to receiving applications.

For Catlin, though, the quandary is whether to make a permanent appointment – or have one eye on the summer when more manager options will become apparent.

Certainly there is a temptation for patience in order to pursue candidates currently in work, who would be favourable to a move at the season’s end.

On the flip side, the Blues still view promotion from League One as a possibility, hence Jackett’s exit.

That would require a quality candidate to be immediately appointed, giving Pompey the best possible chance of success.

Certainly in the case of Stendel, however, his preference is for a permanent deal rather than purely overseeing the final 13 fixtures of the campaign as a caretaker.

Generally speaking, it’s an intriguing predicament for Pompey’s chief executive.

Catlin told The News: ‘Since the news of Kenny came out yesterday, we have been inundated with applications.

‘We are currently going through a correct process, looking at CVs from every manager and agent.

‘There are a lot of really strong candidates, some are in work, some are out of work, some are in work but out of work in the summer. There’s much to take into account.

‘Yesterday we did contact some that might not have applied, but we quite like, just to sound them out over what would be looking at in terms of contract or time.

‘It was a busy day yesterday and will be a busy day today. I assume it will be like that all week until we can identify the right person that gives us the best chance of promotion this season.

‘I am not putting a timeframe on it, I don’t think you can. We’re looking at different scenarios.’

At present, Joe Gallen has been put in caretaker charge, assisted by first-team coach Jake Wigley.

The duo will initially oversee tomorrow night’s trip to Peterborough, buying the club time to identify Jackett’s successor.

Catlin added: ‘I had long discussions with Joe and the team yesterday. Having him in charge at Peterborough seems the most sensible thing to do.

‘Joe knows the players, the players know Joe. What I don’t want to be doing is bringing someone in and then changing them again straight away when someone else comes in. That would be too much change.

‘The plan is for Joe to take tomorrow and that gives us time to make the right choice during the rest of this week.’

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