The former Portsmouth favourites in the running for the Swindon managerial job

There’s been plenty of Pompey links in the Swindon ranks in recent years.
Former Pompey boss Paul Cook sitting alongside Noel Hunt on the Blues bench at Notts County in 2017Former Pompey boss Paul Cook sitting alongside Noel Hunt on the Blues bench at Notts County in 2017
Former Pompey boss Paul Cook sitting alongside Noel Hunt on the Blues bench at Notts County in 2017

Brett Pitman, Danny Rose, Adam May, Dion Donohue, Matt Rtichie and Simon Ferry are just some of the former Blues players to later become Robins.

Meanwhile, heading in the opposite direction, Nathan Thompson, of course, swapped the County Ground for Fratton Park.

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A well-worn path therefore exists between both League One clubs.

Now there could be another significant tie-up as Swindon consider a replacement for manager Richie Wellens, who this week departed the recently promoted outfit for League Two Salford.

Four former Pompey favourites are on the bookies’ shortlist for the job.

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But before anyone jumps to conclusions, no, Pitman isn’t included!

Instead, Noel Hunt, Steve Cotterill, Sol Campbell and Paul Cook have all been backed by punters to fill the void.

The Cook link (BetVictor – 16/1) is optimistic to say the least, with the Blues’ League Two title-winning manager already stating that he sees his next job in the Championship, following his impressive exploits for Wigan in the second tier.

Priced at 14/1 on Skybet, former Pompey FA Cup-winning skipper Campbell is seen as a long shot.

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He’s currently out of work after leaving Southend by mutual consent back in June.

Meanwhile, Cotterill – who was in charge at Fratton Park between June 2010 and October 2011 and is also currently without a job – is deemed more likely to take over at 12/1.

Paul Heckingbottom (11/1), Danny Cowley (8/1) and Paul Tisdale (6/1) are more equipped to take over than Cotterill, according to Skybet.

However, in their betting market, the favourite for the role is Hunt – the one-time Blues forward who made 20 league appearances under Cook during the 2016-17 title-winning season.

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The 37-year-old was Wellen’s assistant manager at the County Ground and has been placed in temporary charge following his former boss’ move to Salford.

Hunt has already thrown his hat into the ring to make the move permanent, and according to Skybet he’s the 6/4 favourite to keep the hot seat warm.

If successful, the former Republic of Ireland and Reading front man will be back at Fratton Park on Boxing Day, with Pompey hosting the Robins in League One.

Swindon currently sit 20th in the table.

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