Pompey kitman North in the frame at relegated Hawks
Pompey kitman Shaun North is in the frame to be the Hawks’ new head coach.
The Uefa Pro Licence holder boasts an impressive coaching pedigree and has been identified as a leading candidate to resurrect their fortunes after a wretched season.
The Westleigh Park club have employed five bosses this season - Jamie Collins, Steve King and interim trio Cliff de Gordon, Ross Betteridge and Richard Pope - yet none were able to keep them in National League South.
Their fate, which had long been inevitable, was sealed last week with the Hawks 23rd out of 24 with one match remaining.
It is understood the exbristol Rovers assistant is firmly in the running to be appointed for next season’s seventh tier campaign.
Although nothing has been finalised, whoever the Hawks choose will be a swift appointment.
North has served as Pompey’s kitman since September 2021, combining those duties with helping coach the League One title-winners over the last 15 months under John Mousinho.
Highly regarded by the Blues’ players, the likes of Abu Kamara has publicly praised the 62-year-old’s impact on his game.
North also spends three nights a week coaching the under-14s alongside Steve Stone, in addition to overseeing the youngsters' Sunday matches.
He previously spent 20 years as an Academy coach at Fratton Park, while also served Oxford United, Torquay, Bristol Rovers, Wimbledon, Cheltenham, Eastbourne and Eastleigh.
He has racked up more than 500 games as an assistant manager or firstteam coach across the EFL and National League.
87 Hawks NLS goals conceded
North is also hugely respected in the game, coaching the likes of Gary O’neil, Matt Ritchie, Joel Ward and Marlon Pack as youngsters.
In a recent interview with The News ,hemadeno secret of his desire to take up his first managerial role after spending a career as an influential coach.
Hawks’forgettable campaign finishes this weekend at Torquay.
28 Hawks losses in 45 NLS games
10 Hawks wins in 45 NLS games
5 Hawks managers this season