Forest Green keep hold of Blues target

Forest Green Rovers have declared victory in their battle to retain the services of director of football Richard Hughes.

Green owner Dale Vince boasted the League One new boys would be keeping their man after The News revealed on Sunday that Hughes was the leading candidate to become the new director of football operations at Fratton Park.

The former Everton recruitment officer has been a central figure in Rovers’ rise up the ranks from non-league football to the third tier of English Football.

After holding talks with Pompey, Hughes was recognised as the leading candidate to replace the now departed Roberto Gagliardi, who left his role at the Blues in February.

Reports emerged on Monday night, however, that Hughes was set to remain at The New Lawn.

Revealing the development via Twitter, Vince said: ‘Pleased to announce that @ FGRFC_Official Director of Football Rich Hughes is not joining Portsmouth.

‘We wish them well with the search to fill their vacancy.’

As manager Danny Cowley embarks on another busy transfer window, with 12 players set to be out of contract and another squad reshuffle on the cards, the Blues were understood to be making their director of football operations appointment imminently.

It's unlikely that will be the case now – although website Football Insider has claimed Pompey have since turned their attentions to Cambridge United Sporting director Ben Strang.

Strang, who has worked as an academy recruitment scout at Ipswich and head of academy recruitment at Norwich, is in his second spell at the U’s.

Returning to the club in 2016 as head of football, United’s former chief scout has been operating as sporting director since May 2021.