Cullen keeps cool as role still unfilled

ANDY CULLEN remains relaxed over the lengthening hunt for Pompey’s head of football operations.

And the Blues chief executive is adamant he will not be forced into a ‘knee-jerk appointment’ to fill the crucial vacancy.

Although previous incumbent Roberto Gagliardi departed at the end of February having served his notice, the position has still to be filled.

Pompey had identified Forest Green Rovers’ director of football Richard Hughes, yet a late change of heart over taking the position saw him instead opt to remain with the League One newcomers.

It means Cullen’s search continues – yet he insists there’s no panic at Fratton Park.

He told The News: ‘We are looking to get somebody into this position who has the track record in terms of being strong at recruitment, somebody who has really good experience in bringing young players through to add to the squad.

‘It’s somebody who has to want to come in and be prepared to commit themselves to Pompey for the long term. This is not an appointment for six months, one year, two years.

‘We want somebody to help shape the football club in all its different areas, somebody who has multi-disciplinary experience as well.

‘To find that candidate takes a bit of patience, it’s not about a short-term fix, it’s about the longer-term strategic direction in which the club needs to improve.’

Although the transfer window reopens on Friday, June 10, Pompey continue to be hard at work putting recruitment plans into place.

Cullen continued: ‘We do not need to get the appointment desperately done because I don’t think it will have a huge impact on this summer’s business.’