The Manager Saga Rumbles On

Last updated : 03 November 2011 By Jim Bonner

Today has seen two more names frequently mentioned to become the new Portsmouth manager.

Last night it was reported by Sam Matterface that Steve Coppell was "likely" to become the next Pompey boss and he was at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, although this may well have been simply to watch his old team in action.

However, Sky Sports have reported today that West Brom assistant manager Michael Appleton is set to take the job and the bookmakers odds have been slashed to 1/5 as lots of money has been laid on that outcome.

Of course, that doesn't mean he is certain to become the new manager as Dave Jones was once priced at 1/5 too and supposedly wasn't even considered for the job. The only certainty here is that CSI have done a grand job on keeping a lid on things, as nobody really has a clue as to who they want in charge.

The two names mentioned today are a stark contrast of each other.

In Coppell you have an experienced man who has had success at Championship level both with Crystal Palace and more recently at Reading where he broke divison records with that team.

He is a relatively big name in management who would be able to attract players to a club but there is a huge question mark over his commitment to the job after his sudden resignation from Bristol City where he felt things weren't right.

On the other hand you have Appleton who has no managerial experience apart from a brief caretaker spell at The Hawthorns when Roberto Di Matteo was sacked. However, at only 35-years-old it seems like there could be a bright future for a man who is highly regarded in his current role.

If either man was appointed then it would represent a massive gamble, especially in Appleton's case as he doesn't fit the so-called "mould" that David Lampitt stated when the manager search began.

It may be that neither of these men get the job, especially as the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rumours persist despite Alex Ferguson warning him off of English management for the time being.

The whole saga has now become draining and fans are now feeling frustrated that it has taken so long to appoint someone. Personally, I am happy that CSI have not been rushed into making a rash appointment and are considering their options.

It is expected that the saga will finally end after the Nottingham Forest match where the new man will have a fortnight to get acquainted with his players and the staff at Fratton Park.

But who will that man be?