Pompey eyeing Cotterill

Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou admitted yesterday that Notts County boss Steve Cotterill is one of the leading contenders to take charge of the Championship club.

Pompey are looking for a new manager after Avram Grant quit last week ahead of his likely move to West Ham and Cotterill has shot to the top of Andronikou's shortlist after leading Notts County to promotion to League One this season.

Cotterill is only on a short-term deal at Meadow Lane meaning the cash-strapped FA Cup runners-up would get the former Stoke and Burnley manager without having to pay compensation.

"He (Cotterill) is one of eight or nine managers that have been recommended to us. He was recommended by a third party," Andronikou said.

"His CV precedes him. He is the sort of motivator that our players need to take them forward. The fact he is out of contract at the end of the month is not a factor. We are looking for the right individual, not at their availability."

Former Watford and Reading boss Brendan Rodgers is also on Andronikou's shortlist, while Portsmouth's veteran goalkeeper David James is keen to go into management at Fratton Park.