Source: Team_Talk
Make James Pompey boss - Hughes
Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes has become the first Pompey player to publicly offer his support to make David James player-boss.[LNB] The midfielder believes James is the natural choice to succeed Avram Grant.[LNB]Hughes feels the 39-year-old will have the full backing of the Blues squad, and insists the England man is ready to step into the Fratton hot-seat.[LNB]James is an early contender to succeed Grant, with first-team coach Paul Groves, Glenn Hoddle, Phil Brown and Steve Cotterill also linked.[LNB]Grant is still waiting before making his decision to join West Ham after resigning as Pompey boss on Thursday night.[LNB]Hughes thinks James is his obvious successor, with Groves and Ian Woan in supporting roles.[LNB]The Pompey midfielder told The News: "Jamo is the person to go for. It's the move which makes sense to me.[LNB]"He ticks all the right boxes and would be the logical solution.[LNB]"It's a case of when, not if, he goes into management, and this would be the right move at the right time.[LNB]"He has the respect of the players and his appointment would be well received.[LNB]"He is an intelligent man, has experience and is a good communicator. [LNB]"He loves the team ethic and is a hard worker. When he speaks, people listen.[LNB]"The purse strings are tight and money is almost non-existent.[LNB]"The ideal person is already here, though. Jamo has seen what has been going on here and knows the situation.[LNB]"He's a fans' favourite and if he was to take the job alongside Paul Groves and Ian Woan, it would not disrupt things.[LNB]"It's paramount Jamo stays here as a keeper, but I think with the backing he would get he could combine the roles. I haven't spoke to Jamo, but I think offering him the job would be a way of keeping him here next season. [LNB]"He's proud of the number of Premier League games he's played.[LNB]"We need progressive continuity to give us the best chance of success. He would give us that.[LNB]"If we are looking for someone positive to take this club into a new era, I can not think of anyone better suited than Jamo."[LNB]Administrator Andrew Andronikou yesterday revealed James has spoken to him about becoming the next Pompey manager.[LNB]But Andronikou said he feels it is too early for the England international, who is a near-cert to be at this summer's World Cup, to make the transition to the role of boss.[LNB]Hughes doesn't agree with that sentiment, and highlighted the success of ex-Pompey midfielder and close friend Eddie Howe at Bournemouth as evidence a manager can be a hit without experience.[LNB]Hughes added: "If I didn't think Jamo should be manager I would suggest looking to Eddie.[LNB]"He was the youngest manager in the game when he took the reigns at Bournemouth.[LNB]"There were probably question marks over him when he went into the role. No-one would think twice about him now.[LNB]"Eddie had Championship sides come in for him. You have to hand it to him for the job he's done.[LNB]"It just goes to show that if you are good enough, you are old enough.[LNB]"I think Jamo would prove that, too."
