New post for former Pompey player
Paul Hardyman has been appointed as a first team coach at Pompey.
It is the same role he performed on a temporary basis for the final few games of last season.
Hardyman will leave his position as academy coach to work alongside Blues boss Andy Awford and fellow first team coach Alan McLoughlin.
The former Pompey defender said: “I got a taste doing the job last season and Andy asked if I fancied making it a permanent arrangement.
“There was a lot to consider, but my heart was always telling me to say yes.
“It’s sad to leave the academy because I’ve had some great times working there in the last few years.
“It’s strange to think that I was working in the community set-up when Adam Webster joined the club as a 10-year-old.
“Pompey are my home-town club so this is a fantastic opportunity for me and I get on really well with Awfs and Macca.
“Hopefully we can help put smiles on faces in the stands, just as we did at the end of last season.”
Awford added: “I’ve worked with Paul for the last few years and we know each other inside out.
“I’m delighted to have both him and Macca alongside me in the first team coaching set-up.”