John Mousinho is confident that Pompey have appointed the right man to support him at Fratton Park.
Jon Harley – who had a stint playing for the club during the 2012/13 campaign – has arrived as assistant head coach.
He has spent the past 10 years working for the academy and development sides at Chelsea, helping to bring through some top talent.
And Mousinho believes that Harley’s experience with the London giants will stand him in good stead at Pompey.
The Blues boss said: “I met Jon when I started on the Pro Licence and we struck up a good rapport, so I knew from an early stage how diligent and intelligent he was.
“He’s an excellent coach and has also played at the top level, so he popped into my head straight away.
“We went through the process and he was great all the way through that – he was the outstanding candidate.
“There have also been plenty of references from people we trust, so we know he’ll be great out on the grass.
“We’re looking to build on the development of players here, as well as our style. We think that he’ll fit in well with that.”
"He’s an excellent coach and has also played at the top level, so he popped into my head straight away."
Harley will be in the dug-out for the first time on Saturday, when Pompey visit a Lincoln side who have yet to be beaten on their own patch in the league this season.
Mousinho said: “They’re an excellent side – especially at home, where their record has been brilliant since coming up through the leagues.
“We know how much of a challenge this is going to be against a team who are extremely well organised.”
Mousinho has revealed some positive news on the injury front, with one long-term absentee edging closer to a return.
He said: “Tom Lowery has joined in training with the recovery group after having a really heavy day on Tuesday. We’re hoping he can be back in the fold during the week after next.
“Jay Mingi is slightly further back, but it’s been good to have him back out on the grass because it’s the first I’ve seen of him.
“Clark Robertson is also getting closer, while Zak Swanson is still dealing with his groin problem, which we’re keeping an eye on.
“We felt like Tuesday was too soon for Ronan Curtis to be in the squad and so we’ll have a look for the weekend.
“It’s day-to-day with Marlon Pack and we’re just monitoring that ahead of Lincoln, although he was keen to get out and play against Burton.
“Di’Shon Bernard is similar and we’ll have a fitness test on Friday morning to see whether he can join full training.”