Former Wanderers midfielder Kevin Nolan has been linked with the vacant position at League One rivals Portsmouth.

Pompey have been searching for a new head coach since Danny Cowley was sacked after a run of poor results.

Caretaker manager Simon Bassey took charge against the Whites both in the league and Papa Johns Trophy last week. Ian Evatt’s men came out on top on both occasions.

Nolan is now a candidate to succeed Cowley at Fratton Park, according to a report by The Telegraph.

The 40-year-old, who made 345 appearances during a memorable 10-year spell at Wanderers, is currently serving as first-team coach at Premier League club West Ham.

He has been part of David Moyes’ backroom staff since February 2020 and also had a spell in charge at Notts County.

Last week, Portsmouth chief executive told The Portsmouth News: “I can’t give an indication of whether anybody will be in quickly, because it has got to be the right decision.

“You want long-term, not the hire-and-fire strategy you sometimes see. That’s why you have to be really considered in everything you do.

“It’s such a big decision and a huge responsibility for Portsmouth Football Club – one you can't take lightly.

“You want it as quickly as you possibly can, but that is not always possible, it’s about making the right decision. I wouldn't want to put a timeframe on it, it would be wrong to do so, you have to give yourself space to make the right decision.”

Pompey currently sit 15th in the League One table ahead of Saturday’s clash with 10th-place Exeter City.

Liam Manning has also been linked with the position at Fratton Park following his sacking by MK Dons last month.

England Under-20 head coach Ian Foster and former Peterborough boss Grant McCann also rank highly in the bookies’ odds at the time of writing.

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