Paul Hardyman has spoken of his pride at moving up to join Andy Awford's first-team backroom staff.

After being appointed first-team coach, a role in which he will work alongside Awford and assistant Alan McLoughlin, the former left-back told the BBC: 'It was an easy decision, a few of the lads in the first team are from the academy so hopefully we can carry on that momentum of last season.

'I'm really looking forward to it. We put a smile on a few peoples' faces at the end of the season - none more so than the three of us.

'The three of us had already worked together in the academy, we all get on well, the results were fantastic and, if we can emulate that, we'll all be happy. It's something I've always wanted to do. I'm a Portsmouth lad and I can't think of anything better.'

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Portsmouth Polls