John Keeley and Luke Dowling have both left Pompey. Goalkeeping coach Keeley has linked up with former Blues boss Michael Appleton at Blackburn. Head of recruitment Dowling is also expected to join the Championship outfit. Caretaker Pompey boss Guy Whittingham said: âThey have both done a great job at this club and I understand why they wanted to take such a good opportunity.â Keeley was originally brought in to coach the academy goalkeepers, but stepped up to the senior side following David Colesâ departure in 2010, while Dowling arrived at Fratton Park last summer. Can't blame them leaving for a bit of security (at Blackburn ? ).
I can't see Rocha being tempted away by Appleton. He let it be known that he offered to stay at the end of last season, within the reduced budget, and Appy didn't want him. He wasn't the only one who was prepared to take a big pay cut either. I don't understand why Jon Harley wasn't given the option to take a reduced wage to stay, especially as he was coaching the youngsters as well. I do wonder - is there going to be anything left for the PST to buy?
Let's face it- if Appy wants anything from Portsmouth, and if he offers any financial sum, we'll accept it. He'll take anything he wants. He won't want Rocha- although maybe McLeod might rejoin him at Blackburn ...
