Gary McAllister snubs Portsmouth assistant job

Gary McAllister has staged a dramatic u-turn and rejected the chance to join Portsmouth as Paul Hart’s number two.

The former Leeds boss was lined up to join Hart’s backroom staff as Pompey attempt to halt a run of seven successive defeats.

But McAllister yesterday left Fratton Park without putting pen to paper after rejecting the terms on offer.

The ex-Scotland manager is believed to have been unhappy with the length of contract put before him.

And Hart said: “We couldn’t agree anything. He was the man I wanted so it’s disappointing.”

Pompey chief Hart has been searching for a new assistant ever since Brian Kidd left the club at the end of last season.

And McAllister seemed the ideal candidate after rejecting the chance to join George Burley’s Scotland coaching staff on a part-time basis because he wanted to land a full time position.

Portsmouth striker Kanu is a target for Australian side Gold Coast United for a short-term stint in the middle of the Premier League season.

Gold Coast boss Miron Goldberg wants the veteran to switch down under for a nine-game spell in December and January although Hart is unlikely to agree to Kanu’s release.

Bleiberg said: “He’s still a potent force, still very inventive and still able to make a huge impact at a high level, so he would be a coup for the A-League.

“I feel he’d be a good fit for us. His fitness wouldn’t be a problem and he would appeal to crowds and excite people.

“Whether it will happen or not I don’t know, things are at an early stage but we are keen to pursue it and see where it takes us.”