Bradbury makes Pompey return

The former Bournemouth boss is among five new appointments unveiled by manager Andy Awford.

Mark Chamberlain is back having been made redundant in October 2009.

In addition, Salisbury City first-team coach Michael Harris has been earmarked for a youth role.

Bristol City’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Cooke has also been appointed to the same position at Fratton Park.

And under-nines coach Mark Kelly is to take on a dual role – becoming head of Academy recruitment.

The recruitment of the quintet is in line with new Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) regulations for youth football.

They state clubs must have a certain amount of coaches employed, regardless of on-going administration which Pompey are enduring.

And Awford is delighted to be able to attract their quality into his set up.

He said: ‘We cannot compete with other clubs in terms of facilities.

‘What we can do, though, is offer quality coaches with a wealth of experience who will make this club even stronger as a coaching unit.

‘Some of these guys I have known for years and, for me, being able to trust people is very, very important.

‘But this is not about jobs for the boys, I don’t give them out willy nilly, they must be able to do the role asked of them properly.

‘They have to be up front and trustworthy. We have been light on the ground ever since the end of last season when there were redundancies, with myself Alan McLoughlin, Paul Hardyman and Ian Buckman covering various roles.

‘We have left it as long as possible but we are now into the new season and people have to be appointed – and I am delighted with those we have got on board.’

Bradbury has been out of the game since being sacked as Bournemouth boss back in March – after 14 months in the job.

He will now become under-14 coach, with Chamberlain taking charge of the under-13s.

Cooke fills the gaps left by Paul Stretch, who joined Millwall at the end of last season after being made part-time due to financial constraints.

Finally, Harris, who is from Gosport, will look after the under-12s.

Awford added: ‘It is great to have somebody with Mark Kelly’s knowledge and experience and he will work with our existing scouts.

‘Through no fault of anybody, Dave Hurst – who did a fantastic job – was made redundant and we have needed to fill that gap.

‘I am delighted to have someone of Mark Chamberlain’s experience and knowledge.

‘He’s someone who has coached at both Pompey and Southampton before and also worked in the community.

‘Along with Lee Bradbury, Michael Harris and Adrian Cooke these are terrific appointments.’