Next Portsmouth manager: Former Bristol City coach denies holding talks

Former Bristol City coach Luke Williams has said that he has not held talks with Portsmouth over their managerial vacancy. The League One outfit are on the search for a new head coach after sacking Danny Cowley.

Williams had become one of the favourites for the Fratton Park post, despite only taking up the role as manager of Notts County in the summer. Former MK Dons boss Liam Manning leads the way with ex-Sheffield United boss Wilder in second and Williams in third. A potential appointment could see Williams reunite with Ryley Towler who joined the Hampshire club for an undisclosed fee, despite the club being without a manager.

The 42-year-old has his current side first in the National League as they look to secure a return to the Football League. Macaulay Langstaff - linked with a move to Ashton Gate in November - is one of his key players with 22 goals in 26 matches. Neither Williams or Langtaff look to be leaving Meadow Lane this month however.

“I didn’t speak to Portsmouth at all,” said Williams in an interview with BBC Radio Nottingham after Notts County’s 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood on Tuesday evening.

"My day has been spent working here and for this club and I can’t wish to be at a better club.

"I am very happy, I am disappointed tonight but this club is incredible and is now a huge part of my life.

"I have not spoken to anybody or had any contact from any other clubs.

"I don’t see any reason why anything would happen, I haven’t done anything. I have been here for a few months and I haven’t achieved anything.

"I still have a lot to prove to the fans still and I am in a wonderful club that I respect the position I am in and I should not take that for granted at all and I have a lot to be grateful for and a lot to repay people."

Williams was at Bristol City from 2017 to 2019, as their head coach of the Under-23’s side. The former Bristol Rovers academy player led the young Robins to back-to-back fifth place finishes.He had overseen the development of Antoine Semenyo who has gone on to play at a World Cup for Ghana, and cement himself as a key figure for City.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion coach left in November 2019 and was appointed assistant manager to Russell Martin at MK Dons and two years later followed him to Swansea City. Williams last six months in South Wales, before taking up the post at Notts County.