Portsmouth deny Solskjaer approach

Portsmouth have dismissed rumours they approached Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take over as manager from Steve Cotterill.

Former West Brom assistant Michael Appleton was named the club’s new boss on Thursday after Cotterill left Fratton Park to replace Steve McClaren at Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest in October.

However, Pompey chief executive David Lampitt insists Manchester United legend Solskjaer – who steered Norwegian side Molde to the first title in their history this season – was not offered the job before Appleton’s appointment.

“He (Appleton) was definitely the only man we offered the job to. There were an awful lot of reports about an awful lot of names,” Lampitt said.

“We appreciate that there was a lot of speculation.”

“Some names were right and some names were wrong but I don’t think it’s the right thing to talk about who was involved.”

“We’re very pleased to have attracted so much interest for the job and very pleased to have got our man.”