Whittingham to help Pompey talent

Defender Martin Cranie is trying to break into the first team

Former Portsmouth striker Guy Whittingham says he will give some of the club's younger professionals more time to develop their potential.

Whittingham is due to start work as the club's development coach and will work mainly with the 18 to 21 year olds.

"Maybe we have to give one or two players another year to see if they develop a bit more. We'll try and see if it works," he told BBC Radio Solent.

The 44-year-old will also become the club's new reserve team manager.

Whittingham is working his notice with the Professional Footballers Association where he is a coach instructor.

"Clubs are having to think this way now because of what's happening in the financial markets," he added.

"You maybe need to give these young pros a little bit of extra time to see whether they can make it.

"At the moment the Premier League is all about instant success with the finances involved. I think somewhere along the line you've got to try and see if you can bring players through even if it means investing a little bit more effort."

Whittingham, who holds the club's scoring record for one season after bagging 48 goals in the 1992-3 campaign, has also given up his role as Portsmouth summariser with BBC Radio Solent after two seasons.