Bolton Wanderers' League One promotion rivals Portsmouth have been accused by Forest Green Rovers of breaching English Football League (EFL) regulations for the 'second time' after Rich Hughes moved to Pompey.
Director of football Hughes has left Rovers with with immediate effect to join third-placed Pompey, who are four points ahead of Wanderers in the table, as their new sporting director. The 34-year-old, who spent four years at The New Lawn Stadium, has also enjoyed scouting and recruitment stints at Macclesfield, Tamworth, Burnley, Wigan Athletic and Everton.
In a statement on FGR's official club website, chairman Dale Vince said: “This is an opportunity Rich wanted to take and we never stand in the way of our people’s progression, staff or players - we appreciate all that Rich has done in his time here and wish him well on this next step.
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“However, this is the second time that Portsmouth have made an approach and the second time they have done so in breach of EFL regulations - we expected better.
“The rules are clear, clubs must not approach staff or players of other clubs - before having written consent. Portsmouth disregarded this rule again - they approached Rich before asking for permission let alone before getting it. This aspect of football needs to change.”
Hughes will officially begin his role in October. His duties will include recruitment and football operations, ranging from medicine, sports science, nutrition, analysis and grounds.
Pompey chief executive Andrew Cullen said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Richard as the club’s sporting director. This role is crucial for our longer-term football strategy and provides an oversight for all our football operations, easing some of the day-to-day operational pressures on Danny (Cowley) and Nicky (Cowley).
“Richard really impressed us with the way he was able to progress a number of different areas at Forest Green, culminating in their promotion to League One last season. He has a history of identifying emerging talent who have gone on to enjoy success in the professional game. It was also important that he shares our vision and will be moving down to Portsmouth with his family, which underlines his commitment.
“We felt it was important to pause the process over the summer, but have met with a lot of people in recent weeks. Richard was someone that we always had a lot of admiration for and he possesses the qualities and credentials we were looking for."
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