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Forest Green’s Dale Vince accuses Portsmouth of breaching EFL regulations

Forest Green’s Dale Vince accuses Portsmouth of breaching EFL regulations with Director of Football, Rich Hughes, making a switch.

League One rivals Pompey announced the appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director, and will officially take up the position later in October after three years as director of football at Forest Green Rovers.

It has left a bitter taste with Dale Vince however, who wrote: “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.”

But prior to that, he said: “Well, they filled it second time round 😎 This is an opportunity Rich wanted to take and we never stand in the way of our people’s progression, staff or players.”

FOREST GREEN STATEMENT:

Forest Green Rovers – the world’s greenest football club, has today announced the departure of its Director of Football, Rich Hughes with immediate effect as he leaves the Bolt New Lawn to join Portsmouth FC.

Rich joined FGR as Head of Recruitment in 2018 and grew with the club – as it progressed in League 2 becoming champions last season, by which time he had progressed to Director of Football. Prior to joining the club, he had stints in scouting and recruitment at Macclesfield, Tamworth, Burnley, Wigan Athletic and Everton.

Dale Vince, Chairman, Forest Green Rovers, commented:

“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.

“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.”

The recruitment process for the club’s new Director of Football is now underway.

POMPEY STATEMENT

Portsmouth Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director.

The 34-year-old will officially take up the position later in October after three years as director of football at Forest Green Rovers.

Hughes will assume responsibility for recruitment and football operations, which includes medicine, sports science, nutrition, analysis and grounds.

He spent four-and-a-half years with Forest Green, initially working as head of recruitment before being named director of football in October 2019.

During that time, Rovers reached the League Two play-offs twice before securing the title at the end of last season.

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 and Nicky.

“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.”

Hughes had recruitment roles with Wigan and Everton prior to joining Forest Green, having previously held analysis and scouting positions at Stoke, Macclesfield, Tamworth and Burnley.

This is what fans had to say as Forest Green’s Dale Vince accuses Portsmouth of breaching EFL regulations…

@DomShorts: Seems like it’s a prerequisite that you have an integrity bypass when you get into football management.

@pompeyshaun1986: Funny how it is only ever you guys this happens to. Or maybe it’s a load of bollox. Hughes applied for the job back in the winter

@the_real_owen: Ah yes, Dale Mince, Mr. Integrity himself…

@FFSChristie: He thought your vegan burgers were shit

@bristolianeagle: Maybe don’t be such a cockwomble, then. You might be respected by other clubs.

@realmikemorton: Anyone can take a new job ya fool. Plus we’ll let him have a bacon sarnie in the canteen. Shut ya whining.

@tom_dubber: Not considered the possibility that perhaps Rich applied for the role himself and requested that his current employers not be informed, then? Have yourself a pie, lad.

@JHancock46: Shove it up your arse Vince

@Jakey_Boyz: He doesn’t want to work with that clown as a manager. Never going to stay was he

@philhayman2: He just wants a bigger club.

@POMPEYBENNY: He’s only joined us so he can have a real burger on match days 🍔🍖🥩

@dazza_nics: Will be expecting some of his mates to glue themselves to the centre circle at Fratton now

@MrDavishPFC: We’re Portsmouth City, we do what we want

@DanEv1985: Salt all over the gaff.

@CheeesyChips: Forest Green vs Pompey postponed due to a flooded pitch caused by Dale Vinces tears 😂😂😂

@merson_pfc: FGR away is gonna be even better now for yous that are going 👌🏼😂😂😂

@tom_dubber: Dale is apparently unfamiliar with the concept of a man applying for a job and requesting that his current employers not be informed. Mind you I’d be bitter too if I hadn’t had a steak in decades and my pointless little football club was getting bullied by the big boys 😘

@adarkelimited: One loves to see it

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