Former England striker Mick Harford is set to join Paul Jewell’s Town staff. Harford, 53, has recently been scouting for the England U21 set-up and appears likely to take on a similar role with the Blues.

Jewell has been looking to add to his scouting staff with former Everton midfielder Andy King leaving the club in December only a month after being appointed.

Much-travelled Harford played for Lincoln, Newcastle, Bristol City, Birmingham, Luton, Derby, Chelsea, hometown club Sunderland, Coventry and Wimbledon, in addition to winning two full England caps.

Since retiring, Harford, who lives in Harpenden in Hertfordshire, has had spells as manager at Rotherham, Luton, Nottingham Forest (caretaker) and QPR (caretaker), as well as spending time on the coaching staff at Wimbledon, Luton, Forest, Millwall, Colchester and QPR.

Meanwhile, Norwich City are reported to have watched Portsmouth pair Joel Ward and Jason Pearce, both long-time Town targets. The Blues held talks with Ward before the March loan deadline, while Pearce, who is understood to be close to moving to Leeds, was the subject of a rebuffed bid in January.

Elsewhere, Hull City are said to have joined the Blues and Leeds in showing interest in exiting Derby midfielder Paul Green.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Garv added 23:51 - Apr 25 Definitely read 'Halford to join' when I saw it on Twitter. Good.
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Big_Foot_Blue added 00:08 - Apr 26 good news, hopefully we can see a view england under 21's being targeted!
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AlanMahon2011 added 00:34 - Apr 26 I'd rather have Halford join to be honest.
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TractorBoy666 added 00:53 - Apr 26 We might as well chuck him in the team!
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hollywoodginge added 01:39 - Apr 26 I met his father Ray who was Blackburn manger at the time, lovely man, god rest his soul.
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Cageyblue added 03:27 - Apr 26 Ray Harford is not Mick Harford's father.
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Vexorg added 06:47 - Apr 26 Manager by November?
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Marcus added 06:55 - Apr 26 Seems his coaching/scouting career is mimicking his playing one. I guess he'll stay here for a couple of years and then move on.
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Sindre94 added 07:03 - Apr 26 Nice :)
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Pessimistic added 07:32 - Apr 26 We shall see.
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Len_Brennan added 07:36 - Apr 26 As Big Foot says, this could be a good move for us, especially due to his knowledge of the u-21 players over recent years. He must have a few recommendations up his sleeve already.
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itfc1981 added 07:50 - Apr 26 Well done Simon Clegg for getting Ward and Pearce tied up nice and early so there could be no prospect of other clubs coming in for them. Cheers.
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Mark added 07:56 - Apr 26 Yep, let's have some of those players scouted for England U21s please! I get the feeling Pearce isn't Premier League standard, but Ward sounds a versatile player so may interest Norwich. They tend to move very quickly for the players they want while we are still thinking about it. I thought I read "exciting Derby midfielder Paul Green." but then realised it was 'exiting'. :-)

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itfc1981 added 08:00 - Apr 26 Mark Pearce is the far better player former Bournmouth Captain. Pompey player of the season, he's of PL standard. Its Ward who is considered the less gifted player.
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radiogaga added 08:02 - Apr 26 itfc1981 - Clegg gets a lot of stick from us, but cut him some slack with Ward and Pearce. The season hasn't even finished yet and the transfer window isn't close to opening, football doesn't really work the way you are thinking. Besides, if Ward and Pearce don't join, we are better off without. Cresswell wanted to come to us once he heard we were after him, despite other interest, and they're the type of players we need here going forward...not players who need to be persuaded to come.

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blueoff added 08:09 - Apr 26 Get yer boots on mick
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Legend added 08:22 - Apr 26 Who else has the feeling its going to be a long boring summer regarding ITFC transfer spin again? Never mind at least PJ is positive about next season.........NOT!
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itfc1981 added 08:24 - Apr 26 Radiogaga I am reffering to his not snapping them up in earlier in the season, we have no chance now.
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jaydee added 08:53 - Apr 26 No thanks - I'd rather have a younger person in with fresh idea's.Look what De Matteo has done for Chelsea.
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saffronblue added 09:01 - Apr 26 itfc1981 they were asking for stupid money when we approached them last time which is why the deal wasn't done. Clearly they don't wamt to be here and with the new FPP regs we don't want to cripple the club
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tractorboy2434 added 10:00 - Apr 26 If I hear the names Pearce and Ward from Portsmouth again I will scream, why would they leave a financially crippled club about to be relegated from the Champ for another financially crippled club who may well follow Pompey next season, they will have far better offers so forget it and move on
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Special_A added 10:02 - Apr 26 jaydee- Why does a scout need to be young? I can't see how being a 53 year old scout is an issue!?
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walberswick added 10:07 - Apr 26 We don't have a problem identifying targets, we are unable to sign any of them. Another drinking mate for Jewellio and another backroom staff to pay off.
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shoopdelang added 10:18 - Apr 26 Is it me or does he look a bit like Richard Keys?
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Lukeybluey added 10:30 - Apr 26 bit of a coup for the club imo
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