Confusion reigns at Southampton over new boss Poortvliet

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Southampton have been accused of appointing Jan Poortvliet as their new head coach without the permission of his former club Helmond Sport.

Poortvliet was unveiled as Nigel Pearson's replacement last Friday, with fellow Dutchman Mark Wotte drafted in as academy director.

It was reported that Poortvliet had bought out the remainder of his deal with the Dutch second tier side.

But Helmond Sport managing director Mario Captein warned Southampton that Poortvliet remains under contract and they expect him to be back in Holland later this month to take pre-season training.

He said: 'We are absolutely stunned. There is no way he can have a deal with Southampton. There are no clauses or escape routes in his contract. The last contact we had with him was last Thursday.

'The next morning he was revealed as the new manager of Southampton. Since that day he has never been in touch.'

Southampton executive chairman Rupert Lowe conceded last night that Poortvliet was still under contract to Helmond Sport but insisted: 'We've just got to tie up the compensation issue. Jan has agreed to pay out of his own pocket.'