Hughes was appointed earlier in the week as the Portsmouth sporting director, leaving Forest Green Rovers, whose owner Dale Vince accused Pompey of breaching EFL rules.

 

The new Portsmouth sporting director had been at Forest Green since 2018 and oversaw Rovers getting promoted to League One at the end of last season to join Portsmouth in the division.

 

 

Cullen explained that Portsmouth were impressed by Hughes’ track record, including what he has done in terms of recruitment.

 

Hughes’ background in sport science and medicine were further encouragement for Portsmouth and Cullen believes with the new director, Portsmouth can improve in all areas. 

 

 

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent Sport on Hughes’ appointment, Cullen said: “When you look back at his track record and experience, we were very impressed with what he’s achieved in his career so far.

 

“In terms of recruitment, he’s identified a long stream of emerging talents at Forest Green.

 

 

“Good young players that have come in, some that have moved on and progressed their careers and others that have helped them win promotion to the next level.

 

“But beyond that, his other experience lies in, he’s got background in sports science and medicine as well as recruitment so that again is going to help us in all areas of our operations.”

 

Portsmouth will be hoping that Hughes can repeat the trick with them and help them get promoted in his new role.