Confusion reigns at Southampton over new boss Poortvliet

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.'