After missing out on promotion by the narrowest of margins, a seemingly premature press announcement has cast the future of still-Portimonense manager José Augusto in doubt.
The long-serving 43-year-old, who saw the record haul of 78 points this season fall just short of pipping rivals Feirense due to an inferior head-to-head record, is currently seeking clarification over the remaining year of his contract after newspapers announced Vitor Oliveira as his successor.
Oliveira, now 62, began his coaching career at Portimonense in 1985 after hanging up his boots, and was most recently in charge of Chaves’ successful promotion campaign, the ninth time he has managed a second division club into Portugal’s top tier over the past three decades.
“I have always made my decisions based on logic,” Oliveira said, “and this time the logic was simple: I had four or five offers but Portimonense has the advantage of a virtually complete squad in contrast to the other teams. This past season it was the best squad but not effectively the best team, something we are going to change.”
All this apparently came as a surprise to incumbent José Augusto who, in the absence of any further information from the club or press since last Saturday, one can only assume is still locked in discussions with Portimonense directors. Watch this space!
By SKIP BANDELE
