It has been revealed that Latics boss Iain Dowie turned down a coaching job with First Division Portsmouth earlier this year in order to stay with Athletic. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, a friend of Dowie, offered him the post of assistant manager at Fratton Park. The way that Dowie has started with Athletic will no doubt kindle rumours that he is being linked with various posts around the league but at the moment Dowie is content at Boundary Park. Don’t be surprised if he is linked with moves as Athletic continue to set the pace in the Second Division. Portsmouth are currently on schedule to make the leap to the Premiership and went on to appoint veteran Jim Smith as assistant at Fratton Park.