TRYING to have a chat with Portsmouth's new boss Graham Rix is a tricky proposition.

The Fratton Park press officer has to ask several questions about subject of the call as "some of the people trying to speak to him haven't always wanted to talk about Portsmouth."

Rix's profile has been raised both on and off the pitch in recent years.

Off it, two years ago, he made the headlines after being sentenced to 12 months in prison, while still at Chelsea, for having unlawful sex with a minor.

On it, after a great career with Arsenal he moved on to Chelsea where he was praised for his coaching qualities at Stamford Bridge under both Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli.

That was before he and Ray Wilkins became well-documented victims of the Claudio Ranieri era and were axed in November.

Rix, 43, wasn't out of football too long before Portsmouth appointed him their new manager this week -- and he's walked straight into some more controversy regarding fans favourite Steve Claridge.

The striker, born in Pompey, had been first choice for the Portsmouth hot seat after Tony Pulis parted company with the Fratton Park club in October.

He was given a caretaker role -- much to the fans' delight -- but has been hindered by long term injuries, including the loss of record £1.2m striker Lee Mills with a knee injury.

The former Bradford player has been out for four months, making his return only last week in the 2-0 defeat by West Brom.

At one point, in a defeat to Bolton two weeks ago, Claridge had a better line up in the stands with nine of his first team regulars battling against injury.

Claridge had hoped the board would take these problems into consideration when he applied for the manager's position full-time -- even though Porstmouth lie just three points above the drop zone.

And so he was furious when he was over looked.

"I feel I have never been given a real chance with the club.

"I have been missing key players since the day I took over.

"After this experience I have learned who my friends are and certainly who my friends aren't.

"I have lost a lot of faith in human nature."

Claridge, though, insisted he had no argument with Rix, adding: "That is not the issue.

"It's all about what I want to do.

"A lot has been said over the last few days but nothing close to the mark.

"At the end of the day I hope people will have the chance to see the true picture. In truth I know I never really had the job."

But Rix has urged the 34-year-old striker, who is Pompey's top scorer with 11 goals this season, to stay at Fratton Park.

"I want him to stay on board and he will have a role as coach if he decides to stay," said Rix.

"I have been in his position myself and I know how he will be feeling.

"I have had a good long chat with him and he was upset and very angry about what has happened. But I get on all right with him. The ball is now in his court.

"There is a position here for him if he wants it and I hope he does. I have ambitions for Portsmouth and Steve can play a big part in them."

If Claridge does decide to walk away, the Clarets, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest are all said to be chasing the services, with Swindon and others also in the hunt.

Meanwhile, Rix will pick his first team for the visit of Burnley, boosted by the addition of winger Lee Sharpe.

The former Manchester United ace has committed his short-term future to Pompey and agreed to stay at Fratton Park until the end of the season.

Sharpe's loan spell from Bradford would have ended after the Burnley game.

Sharpe said: "I can feel myself getting fitter and I want to play games. It's an exciting time for the club with Graham coming in and I would like to be part of it."

Rix added: "I want Lee to stay and he wants to stay and I am very encouraged by that."