Caretaker boss Andy Awford issued a rallying cry for some Pompey togetherness as he prepared for the first of seven games that will make or break the club's immediate future.

Awford has been appointed to manage the team until the end of the season after Richie Barker left Fratton by mutual consent on Thursday.

The new man at the helm told the BBC: 'We all need to be together, the staff, the players, the board and the fans. The fans know me and I know the fans and together we will get this place rocking.

'We have to be together and fight. It is going to be hard, it's a difficult task and if I did not think we could do it I would not be here. We will be going all out to put smiles on people's faces because the football club ticks with the fans. It's unique, the fans drive this football club. Always have and always will.'

Awford said it was vital Pompey did not suffer what would be a fourth relegation in five years, adding: 'Relegation would be unacceptable. The decline is so dramatic and I do still feel we are feeling the trickle of administration.

'That still bites on us and we have not had time to stabilise. All we are focusing on is now and the rest will follow. Normally, I'm about longevity, but it's all about now.

'We would like to win 5-0 every week and play like Barcelona, but we've got what we've got and we are where we are. My focus is on getting results and installing confidence that will allow the players to express themselves. I'll be trying to win football matches. If it's boring, then it's boring.'

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