Reading all the negative headlines about the skates make me wonder what the hell persuaded Appleton to leave a cushy job at West Brom to take on Pompey? He must have realised the dire position they were in. no money for transfers, small squad etc etc. Bet he's regretting it now!
I don't know, I think it's a pretty shrewd move. No-one expects them to do well - if he does somehow keep them afloat, he'll be recognised as having done a great job. If not, no-one will blame him.