This is not intended to rile this evening's opponents, I would hope some of them would agree. Reading this interview with the Pompey coach has given a different perspective on the situation. I think if I had a manager like this I'd be inclined to stick it out and risk going down on the ship with him. Let's remember that what happens financially is not in his control. I hope that he gets to manage in a normal situation once this is resolved and he gets the chance to show what he can do "It's very difficult, all you can do is coach them and organise them as best you can," said Appleton. "It's hard not being able to bring players in and freshen up the squad. We've had an embargo from the minute I walked through the door and I've not been able to utilise my contacts and knowledge of Championship football. "I said to the players, we are going to lose games of football, that is what happens in the Championship, but what we don't want to do is lose is our belief. "And as long as we don't lose our belief, there are 13 games to go, and we will get the rub of the green, and we will get a decision in our favour for once - hopefully that will be the spur we need." He added: "Since the day I retired (as a footballer) I've always wanted to be a football manager and hopefully I can continue to do my job and be a football manager for the next 20 or 30 years. "I've got reasonable qualities to continue and do the job and will continue to do my job. "At the end of the day I am not allowed to have a bad day people because look at me for strength. "I try to show the players that I am willing to fight to the end. And if we have a group of players who are prepared to do the same then we have a great chance."
I don't think any respectable football fan likes seeing what is going on at Pompey, and the only people that should suffer, are the financiers in control of the club. But, unfortunately, they will probably be the only people that will benefit from all of this, and still get paid a stupendous amount of money. They made the bad decisions, therefore they should be accountable for it. You have to admire the three pompey lads (and all the others) that wanted to stick it out and fight for the club they clearly love. I wish them luck for the future...
