Portsmouth boss says Michael Appleton the best man for the job

Portsmouth chief executive David Lampitt says new manager Michael Appleton was the best man for the job despite his inexperience.

Appleton was named Pompey's new boss on Thursday after an exhaustive 27-day search to replace Steve Cotterill, who joined Nottingham Forest.

It is the 35-year-old's first full-time job in management having coached at West Bromwich Albion for seven years.

"His credentials speak for themselves," Lampitt told BBC South Today.

Lampitt added: "Over a period of time I think people will realise that."

Lampitt had interviewed proven managers Sean O'Driscoll and Steve Coppell for the position but instead opted for youth over experience.

"He comes with a very good pedigree and has worked with some fantastic people and arrives with a good reputation in the game," said Lampitt.

"I'd like to think this decision is more indicative of the fact we have done our homework and looked for and have tried to get the best man for the job.

"The perception of the football club is changing in my view and the fact we had so many applicants tells its own story."

Appleton says he is impressed by the club's vision and was eager to get them back into the Premier League.

The former Manchester United and Preston midfielder also defended his own appointment: "People will obviously mention my age but I've spent seven years coaching and five with senior players.

"We realise the troubles the club has had in the past but I think this is a new challenge and a new chapter for everybody and I want to get the club playing where they were four or five years ago.

"I think the thing that attracted me to the club is that they have a five-year-plan.

"That plan includes improving the infrastructure of the football club and getting hold of the training ground they own, to building on the academy, to setting up a recruitment policy where we can recruit from within as well as scouting them from across Europe and America."