Andy Awford: Portsmouth manager steps down from role

13 April 2015

Andy Awford has left his position as Portsmouth manager after a season in charge of the League Two club.

Awford, 42, took over from Richie Barker at the end of last season and helped steer the club to safety.

However, after a mixed season in which Pompey find themselves 14th in League Two, Awford has left by mutual consent.

Assistant manager Gary Waddock has been placed in temporary charge until the end of the season with four games left of the current campaign.

Analysis: Portsmouth legend and BBC football pundit Steve Claridge
"Some will feel Andy has not moved the club on, some will feel he should have been given more time. The club has stalled this year, the budget is good and they've underachieved. They are better than the situation they are in, they should be in the play offs. "It's the most wonderful job in the world, they are the most magnificent supporters. I'd do it in a heartbeat, that is well known, it's something I've always wanted to do. I wish I could get it out of my system."

Analysis: Portsmouth legend and BBC football pundit Steve Claridge

"Some will feel Andy has not moved the club on, some will feel he should have been given more time. The club has stalled this year, the budget is good and they've underachieved. They are better than the situation they are in, they should be in the play offs.

"It's the most wonderful job in the world, they are the most magnificent supporters. I'd do it in a heartbeat, that is well known, it's something I've always wanted to do. I wish I could get it out of my system."

In a statement Pompey said: "The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for Andy's efforts - his service to Pompey is immeasurable.

"One of his most significant contributions was when he took charge of the team in March 2014 and steered the club to safety from the threat of relegation out of the Football League."

Ex-academy boss Awford replaced Barker on 27 March and won five out of six games, with the other drawn, to steer Pompey to League Two safety.

He had previously taken charge as caretaker when Guy Whittingham was sacked in November 2013.

Awford, a former defender at Pompey, was also once the youngest ever player in the FA Cup, at just 15 years and 88 days old, while at Worcester City.

Analysis: BBC Radio Solent commentator Andrew Moon
"The play-offs were the minimum requirement for Portsmouth this season and, barring a good first month of the season, the team haven't looked like featuring in the promotion race. "Awford was almost sacked at the end of January, only to then go on and win the League Two Manager of the Month award for February. "However, things have fallen away badly in recent weeks, with the club in danger of their lowest ever Football League finish."

Analysis: BBC Radio Solent commentator Andrew Moon

"The play-offs were the minimum requirement for Portsmouth this season and, barring a good first month of the season, the team haven't looked like featuring in the promotion race.

"Awford was almost sacked at the end of January, only to then go on and win the League Two Manager of the Month award for February.

"However, things have fallen away badly in recent weeks, with the club in danger of their lowest ever Football League finish."

He made over 300 appearances for Portsmouth and has held several roles at Fratton Park, including chief scout and reserve-team manager.

The club have, however, left the door open for a potential return to the club for Awford, whose last game in charge was Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Morecambe.

"All parties have agreed that, after a natural break, further conversations will take place about the potential of Andy playing a further role within the football club," added the statement.

Andy Awford: Portsmouth manager steps down from role

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