History of Portsmouth F.C. place, thanks to academy director Paul Hart stepping in as caretaker boss, seven points clear of the relegated clubs, despite the disruption brought by the departure of Harry Redknapp and the subsequent sacking of his successor, former assistant manager Tony Adams. At the start of the 2008–09 season rumours began to fly around that Portsmouth were facing crippling debts due to their recent heavy spending and owner Alexandre Gaydamak was looking to sell the club. After Redknapp's departure many key players began to depart with Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe leaving in January. In May 2009, Sulaiman Al-Fahim had a
History of Portsmouth F.C. Hartlepool United in his first game, but the permanent job was given to Ritchie Barker, who took over a Portsmouth side in 17th place on 9 December. However, Portsmouth's form worsend under Barker and on 27 March 2014, he was sacked after just 20 games with the team just two points above the relegation zone. Awford once again stepped in as caretaker manager to be in charge of what was billed as "seven cup finals" to save the club. Portsmouth won five of them in a row and drew the other two, finishing 13th. Andy Awford's impressive run of results