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. was confirmed that Michael Appleton would leave Portsmouth to become the manager of Blackpool, along with first-team coach Ashley Westwood. The club confirmed that Guy Whittingham would take over as caretaker manager. On 9 November, Chanrai halted his attempt to buy the club. Six days later, PST signed an initial conditional agreement with PFK to buy the club. The Pompey Supporters Trust became the new owners of the club on 10 April 2013 after the club exited administration, with the parent company now officially named as Portsmouth Community Football Club Limited. On the pitch, Portsmouth went on to be relegated