He obtained a UEFA 'A' Licence and worked as a PE Teacher in Petersfield before returning to Portsmouth as the club's Academy Manager in February 2011. Following Michael Appleton's move to Blackpool in November 2012, Guy Whittingham was made caretaker manager of Portsmouth with Awford appointed as his assistant. Despite being given only temporary roles, the pair remained in charge for the rest of the 2012–13 season. In June 2013 Awford successfully graduated from The FA Professional / Elite level 5 accreditation. In November 2013, Whittingham, who had been named as permanent manager, was sacked and Awford named as caretaker manager. On 9 December, Richie Barker was named as permanent manager with Awford returning to work with the club's academy.