Portsmouth were tipped for promotion in the 2013-14 EFL League Two season by bookmakers, with Guy Whittingham given the first team job full-time but after a slow start to the season, Whittingham became increasingly unpopular. He was sacked on 25 November 2013 with Portsmouth just six points above the relegation zone. Andy Awford took the role of caretaker manager, earning a point against 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 worsened 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 earned him the role of Portsmouth's first-team manager for the 2014–15 season.