On 18 October 2012, the administrators named the Pompey Supporters Trust as its preferred bidder after rumours that the Football League had raised concerns over Chanrai's bid. On 7 November 2012, it 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.