Michael Appleton confirmed as new Portsmouth manager

Portsmouth have confirmed the appointment of Michael Appleton as their new manager.

The 35-year-old has moved to Fratton Park from Premier League West Brom, where he was assistant head coach to Roy Hodgson.

Appleton, a midfielder at Manchester United before his career was cut short by a knee injury, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal.

He replaces Steve Cotterill, who left to take over at Nottingham Forest three weeks ago, and is Pompey's fifth manager in a little over three years.

Appleton told Pompey's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: "I'm delighted and excited to be taking the job and hopefully I can share that enthusiasm and excitement out around the club.

"It was very difficult to leave West Brom because I had spent nearly a third of my life there and had made a lot of good friends and worked with good people.

"But it was time for me to take on a different challenge, and this is one I'm really excited about.

"Portsmouth have fantastic traditions and the supporters are renowned throughout the football world for being very loud and getting behind the team. We want to give them something to shout about.

"A few years ago Portsmouth were a successful Premier League club. I would like to think I can help the people at the football club achieve that again."

Pompey are currently 16th in the npower Championship and beat Cotterill's Forest 3-0 at the weekend.

PA