Portsmouth name Richie Barker as their new manager with Steve Coppell appointed director of football

Barker replaces Guy Whittingham after being sacked by Crawley two weeks ago while Coppell joins having left the same club

Richie Barker has been named as Portsmouth's new manager (GETTY IMAGES)

Portsmouth have named Richie Barker as their new manager and Steve Coppell as director of football.

Barker, 38, has agreed a rolling contract to take over at Fratton Park less than two weeks after he was sacked by League One Crawley.

He replaces Guy Whittingham, who was axed by Pompey two days earlier following a winless run of seven matches which left them 18th in League Two.

Barker said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me. I'm very excited to be at this club with its great history.

"Everyone knows how passionate the people of Portsmouth are about their football club."

Former Crystal Palace and Brighton boss Coppell, 58, worked in a similar role with Barker at Crawley.

He said: "It's a new challenge for me and I'm very excited. Richie asked if I'd like to be involved and I jumped at the opportunity."