Appleton keen to stay at Pompey

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton has pledged to lead his side in npower League One next season, provided he has "the tools to do the job properly".

The south coast club's future remains in the balance as they search desperately for a buyer to lead them out of administration.

But Appleton is still ready to take the helm next term, provided he is able to field a competitive side in League One, and he said: "I want to have the tools to do the job properly and I want to be able to work on a level playing field in the division we're going to be working in."

He added: "I've been planning in the back of my mind anyway for the thought of life in League One. I think it would have been stupid of me not to really."

Appleton is bracing himself for a raft of player departures in the summer and expects to oversee a major rebuilding job.

He added: "You're not really sure what type of budget you're going to be working with, although if I was a betting man, I'd guess it'll be less than 50% of what it is now.

"It is difficult and one thing is for sure. I think there will be a lot of players leaving the football club because if we don't do that, there won't be a football club beyond May. I think that's one thing which is going to happen very, very quickly.

"If I have to start with a blank piece of paper with no names on it, so be it; as long as we can shape things for next year."