Appleton expects summer exodus

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton says the club will have to let a lot of players leave in the summer if they drop into League One.

Despite winning at Doncaster yesterday, Pompey are seven points adrift of safety with just three Championship games remaining and boss Appleton admits that the club probably need a fresh start if they are to drop down into the third tier for the first time in 29 years. "If I am asked about an ideal scenario, if we are going to be in a different division, it would be better to have a wholesale clear-out," he said. "That means a fresh start for everyone after all that has gone on at the football club. That is not just the players we are bringing in, I am sure there are certain players at the club who either want or feel they deserve a new start."