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".

Pompey's relegation was confirmed after they went down 2-1 against Derby at Fratton Park. Jake Buxton nodded the visitors ahead from a Jamie Ward corner four minutes before the break. Luke Varney turned on to a pass from Portsmouth substitute Marko Futacs after 74 minutes and fired home an equaliser.
But Steve Davies converted a penalty, controversially awarded for a foul on Ward by Jason Pearce, to seal Pompey's fate.
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, saying: "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.
"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."