Portsmouth sack Richie Barker

Portsmouth have sacked Richie Barker after just three-and-a-half-months in charge. The decision comes after Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Rochdale, which left the south coast club just one place and two points above the dreaded drop zone.

The loss was Pompey's  third in a row, while it extended their winless run to six matches. In fact, Barker departs the club with a dismal record of just four victories from his 20 games at the helm, giving him a win percentage of just 20%.

Click here for the Next Portsmouth Manager Odds

Pompey have subsequently sent Barker packing in order to boost their chances of avoiding a third consecutive relegation, and fourth in five years. The club’s academy boss, Andy Awford, will be placed in temporary charge of the first team for Saturday's fixture at Newport. The 2008 FA Cup winners have just seven games remaining to beat the drop and preserve their Football League status, with three of their final four matches coming against relegation rivals Rovers, Northampton and Bury.

Portsmouth's remaining fixtures
Newport (a)
Hartlepool (h)
Dag & Red (a)
Bristol Rovers (h)
Northampton (a)
Bury (a)
Plymouth (h)