Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton was relieved only to lose one player during the January transfer window - Ryan Williams left, for Fulham. The Championship club have been issued with a winding-up petition over unpaid tax and failed to play their players' wages last month.

"I am relieved it is over and that only Ryan has left the club," Appleton told BBC Radio Solent.

Jason Pearce told BBC Radio Solent on Wednesday that part of the reason he wanted to remain at Fratton Park was because of the new manager.

And Appleton admits it was nice to have that vote of confidence.

"I spoke to all three players and they told me they did not want to leave the football club and they were happy at the club," he added.

"That was nice and from my point of view it was nice to get a pat on the back from the players. I must be doing something right.

"We've got sensible bunch of players and I was delighted to keep hold of them. I can start to think about building the squad from here."

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