Portsmouth striker David Nugent admitted the club's next manager will have "a big job on their hands" following the sacking of Tony Adams. Nugent said: "He called me aside and said I'd done well for him in the past few games, scoring a couple of goals.

"He wished us well for the future and just walked out, that was it really.

"He gave me a chance and I was happy for him to stay. I thought he deserved a few more games but it's the chairman's decision and we'll see who comes in next."

Former Nottingham Forest manager Paul Hart has taken on the role of caretaker manager, moving from his position as director of youth operation.

Nugent continued: "There's 11 teams who could go down. We have to get a bit of stability at the club, get a few wins and get out of there.

"I don't have a clue about management but we need someone who can come in and is up for the scrap. The players are up for it so we just need someone who can come in and get a few wins.

"Paul has come in now and hopefully he'll settle the ship but whoever comes after him has a big job on their hands."