Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie admits they were planning to take their time in replacing Harry Redknapp, before naming Tony Adams as manager yesterday.

"We intended to take our time replacing Harry because his leaving was such a shock," said Storrie.

"But after we spoke and then slept on it we had a reflection on the situation and Sacha said he thought that really we should act quickly if we wanted to appoint Tony and let the club move on.

"He's a very popular choice, the fans were chanting his name when he and Joe Jordan (first-team coach) were in charge against Fulham on Saturday just after Harry left - and we knew he really wanted it.

"If we hadn't given it to him he would probably have upped and left and he's too good for us to let that happen. I think we are all very pleased he's taken it."