Portsmouth insist their new manager appointment will not be a stop-gap.

New technical director Avram Grant has been linked with the post as he waits on his work permit being granted.

Pompey executive director Mark Jacob - who is close to owner Ali Al Faraj - told the Portsmouth News: "Obviously we want to appoint a new manager as soon as possible, but it is not a decision we are interested in rushing.

"It's all about planning for the long term. We are not looking to appoint somebody only to have to review it again soon.

"It may well happen after the weekend, we'll have to see. We want to give ourselves every opportunity and chance to survive this season - and that means appointing the right manager.

"A long-term goal is there and there are plans in place whereby we want to achieve things not just three months down the line but also three years. The R word (relegation) does not exist in my vocabulary, it's not an option."