Richie Barker has been sacked by Portsmouth after only 20 games in charge of the League Two strugglers. Academy boss Andy Awford has been placed in temporary charge of the club for Saturday's game against Newport at Rodney Parade.
"Following a meeting between Richie and the board, both parties agreed that it was in the best interests of the club. Portsmouth would like to thank Richie for all his work and wish him well for the future. Andy Awford has been appointed caretaker manager until the end of the season." said a club statement.
Barker met with Portsmouth chairman Iain McInnes and chief executive Mark Catlin on Wednesday night at Fratton Park and was told of his fate on Thursday.
The FA Cup finalists in 2010 have dropped to within two points of the relegation zone.
