Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill is determined to turn things around at the rock bottom club, who have just two points from their opening seven games. He assembled much of his squad after the season began and fully admits they are still not up to pace, which adds to his list of problems.

"We are not fit enough yet. The only thing the players have done is played the games this week," he said.

"None of our boys have had a pre-season. We haven't had a good start that has given us a base fitness-wise.

"The games come thick and fast and we would have preferred a week's training.

"It's not an easy job. I can't believe how hard it has been to get where we are.

"There have been a lot of problems that are deep-rooted but we will get to the bottom of them and turn it around."

Cotterill knew his side should have left with the points after creating plenty of chances in the 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.

"It's been like that for the last three games. There's no reward there. I felt that was a game we deserved to win," he added.

"It summed it up when their goalkeeper was named man of the match. We played very well and created some good chances."