Appleton Looks to the Future

If Portsmouth were a soap opera they would make for excellent viewing, they have it all. Move over EastEnders.

Drama: in abundance, financial catastrophe occurs as frequently as a Walford Christmas time death. Happy days: The odd one, most notably the FA Cup win back in 2008, but those sorts of days are too and far in-between. Weddings: Portsmouth has vowed to more owners than Ian Beale, neither of them having a happy ending.

But that’s enough analogies for now, and current manager Michael Appleton is hoping for days without financial constraint:

"I cannot wait for the day when I can do what I am supposed to - managing the team. I'd love to have a level playing field. I crave that,” said a hopeful Appleton to The Sun.

Portsmouth’s recent antics have been more dramatic than any soap in recent months (back to the soap analogy), with former chairman Vladimir Antonov being arrested on suspicion of money laundering, and the club being docked ten points for entering administration – again.

Appleton is just 36-years of age, but shows a degree of mental strength and resilience that is certainly needed at Fratton Park:

"As manager, you're supposed to be the figurehead, the man holding it together.

"I cannot afford to have a bad day and that has been the biggest challenge. I am not allowed to have a bad day because, if I have a bad one, everyone else does," said a committed manager.

Despite all the turmoil currently surrounding the club Appleton’s side recorded a noteworthy 4-1 win over promotion chasing Birmingham in midweek, something he hopes will act as a catalyst for a series of wins:

“It was a great result to beat Birmingham but we need to focus on Coventry. I have told the lads we want to be in this arm wrestle for as long as possible.

“None of us at this club are to do with old regimes. We hope to start afresh next season and in the Championship."

@AlexOLoughlin

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