Awford did all he could to deliver success

The former Blues boss’ efforts have been backed by Bury manager David Flitcroft ahead of today’s meeting with the Shakers.

Awford this weekend departed the Fratton Park hot seat after 13 months.

Flitcroft has built a relationship with the former Pompey defender as they undertake their Uefa pro licence coaching badge.

The course underlines the harsh realities managers face as they go about their work. But Flitcroft feels Awford showed dedication to the Pompey role.

He said: ‘I am on the pro licence and Andy is on that.

‘They said it’s an 18-month course, some of you will last, some of you won’t and it’s how you support each other through that.

‘It’s (Pompey) a massive club and fanbase, a big job to handle.

‘They have had a bit of a sketchy season. I know Andy, he’s really detailed in his work and he tried everything.’

Flitcroft feels the first-team structure being put in place at Pompey is very different to the way he is working.

And he isn’t expecting his team to face a side invigorated by a managerial change today.

‘I think they might have a different plan there,’ added Flitcroft.

‘Bringing Gary Waddock in to support Andy, you have almost got two managers at once doing the job.

‘It’s not as if they have got a new manager in and there will be a massive resurgence. The players know him and what he is about.

‘They might be surprised if he does something different now. Why didn’t he do it when Andy was there?’