Pompey boss to make emergency calls

Andy Awford’s men turned in a woeful second-half display as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by non-league Aldershot Town last night.

Now attention will turn to players, with a furious Awford withering in his post-match criticism.

It is the first time the Blues boss has turned on his troops since initially taking over as caretaker.

A team meeting was held in the away dressing room last night for more than 30 minutes following the 1-0 defeat.

Next, Awford will make it a matter of urgency to raid the emergency loan market before it closes on Thursday, November 27.

And that puts question marks over many of his under-performing Fratton Park squad.

He said: ‘In the first half there were chances, opportunities and we don’t take them and it’s not good enough.

‘We are not ruthless enough, we are not clinical enough in the final third.

‘I said that away at Hartlepool and away at York and it has going on too long – so I am going to explore the loan market.

‘I have always said I am always looking – and I am always looking, of course I am.

‘This result has now made it urgent for me.

‘And I don’t think anybody can have any complaints if I bring people in and play them.’

Miles Storey, Alex Wynter and Paul Robinson are the loan players presently at Fratton Park.

Storey and Wynter are on season-loan loans, although that can be reassessed in January.

Robinson’s deal runs out at the end of the year.