Nugent wants a battling manager

Portsmouth will on Tuesday begin the search for their third manager of the season, with striker David Nugent warning whoever takes the post must be "up for the scrap" of a relegation battle.

Tony Adams was dismissed by the south coast club on Monday morning after strong rumours overnight that his brief and disheartening spell at the club was over. Nugent, one of the few players whose prospects increased during Adams' tenure having been frozen out under Redknapp, insisted the former England captain deserved more patience.

Speaking as he left the training ground, Nugent said: "He gave me a chance and I was happy for him to stay. I thought he deserved a few more games but it's the chairman's decision and we'll see who comes in next."

Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant - previously technical director at Pompey - and Alan Curbishley appear to be involved in a two-horse race to succeed Adams.

Dutchman John Metgod also left his position as first-team coach, with former Nottingham Forest boss Paul Hart moved from his role with the club's youth players to take the reins on a caretaker basis.

Nugent has warned whoever inherits them permanently about the size of the challenge at a club.

He added: "There's 11 teams who could go down. We have to get a bit of stability at the club, get a few wins and get out of there.

"I don't have a clue about management but we need someone who can come in and is up for the scrap. The players are up for it so we just need someone who can come in and get a few wins.

"Paul has come in now and hopefully he'll settle the ship but whoever comes after him has a big job on their hands."