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Richie Barker surprised by Portsmouth task

Portsmouth manager Richie Barker admits that he was surprised at the size of the job that he took on at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth manager Richie Barker has admitted that the job of turning the club's fortunes around was bigger than he anticipated.

The former Crawley Town manager was appointed Pompey boss in December but has won just four of his 14 games in charge.

The South Coast club currently sit 18th in League Two, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

"I thought it would only need small changes to get us back into the top half," Barker told BBC Radio Solent.

"Within the first two to three weeks I recognised the changes would have to be fairly big.

"If I'm honest, I thought the team would be closer to the top half in terms of form, in terms of mentality and in terms of technical and tactical ability."

Portsmouth beat Accrington Stanley 1-0 in their last outing on Tuesday.

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Crawley Town manager Richie Barker during the Sky Bet League One match between Sheffield United and Crawley Town at Bramall Lane on October 04, 2013
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