Jay Sadler is Portsmouth’s first-ever full-time manager, just reward for his sterling efforts since his appointment in November 2017.

Sadler had been assistant manager before stepping into the main job when Craig Taylor’s spell was brought to an end.

In the time since, he has helped the club navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and led them to Hampshire Cup success in 2019/20, beating local rivals Southampton on penalties with Hannah Haughton saving two spot-kicks.

After mounting a promotion challenge in 2022/23, finishing seven points off top spot, Sadler and a rejuvenated Pompey went one better last term.

They won 20 of their 22 matches and scored 125 goals in all competitions, benefiting from a change in ownership model which saw them move from the Community Trust’s wing to being incorporated with the men’s team.

Sadler has noted that the club has had to overcome plenty of hurdles in their first summer as a fully professional outfit, but he is relishing the challenge of managing Pompey in the second tier.