Portsmouth have missed out on the opportunity to appoint Andrew Andronikou as their administrator after the High Court placed Trevor Birch in control of the struggling club.

Birch, who has worked previously with former Premier League champions Chelsea as well as Sheffield United, Derby County, Leeds United and Everton, will handle the financial issues of Portsmouth after they plummeted into administration today.

The 53-year-old businessman was the preferred choice of the HM Revenue and Customs, who claimed that Birch has the "extensive experience" in administration in England and Scotland.

The Championship side recommended Adronikou, who handled the club's last stint in administration two years ago, but the South Coast club were denied their request.

Adronikou is also currently in control of Portsmouth's parent company Convers Initiatives, who went bust last year.

Pompey's bank accounts will now be unfrozen and put in full control of former chief executive Birch.