PORTSMOUTH HAVE APPOINTED Paul Cook as their new manager.

Despite guiding Chesterfield to this season’s League One play-offs, the former Sligo Rovers boss has decided to head south and take the reins at Pompey, who finished 16th in League Two.

“I would like to thank Paul for the fine job he has done as manager of Chesterfield and wish him well for the future,” said Chesterfield’s chief executive Chris Turner.

“I could not have wished for a better working relationship than the one I have enjoyed with Paul over the last two-and-a-half-years and there is nobody more disappointed than me to see him leave.”

Cook spent five seasons in charge of Sligo Rovers, during which he guided the club to two FAI Cup titles and one League Cup.

The former Wigan and Wolves midfielder departed for Accrington Stanley in 2012 but left eight months later to take over at Chesterfield. With Cook at the helm, Chesterfield were crowned League Two champions last season.

Portsmouth have been without a manager since the sacking of Andy Awford last month. Cook becomes the club’s ninth boss since the departure of FA Cup-winning gaffer Harry Redknapp seven years ago.