POMPEY were today looking to get back on track after the sudden resignation of chief executive Barrie Pierpoint.

Director Paul Mitchell will take over Pierpoint's role for 45 days as part of an investigation into club finances.

The former Leicester City chief had been at Fratton Park for just six months and was embroiled in a bitter boardroom battle at Filbert Street before his move south.

He had claimed he was being undermined by an inner clique at the club, something chairman Milan Mandaric has dismissed.

Pierpoint has worked hard to improve Portsmouth's commercial operation and build bridges badly damaged under the previous Gregory regime.

But he was battling against major financial strife, with the club losing around £500,000 a week and heading towards a projected loss of around £6 million.

Mandaric explained: "Barrie was here on a short-term contract and at the end of it both parties had the option to part company or go forward together - Barrie has exercised that option. We have accepted his resignation and the club will continue to move forward."

The US-based chairman will be in the UK until mid-January and stressed he will be spending all his time working for the benefit of the club. Last night, he and Mitchell attended a meeting with supporters on the Isle of Wight, despite the cancellation of several other scheduled meetings during the day.

Mandaric, who met Fratton staff yesterday afternoon to explain what was happening, added: "It is my intention to spend time with Paul and the staff here to make sure we continue upon the right track and Barrie and his staff deserve credit for the progress that has been made."

Meanwhile Huddersfield boss Lou Macari has been charged with violent behaviour towards a match official for his outburst at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Macari appeared to shove fourth official Barry Wade in the chest as tempers flared following a challenge by Town's Simon Baldry on Ceri Hughes.

He could face a 12-match touchline ban, but Macari protested: "I shall fight it all the way if necessary because, as far as I'm concerned, I broke no laws."