Manager Michael Appleton has expressed relief at his Portsmouth side coming through the transfer window with the departure of just one player.

Despite facing a winding-up petition and failing to pay their players' wages last month, Pompey only lost Ryan Williams to Fulham during January.

Appleton was pleased with the loyalty Joel Ward, Jason Pearce and Stephen Henderson showed to the club despite being the subject of bids from Ipswich.

"I spoke to all three players and they told me they did not want to leave the football club," Appleton told BBC Radio Solent.

"That was nice and from my point of view it was nice to get a pat on the back from the players. I must be doing something right.

"I am relieved it is over and that only Ryan has left the club. I can start to think about building the squad from here."