Portsmouth captain Liam Lawrence targets new recruits

Lawrence joined Pompey from Stoke in August 2010

Portsmouth's Liam Lawrence has told chief executive David Lampitt the club need to sign new players if it is to progress in the Championship.

The Blues skipper, 29, met with Lampitt earlier this week after their draw with Scunthorpe left them 16th in the table.

"I said we need players next year and need to back the manager, Steve Cotterill, because he's a hungry guy," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"If he's not backed we could be in this same situation next year."

The midfielder continued: "If he's back next year and gets the players he wants in then I'm sure this club can challenge for the play-offs at least.

"I think he's a good manager, he's done an unbelievable job, with the resources he's had it's been a great job from him."

Since his arrival in June 2010 Cotterill has signed just four first-team players, including the addition of Lawrence from Stoke.

The Pompey boss, who last month blamed his side's poor start to the season and lack of new signings for failing to reach the play-offs, has struggled to cope with a depleted squad for most of the campaign - even playing some games with only four substitutes.