 The club endured a difficult end to the season , winning just once in a period of 12 matches , which prompted the appointment of Alain Perrin as Portsmouth 's new manager . Berger was one of a number of players including Steve Stone and Shaka Hislop whose contracts were due to expire in the summer . Portsmouth successfully avoided relegation close to the end of the season , following a 2 – 0 loss away at Manchester City on 30 April . In spite of Portsmouth having retained their Premier League status , Berger then joined Aston Villa on a two @-@ year @-@ deal , citing manager David O 'Leary as the main reason for choosing Villa . 
