Portsmouth FC Financial Crisis - Page 17

quote Pompey Fan

138m in debt. No ones going to bail us out.

quote PFC

Preparations for Pompey’s 2010/11 season are already underway, as the football club looks to build a strong squad capable of challenging for the Championship title.

The football club can confirm it has offered new contracts to influential first-team FA Cup heroes David James, Kanu, Hermann Hreidarsson and Ricardo Rocha.

It’s hoped the popular quartet will bring a wealth of experience and strength to the Blues’ side as they seek to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

A number of Pompey’s rising stars have also been approached with new deals to keep them at Fratton Park.

Lennard Sowah, Matt Ritchie and Joel Ward have all been offered contracts, following their impressive breakthroughs at the end of the season.

They are joined by fellow youngsters Marlon Pack and Tom Kilbey, along with reserve keeper Jon Stewart.

Fratton favourite Linvoy Primus has also been offered a position at the club, following his retirement from football.

And Pompey’s coaching staff have identified a number of players in different positions that they would like to bring into the squad, with work ongoing in this area.

Loan stars Jamie O’Hara (Tottenham), Hassan Yebda (Benfica), Aruna Dindane (Lens) and Frederic Piquionne (Lyon) all rejoin their parent clubs.

Anthony Vanden Borre will also return to Serie A side Genoa, but Pompey are working on a new loan deal that will hopefully allow the defender to be come back to Fratton Park for a further season.

Angelos Basinas, Jamie Ashdown, Steve Finnan and OJ Koroma have all been released.

Portsmouth FC would like to thank the departing players for their tremendous service to the club during their time on the south coast.

quote FIFAleachy

I saw on Sky Sports News that if West Ham approach Portsmouth for Avram Grant they aren't going to ask for any compensation. Why would this be?

Heard it all this morning. Vanden Borre will only been loan should he come back?

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Avram Grant's resigned as Portsmouth manager.


Really couldn't see him staying. He's been brilliant and I wouldn't be too gutted if he took some of the players with him. All the best, thanks for everything, Avram.

quote Avram Grant

This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to take in my football career.


After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I’m taking a different direction.


It’s been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club, but at the same time, it’s been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience.


I have been inundated with letters and emails from fans. Many have brought tears to my eyes and take it from me; it takes a lot to do that.



I will never forget you, the loyal fans of Pompey who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are.


Seeing you all so proud with your heads held up high is the best reward I can receive.


It has been a great experience to be part of one of the most wonderful occurrences that has happened in the history of British football and also shows that even in the most desperate times, loyalty, devotion, professionalism and passion can be demonstrated.



I wish you all the possible success which you genuinely deserve.


Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically, but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart.


I have informed Andrew the administrator that if and when the need arises, I will be at his disposal to assist in any way I possibly can.


At this point I would like to mention the good job the administrator is doing, under very difficult circumstances after he received the club from Mr. Chainrai and Mr. Levy which they had saved from liquidation. Thank you for that.


I can never fully repay the faith and backing I got from the fans, players and staff who gave a hundred per cent. I truly thank you all for granting me the opportunity and the privilege to be part of your special city and unique club.