Pompey: We may keep selling

Portsmouth FC: We may have to sell more players

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Tuesday, 04, Aug 2009 05:38

Portsmouth have admitted that they may be forced to sell more players should the proposed takeover of the club not materialise.

The south-coast club are in limbo while they await the completion of Sulaiman Al Fahim's buy-out, which has forced the sales of several of their top stars in recent months - including Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch this summer.

Portsmouth were also forced to cash in on Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe in January, and now the club have revealed that if the takeover falls through there may be more high-profile departures.

"While it is our intention to add strength to the existing squad we cannot rule out the possibility of having to sell more players should the takeover not happen," the club said.

"However, we are assured that Sulaiman Al Fahim is committed to buying the club and investing in all areas, including the playing personnel.

"Everyone at the club shares the frustration of supporters. We know only too well that we need to add to the first-team squad, but at this moment in time there is a limited amount we can do until the takeover is completed."

This morning, a story in the Sun newspaper quoted the club's executive chairman Peter Storrie as telling supporters: "I am as frustrated as you.

"Until this takeover happens, neither the old nor the new owner is placing any money into the business.

"When - and if - it does, I'm not yet aware of what finance will be available for players.

"The business has debts to pay and the banks are not releasing funds, so this leaves the club with no option but to sell to keep going.

"I agree we need new players, a stadium, but we can't do it without finance and we've had none of this for more than nine months.

"It's been hard work keeping things going."

Alistair Potter