Pay up Pompey, Pompey pay up

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... nd&cc=5901

Wow, it looks rough for the seamen :lol:

The league is better for their being in it -- I hope they straighten themselves out.

Also, from the Beeb

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/footbal ... 257836.stm

Is it me or is the most unsettling thing is seeing this al-Fahim character in a replice shirt a la Mike Ashley?

 

When I first got hooked on the Prem, Southhampton v Pompey was a great match to watch, just for the intensity of it. The Saints have gone marching to League 1 (and likely to drop again) and now their archrivial (always laughed when the tatooted shirtless dude in the Cat in the Hat topper made an appearance) seems well on their way out. Sad really, but the nature of the beast with the relegation system.

 

Lassana Diarra is the Gooner in question.

 

This whole thing really begs the question how the Prem is conducting this "fit and proper person test". Al-Fahim buys in but then can't secure the money he was brought in to supply. Six weeks later, Al-Faj buys him out and now he's saying he's not a billionaire or a football person and is looking to turn the club quickly for a profit. Each one has said, the money's coming and then no money shows up. Very strange.

Meanwhile Storrie (Pompey ceo) had a consortium put together to buy the club but Gaydamak opted to sell to Al-Fahim instead.

 

Damn. I'm sad for the seamen.

 

Once again - lets make this point:

Harry did not write the check - THEY did.

Harry was brought in and was expected to WIN. He found a way to win - and it requires TALENT - and TALENT isnt free.

THEY wanted to win and THEY were willing to write the check to do it.

I am sure Harry was not in the back office going over the financial documents - He needed a player, asked for a player, and THEY AGREED AND PAID for the player.

The way I see it - putting this all on Harry is kind of ridiculous.

Blame him for part of it if you want, but you have to recognize that the club released the funds and they are charged with making sure they could cover their commitments - not Harry.

 

I find putting everything on Harry comical too. It takes 2 to tangle and the Portsmouth board should've realized they couldn't compete at the level they wanted to.

 

Fair points lads.

But how do you explain the mess he left Bournemouth, West Ham, Southampton and Portsmouth in? Merely a coincidence?

Or what about that BBC expose about bungs? And then compare that to the lack of free transfers Harry has signed over the past few seasons.

Again, merely a coincidence?

 

He's a dirty manager, I don't think anybody would argue otherwise. He leaves teams in messes, but most of the blame should go onto the board. Southampton was a mess to begin with. I mean they hired Clive Woodward for crying out loud. I don't know about the Bournemouth situation or the West Ham situation, but I'm pretty sure I could find out about a team who had a shit board.


I'll say it again, I think Harry is a pretty dirty manager. I think he is also a spotlight whore.However, people need to realize that most of the problems come from the very top, not the manager. Managers play a role, but they are not the be all end all.

 

It seems like a long time ago now, but remember when the Pompey brass unveiled the model/plans for a 40+k stadium replete w/apartments, restaurants, shopping etc?

 

No doubt Harry deserves some of the blame and that he is a swindler.

But just like I dont fault the guy at the swap meet for being a swindler I dont think Harry needs to be strung up either - this is football.

As to Pompey... Seems like a great club and I hope they can get things sorted. I read that book 'bloody confused' and that gave me some affection for the club.

Just need to steady the ship a little and get some results - its not too late, but it is getting close.

 

No doubt Harry deserves some of the blame and that he is a swindler.

But just like I dont fault the guy at the swap meet for being a swindler I dont think Harry needs to be strung up either - this is football.

As to Pompey... Seems like a great club and I hope they can get things sorted. I read that book 'bloody confused' and that gave me some affection for the club.

Just need to steady the ship a little and get some results - its not too late, but it is getting close.

 

The problem with the "fit and proper" test is that it's not legally defensible. You need something major (like pending criminal charges) in order to not lose the resulting lawsuit. As such, it is more of a PR move to make the parliament sleep easier than a real tollgate.

 

Pompey has now asked the FA to be able to sell some players outside the transfer window. Are they going to ask people to bring empty cans and bottles to Fratton Park next?

 

Doesn't look too good.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... c=5739&ghg

 

Next up, Spurs!

And after that, Liverpool!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

 

Didn't want to see this happen -- when I saw this thread was bumped, I knew it was bad news.