Source: Team_Talk
Pompey 'devastation' scares Big Sam
Pompey face a High Court hearing next month over unpaid VAT and that could push the club towards administration.[LNB]Barrel-chested boss Allardyce said the job of a manager in the top flight was becoming increasingly difficult with the purse strings pulled tighter as players' wages and transfer fees increase.[LNB]Allardyce said: "We have seen the devastation with Portsmouth and in the past the devastation with Leeds.[LNB]"If you get into that position it's virtually impossible to get out - it can take years and years to get out.[LNB]"Most of us managers in the Premier League are finding life more difficult because of the financial situation football is in.[LNB]"Players are becoming increasingly expensive and that makes it more difficult to do this job because of the financial constraints the club is under.[LNB]"It may seem to the outside world we are working with millions of pounds but those millions are often not enough."[LNB]Blackburn agreed have a fee to sell Benni McCarthy to West Ham - the deal has been held up due to work permit issues but is expected to go through by Sunday - and meanwhile Rovers have brought in Yildiray Basturk from Stuttgart.[LNB]The Turkish midfielder will not be in the squad for Saturday's trip to West Ham as he is not match fit but Allardyce his hopeful that the 32-year-old, one of the stars of the 2002 World Cup where Turkey finished third, can bring something different to the club.[LNB]Allardyce said: "There's no question about the ability of the player, you only have to look at his CV to see that.[LNB]"Recently he has been cast off for whatever reason and we are giving him an opportunity to come and show his talents in the best league in the world and hope he has the desire and the determination to take the challenge on board.[LNB]"We have not got a player with his tricks and ability and that could become very important as the game gets tighter and tighter as the season goes on."[LNB]Allardyce also insists that Norwegian midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, who is out of contract in the summer and who has been linked with Fenerbahce, will not be sold.[LNB]Pedersen was Rovers' key man against Wigan in midweek with one goal and an assist, and he also headed against the crossbar.[LNB]"He's going nowhere," said Allardyce. "He's doing terrifically well at the moment and in this form can be our match-winner. Moving into central midfield has suited him.[LNB]"As well as scoring he did hit the bar with a terrific header and got a knock which left his nose a bit bloodied - I'm just sorry he didn't break it as I think he's too pretty![LNB]"He put his head where it hurts and showed he's prepared to take the whack."[LNB][LNB] Barclays Premier League Relegation 2009/2010 Win Outright: Blackburn 8/1
