Source: Telegraph
Administrator Andrew Andronikou blames Peter Storrie for Portsmouth crisis
Andronikou was speaking after the Premier League confirmed a nine-point deduction as a sanction for Portsmouth going into administration, action that should guarantee relegation. [LNB]Storrie, who is still acting as an advisor for the club, called the deduction "terribly unfair" but Andronikou said the former chief executive must take some of the responsibility for Portsmouth's predicament. [LNB] Related ArticlesPortsmouth to be hit with nine-point penaltyHMRC drop challenge over PortsmouthGerrard faces fresh video row after Brown clashPompey consortium open talksPortsmouth on brink of new takeoverPeter Storrie steps down at PortsmouthAndronikou said: "Portsmouth is an example of how not to conduct business in the world of football. [LNB]"If you overspend and don't budget accordingly you cannot rely on money from the owner or the proprietor coming in to bridge the gap, and in that it's no difference to any other business. [LNB]"At the moment Mr Storrie is assisting us on an ad hoc basis. I felt in the very short term it would help us if we had him around to assist us in certain aspects of the business but this is very much in the short term. [LNB]"He was a senior officer of the company and the company has failed so it goes without saying that yes he must bear a large part of the responsibility, absolutely. [LNB]"I would also say that in the last few months that I believe he has exercised his judgement to try to save the club at all costs." [LNB]Andronikou confirmed that Portsmouth would not appeal against the Premier League's ruling, and are still in talks with league officials about ways in which the club can be helped. [LNB]The league's board imposed the points deduction this morning after HM Revenue and Customs yesterday dropped their challenge to the club going into administration. [LNB]The deduction virtually guarantees relegation for Portsmouth, whose points total drops to just 10 points, 14 behind second-from-bottom Hull. [LNB]The Premier League said in a statement: "Following the High Court's decision that Portsmouth FC's administration is valid the Premier League board convened today to apply the League's rules and policies in relation to a member club suffering an event of insolvency. [LNB]"As a result Portsmouth FC has been deducted nine points with immediate effect. [LNB]"As part of this process the board met with the administrator to agree how we will work together for the remainder of the season to ensure that the club is able fulfil its commitments." [LNB]Andronikou has met Rob Lloyd, the frontman for a consortium interested in a takeover, but has ruled out the group being given an exclusivity deal. [LNB]He added: "I don't think we are in a position to do that - they have to satisfy us in various other areas. [LNB]"I also don't want to discourage other interested parties." [LNB]Andronikou said the lack of transparency surrounding Lloyd's consortium - the identities of the investors remain unknown - was a cause for concern. [LNB]He said: "I'm trying to understand how his group has manifested itself, it seems to have changed form in the last two weeks which is a great illustration of problems we are going to have. [LNB]"I am not saying they are not credible but there is a long way to go to find the appropriate people to take the club forward. [LNB]"My goal is get the club ship-shape, minimise its loss-making, and exit the administration so we don't incur penalties in the Championship next season, where it looks as though we will be." [LNB]Andronikou also confirmed that manager Avram Grant, who is on a month-to-month contract, would stay at least until the end of the season and possibly next season too. [LNB]"He rang me to say he is fully committed to the club and will stay at least until the end of the season. We are not ruling out him being here next season - he seems to have a feeling for the club," said Andronikou. [LNB]Storrie said the Premier League's punishment was harsh. [LNB]Storrie told ESPN Soccernet: "I am not sure this should have been done - it is terribly unfair on the club, the players and their fans, and they are the innocent parties." [LNB]
