Source: Daily_Mail
Avram Grant slams Premier League over Portsmouth transfer embargo
Up against it: Grant watched his side lose to Roberto Mancini's Manchester City on Sunday[LNB]Avram Grant has accused the Premier League of not giving Portsmouth a fair chance to avoid the drop. [LNB]Although the transfer embargo that was placed on Pompey last month has now been lifted, it only extends to loan players. [LNB]It has handicapped the cash-strapped south-coast outfit - although, given their much-publicised financial woes, it is difficult to see how they would have found the money to make any purchases. [LNB]Nevertheless, while most Pompey fans are worried about who might be leaving Fratton Park - goalkeeping duo David James and Asmir Begovic remain most likely - Grant is desperately searching for reinforcements. [LNB]The need is more acute given skipper Hermann Hreidarsson is likely to be out for a fortnight with an Achilles injury. [LNB]But, while Grant has vowed to do his best, he does not feel the situation Portsmouth are in is the correct one. [LNB]'The Premier League made a big mistake,' he told BBC TV's Match of the Day. 'They needed to give us an equal chance. [LNB]'We are trying to bring people in but the embargo was only lifted a few days ago and it was only for loan players. [LNB]'But, no matter what the reasons are, whether they are right or wrong, we will try to do our best.'[LNB]Grant admits he cannot guarantee there will be no more departures after discovering Younes Kaboul had been sold to Tottenham behind his back. [LNB]'I cannot clarify anything because it is changing every hour,' he said after the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. [LNB] Gutted: Pompey keeper James was feeling low on Sunday[LNB]'I don't think we will lose any more players but I didn't think players would leave before and we lost one of our best, so I cannot guarantee it.'[LNB]Wages are due to be paid today (Monday) - a day late - out of the £6million they are said to be receiving from Kaboul. [LNB]But the threat of administration hangs over the club and Grant knows anything is possible in the battle to survive. [LNB]For now at least, though, he is determined to deflect attention away from himself. [LNB]'It is not good we lost players,' he said. 'I am not happy with it. I don't like it. But what can I do? This is the situation. [LNB]'I am not the issue. The issue is the club and this city. As long as I am here I will do everything that I can. [LNB]'I came here to build something. I am still trying to do it. We can either give up or fight. And I am not giving up.'[LNB] TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY LIVE: Spurs hunt a keeper, Man City to bolster midfield, and everyone wants a striker - all the deals and drama as they happenManchester City 2 Portsmouth 0: City still hungover as win masks poor showJames back on Redknapp's radar as Stoke hijack Spurs move for BegovicPORTSMOUTH FC
