Source: Daily_Mail
Finnan reveals Portsmouth players are worried over Fratton financial crisis
Defender Steve Finnan admits the Portsmouth players cannot help but be worried by the club's current financial plight.  [LNB]Pompey had hoped the outstanding player salaries would be processed on Thursday but the monies will now be cleared after the Bank Holiday.  [LNB]Avram Grant's men head into 2010 rooted to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League, following the 4-1 home defeat by title-chasers Arsenal on Wednesday night, and beset by financial worries.  [LNB] Cash-flow problems: Portsmouth staff have not been paid on time for three of the last four months[LNB]Earlier on Wednesday, Pompey had issued a statement to deny the clubhad been formally served with a winding-up petition by Her Majesty'sRevenue and Customs in relation to disputed VAT, PAYE and NationalInsurance contributions of a reported £3.5million.  [LNB]A High Court date has been set for early next year, but Portsmouth -who continue to operate under a transfer embargo imposed by the PremierLeague over unpaid transfer debts - are expecting to have the matterresolved before then and the threat of possible administration lifted. [LNB]Troubled: Portsmouth owner Ali Al Faraj [LNB][LNB]The Fratton Park faithful are becoming increasingly frustrated atthe dire financial plight of their club, which in May 2008 wascelebrating a famous FA Cup win at Wembley under former boss HarryRedknapp.  [LNB]Chants of 'Where's all our money gone?', 'Sack the board' and'You're not fit to run a club' rang out around the ground duringWednesday night's match, as fans sent a clear message to Saudi Arabianowner Ali Al Faraj.[LNB]With the transfer window now open, there have been suggestionsPortsmouth will be forced to sell players like England goalkeeper DavidJames to raise much-needed funds.  [LNB]However, chief executive Peter Storrie used Wednesday night'sprogramme notes to try to allay fears Pompey were set for imminentliquidation, and maintained talks over further investment wereongoing. [LNB] Finnan knows it is a testing time for all involved.  [LNB]'The players obviously talk about what is going on, about gettingpaid, but as players we have to get on with our job for the club andhopefully things can resolve themselves, but I think no-one reallyseems to know what is going on,' he said.  [LNB]'It worries us, it is not nice for the fans, they have obviouslybeen supporting the club for a long time, it is just not fair on them. [LNB] Worried: Steve Finnan is concerned over Pompey's financial plight [LNB][LNB]'For the players it is the same - we want to play for the club. [LNB]'It concerns everyone involved, hopefully it will get resolved, but the players have to keep fighting away.'[LNB]Finnan added: 'I certainly heard the chants, and most of the playersheard it. They are frustrated like anyone else and you can understandwhy.  [LNB]'They have supported the team a long time. It must be really disappointing for them.'  [LNB]Portsmouth take on Coventry in the FA Cup at Fratton Park tomorrow.  [LNB]Finnan said: 'A cup run can give us confidence. After a poor start,we have got ourselves in a position where we can still stay up.'  [LNB]This is the second time this season Portsmouth have been unable to pay players' wages on time.  [LNB]A statement from Portsmouth read: 'Portsmouth Football Club expectto pay their first-team squad's December salaries on Tuesday, January5.  [LNB]'The club has been speaking to the Professional Footballers' Association and the players have been informed.  [LNB]'The club has been assured of receipt of funds by Tuesday and theowner and board have been working hard on resolving the short-termdelay.' [LNB] Close them down! French club call for Pompey to be shut over unpaid debtsMore Pompey misery as Lens set to demand the return of on-loan DindaneOn the brink! Tax hit Pompey must sell James and Co to stay in businessPORTSMOUTH FC
