Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Hart upbeat over takeover deal

20 Aug 2009 - 08:27:15

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Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has revealed he is hoping for some long overdue positive takeover news after watching his side slip to a second successive defeat in the fledgling season.

Pompey followed up an opening day loss to Fulham with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City on Wednesday night.

James McFadden's last-gasp penalty after goalkeeper David James was adjudged to have fouled Sebastian Larsson disappointed Hart.

But the Pompey chief has at least been heartened by news that chief executive Peter Storrie has emerged with a consortium ready to buy the crisis-torn club.

"What do I know about the takeover? Only that we might be getting some good news so we are keeping our fingers crossed that there might be a successful bid," said Hart.

"I think it is imminent. We need to get this sorted out. That is pretty obvious to everybody."

Speaking about Wednesday's defeat, he added: "I've looked at the penalty and it is harsh. The referee was perfectly placed. Why he had to rely on the linesman, I just don't know.

"If you look at David James, his eyes are on the ball and his arms are outstretched to catch it."