Pompey set for more upheaval

07 February 2010 10:53
Portsmouth could be on course for their fifth owner of a turbulent season. Executive director Mark Jacob has revealed that "two or three groups" have approached the board in the last week with the aim of taking over the Premier League's bottom club. But Jacob admitted Pompey would need to take "every due care" to ensure the proposed owners really do have the funds necessary. Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai seized control earlier this week when he acquired Ali Al Faraj's 90% stake in the club. Jacob revealed: "It is a short-term, interim measure where he is taking control pending new investment or a potential new owner. He's come in to stabilise it on a short-term basis." Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Jacob added: "The board have been approached by several interested parties over the last couple of days. There are potentially two or three groups who have approached the board and Mr Chainrai with regard to the possibility of taking over. "It's got to the stage where the board will have to take every due care and consideration into the people who do come to the table with regard to proof of funds. We can't have any more short-termism at the club. It's quite delicate at the moment but we are confident a group will be in place very soon to move things forward to allow Mr Chainrai to step aside."

Source: PA