Source: Telegraph
Portsmouth appoint key FA man David Lampitt as their new chief executive
Lampitt's appointment is intriguing given Portsmouth's troubled recent history. At the FA he is in charge of the department responsible for enforcing transfer regulations as well as ensuring financial probity. [LNB]He was consulted by police and Inland Revenue officials investigating the club's previous management on suspicion of fraud and tax evasion and has a detailed knowledge of the alleged offences committed and the extent of the investigations. [LNB] Related ArticlesCrouch's heart is with WembleyPortsmouth v Tottenham: match previewPortsmouth investor remains under wrapsPortsmouth dealt double blowAncelotti expects Villa fightbackSport on televisionFormer manager Harry Redknapp, former chief executive Peter Storrie and former owner Milan Mandaric have all been charged with tax evasion and are awaiting trial. Storrie remained as Portsmouth's chief executive until last month when club administrator Andrew Andronikou terminated his contract. [LNB]Lampitt, 35, also oversaw the FA's investigation of three transfers involving Portsmouth highlighted by the Premier League's Quest inquiry, and the work of agent Willie McKay, who has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the police. [LNB]His appointment appears on the face of it to be an attempt by Andronikou to clean up the club's image, though the timing of the appointment is intriguing. [LNB]The administrator is actively searching for a buyer for the club, with businessman Rob Lloyd in the process of examining the club's books on behalf of an anonymous investor. [LNB]A new owner may want to appoint their own executive team so Lampitt's move, which will not take affect until he has agreed a notice period with the FA, may signal that a deal is closer than previously imagined. [LNB]The move also leaves the FA with another senior post to fill just 19 days after the resignation of chief executive Ian Watmore. Lampitt will be missed at Wembley however, where he was highly regarded. [LNB]FA chairman Lord Triesman said: "David Lampitt has been with the FA for six years and has made an outstanding contribution to our regulatory obligations." [LNB]The surprise appointment comes as the club prepare to take on Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday with their financial future still in doubt. [LNB]On Friday Andronikou revealed that as many as six players may not appear for the club again this season because it would trigger payment clauses in their contracts that Portsmouth cannot afford. [LNB]This will raise concerns among some Premier League clubs that Portsmouth, who could be relegated on Saturday if Hull beat Burnley or West Ham take a point off Sudnerland, will field weakened sides in the run-in. [LNB]"This affects five or six players who will not be allowed to play after the semi-final, and one who might not be allowed to play in the semi-final," Andronikou said. [LNB]"This all revolves around clauses in their contracts which mean that the semi-final triggers a set number of games that either means the player is entitled, automatically, to have his contract renewed for next season, or that it triggers a variety of cash payments ranging from £100,000 to £50,000. [LNB]"So, if a player plays at Wembley he would trigger a new contract the club cannot afford, or if he reaches 20 or 25 games, it triggers cash payments, some of £100,000. [LNB]"That would be tragic for the player if the team are in the FA Cup final, but it will be the players', or their agents', decisions. They are going to have to forfeit those contractual obligations or they cannot play again. [LNB]"As the club is in administration and as the administrator, I am not in a position to allow these payments or indeed to allow the players to automatically renew their contracts for next season." [LNB]
