Source: Telegraph
Steve Finnan: Portsmouth players are worried by lack of wages
Portsmouth had hoped the outstanding player salaries would be processed yesterday 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 Premier League, following the 4-1 home defeat by title-chasers Arsenal on Wednesday night, and beset by financial worries. [LNB] Related ArticlesDebts push Portsmouth closer to brinkPortsmouth timeline: a year to forgetPortsmouth fight winding-up order from RevenuePortsmouth 1 Arsenal 4Transfer TalkPremier League: transfer window guideEarlier on Wednesday, Portsmouth had issued a statement to deny the club had been formally served with a winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in relation to disputed VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions of a reported £3.5 million. [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 Premier League over unpaid transfer debts - are expecting to have the matter resolved before then and the threat of possible administration lifted. [LNB]The Fratton Park faithful are becoming increasingly frustrated at the dire financial plight of their club, which in May 2008 was celebrating a famous FA Cup win at Wembley under former manager Harry Redknapp. [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 during Wednesday night's match, as fans sent a clear message to Saudi Arabian owner Ali Al Faraj. [LNB]With the transfer window now open, there have been suggestions Portsmouth will be forced to sell players like England goalkeeper David James to raise much-needed funds. [LNB]However, chief executive Peter Storrie used Wednesday night's programme notes to try to allay fears Pompey were set for imminent liquidation, and maintained talks over further investment were ongoing. [LNB]Finnan knows it is a testing time for all involved. [LNB]"The players obviously talk about what is going on, about getting paid, but as players we have to get on with our job for the club and hopefully things can resolve themselves, but I think no-one really seems to know what is going on," he said. [LNB]"It worries us, it is not nice for the fans, they have obviously been supporting the club for a long time, it is just not fair on them. [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 players heard it. [LNB]"They are frustrated like anyone else and you can understand why. [LNB]"They have supported the team a long time. [LNB]"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. [LNB]"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 expect to pay their first-team squad's December salaries on Tuesday, January 5. [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 the owner and board have been working hard on resolving the short-term delay." [LNB]
