Source: Daily_Mail
Storrie on brink of walking out on Portsmouth over cash fears
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie is ready to walk out on his job, raising fears the south coast club are destined to fall into administration. Storrie is understood to be dismayed at the lack of investment by new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim, who finally gained control of Portsmouth after three months of negotiations. Troubles: Portsmouth Chairman Sulaiman Al Fahim, right,and chief executive Peter Storrie Storrie will attend Portsmouth's crucial home game against Everton this lunchtime but that could be his last official act for the club after seven years' service. Matters have been made worse for Storrie as he believed a rival consortium he was fronting, backed by wealthy Saudi property investor Ali Al Faraj, was on the verge of completing a takeover last month only for previous owner Alexandre Gaydamak to pull the plug at the 11th hour. That decision by Gaydamak could prove to have catastrophic effects, with speculation rife that Portsmouth need to find around £6million by the middle of next month to stave off administration. Should that occur, rock-bottom Pompey would be left facing almost certain relegation to the Championship, given the 10-point penalty they would suffer. Concerns have also been raised that Storrie's departure could jeopardise agreements over deferring money still owed to Chelsea and Tottenham for player purchases. Al Fahim was due to attend a fans' forum last night after originally stating he would pull out of the event, although that decision is likely to have its basis in trying to avert an angry protest against the Dubai businessman before today's kick-off. Fans are expected to show their support for Storrie at the game which Al Fahim also plans to attend. Al Fahim posted a statement on the club's website yesterday in which he tried to explain away comments which suggested there would be no money for players in January. It read: 'Can I also take this opportunity to clarify the remarks that have been attributed to me in the Spanish press. I did not in any way suggest that there would be no funds available for transfers until next summer. 'I was responding to a question regarding whether the club would consider signing major Spanish stars such as David Villa, to which I replied not until after the infrastructure of the club and other issues were sorted - ie. certainly not in January. My remarks have been both taken out of context and clearly lost in translation.' On top of the boardroom power struggle, manager Paul Hart is also facing an uncertain future following defeats for Portsmouth in their first six league games of the season. Speaking ahead of today's crunch fixture, Hart insisted: 'I don't feel under pressure. Pressure from what? I want to get results, that's what I'm looking for. What have I got to fear?' Portsmouth v EVERTON: Late fitness test for Yakubu ahead of Pompey matchCarling Cup kids: Club-by-club guide to who's giving youth a chance Explore more:People:Sulaiman Al Fahim, Peter Storrie, David Villa