TB Speaks out at last!

PKF Administrator Trevor Birch has at last spoken on the developments over the club`s ownership issue since the meeting with the Football League last week.

He told the News ''at the minute our discussions are with the Football League, Portpin and another potential bidder. We are just trying to resolve the discussions. It is not straight forward, otherwise it would have been sorted a while ago.

'The Professional Foootballers` Association are in there as well. They have a vested interest, given their members are owed more than £8m, so they have a voice in it as well. There are still discussions with all parties trying to find a solution as quickly as we possibly can.`

He would not disclose who the other potential bidder was but it is more than likely that it is the Trust.

Order! Order!

Penny Mordaunt, Conservative MP for Portsmouth North raised the matter with the Leader of the House of Commons in his question time.

She said 'The house will be aware of the heroic efforts of the Pompey Supporters` Trust in their quest to enable their community to own their club and it`s often seen having to do battle with football governance rules which are not fit for purpose, not least the fit and proper person test which is less rigorous than a five minute session on Google.

'Given the importance of the national game to our communities is it not time we debated reform of football governance and finance in this place?`

In reply Andrew Lansley said 'I can very much appreciate the sentiments that she expresses. The government very much shares her view. We need to impress upon the football authorities the need for stronger scrutiny of clubs at all levels and transparency about ownership.

'She will be aware of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee enquiry into football governance. I would be happy to refer this to the sports minister that she might also speak about this. And indeed not least in the light of the select committee`s enquiry there may be an opportunity based upon that for it to be considered by the house.`

Again the same old story - plenty of words but still no action.

Other snippets

Appy is not after Rocha John Rocha. After being released by Ipswich following a trial some thought that Ricardo might be a Pompey target now that the popular defender is a free agent again but Appy denied the rumours as he is more than happy with his defensive options at present.

Six bookings and out with the money

As I said when Luke Rogers was booked deep in injury time on Saturday - 'that means a fine`. The rules say that if six (or more) are booked the club is fined and the League have announced that will be £2,500.

Referee David Phillips was of course inept on the day - as one comment went on the News site 'he did get the game to kick off and finish on time and he did award us a penalty.` Of course replays now suggest that the penalty was at the least dubious.

PUP

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