x

Kanu claims Birch treated him like an 'imbecile'

The Pompey blame game took another unprecedented turn today, as Kanu opened fire on administrator Trevor Birch.

The Nigerian striker, who won the FA Cup with the club in 2008, becomes the third Portsmouth player in a week to criticise Birch's methods on handling players at such a difficult time – adding pressure onto PKF and their involvement with Pompey.

Kanu has appealed to the Football League over his outstanding £3million debt after falling out with the club's administrators, adding pressure on the club to reach a compromise deal or see Pompey go out of business.

However, a number of the club's high wage earners have openly criticised the way in which Birch has tried to negotiate compromise deals – with some claiming that they still had not been made any new deal.

Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim passed his own parting shot towards Birch earlier this week, slamming the PKF man for 'trying to do deals with the media rather than the players' – a view that was backed by Kanu today.

The former Chelsea man also accused the administrator of double standards – believing that Birch was quick to make comments over monies owed to players, but not disclose the amount his firm was taking for any work at Pompey.

The administrators have reportedly taken £180,000 from the club since their arrival in January – with more due should the club be sold, a fee believed to end up at around £650,000 according to Ben Haim.

Kanu's barrister, Samuel Okoronkwo, released a statement on behalf of the former Olympic gold medal winner, backing Ben Haim in his frustrations over negotiations with the club's hierarchy – adding that Birch must assume full responsibility should Pompey close.

The statement, reported by The News, said: “Kanu is particularly offended by the report the administrator told the club’s supporters he is the main problem and his ‘agent’ is asking for a ridiculous amount of money.

“The fact the club is potentially facing liquidation is due to the administrator’s failure to appreciate the consequences of first insulting, offending and then picking a quite unnecessary fight with the club’s secure creditors.

“We think the administrator is still treating Kanu as an imbecile by making a ridiculous compromise proposal that he should simply give up his entitlement and walk away, while the administrator’s firm receives large fees for negotiating such a smart deal.

Okoronkwo also added that despite being made out to be a villain in the press, Kanu is willing to compromise with the club on monies owed to him – so long as guarantees can be made that Pompey's future will be secured.

He added: “To the contrary, Kanu who has remained patient and accommodating since 2006, is willing to compromise significantly by a combination of waiving/deferring his entitlement provided he is certain the club will actually be saved and there will be an upside at some date in the future.

“Absent such a proposal, then the administrator must admit responsibility to the club’s fans for liquidating their club whether on August 10, 2012, or at any other date. He must refrain from blaming anyone else.”

David Norris and Luke Varney have both agreed compromise deals during the last week, both joining Championship side Leeds United – joining former Blues, goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown and ex-captain Jason Pearce.

Erik Huseklepp is also due to re-sign for Brann today, after the club reached a 'verbal agreement' with the Norwegian forward's former club Bari, over compensation owed to them.

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

What to read next:

Lincoln City 0 - 2 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
No Pompey parade - but Southsea Common will see plenty of celebration
Pompey have had some memorable celebrations on Southsea Common since the turn of the century - and more such memories will be made on Sunday afternoon.
Portsmouth 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Pompey have new heroes in 2024 - and it takes me back to 1983, 2012 and many points in between
Sometimes I think about something I want to write about, get straight to it and end up rambling on for about 2,000 words. But this is different. I want to write 2,000 words about the League One champions and don’t know where or how to start.
Portsmouth 3 - 2 Barnsley - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Right Pompey approach can bring rewards at Bolton
It could be the under-statement of the season - Bolton v Pompey described as being as 'interesting contest'.
Our feet are still on ground: Pompey goal hero takes it a game at a time
Owen Moxon insists it's still 'feet on ground' time for Pompey as they try to edge closer to promotion when they host Shrewsbury on Saturday.
He's been exceptional - Kamara wins high praise for inspiring Pompey win at Wycombe
Jon Harley was quick to heap praise on Abu Kamara after the winger produced another top-class display to inspire Pompey to an Easter treat of a victory at Wycombe Wanderers.
Pompey chief on the moves that should protect English football and its clubs
Pompey's chief executive believes the new Football Governance Bill will help make the game more sustainable - and protect clubs from rogue owners.