x

The deal is done... Pompey praise is all around

The deal is done - and all parties are indicating they cannot wait to get Pompey's new era under way.

The completion of the takeover of the club by Michael Eisner's Tornante group was announced on Thursday afternoon.

Eisner expressed his delight - as did Mark Catlin, who has been given a long-term contract to stay on as chief executive.

Meanwhile tributes flowed to the Pompey Supporters' Trust and everyone who was involved in getting the club from rhe brink of extinction in 2013 to the point where Eisner wanted to buy.

Eisner said: 'My family and I are thrilled to take on this incredible responsibility as stewards of a football club with such a rich heritage. We have come to know the Pompey community in recent months and we are extremely impressed by their passion, dedication and love for their club.'

Eisner's son Eric added: 'The football club wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the against-the-odds commitment of Pompey supporters who came together and saved this club. This is, and will always be, your team.'

Catlin said: 'We have been on a remarkable journey and one that everyone associated with this amazing club should rightly be proud of. It has been an honour and privilege for me personally to represent Pompey and our incredible fans during this time.

'Now we embark on an exciting new chapter in the club’s history and one that, under the stewardship of Michael Eisner, his family, Andy Redman and the Tornante group, I am totally confident will continue to build on the strong foundations that have been built over the past four seasons.'

Iain McInnes, who was Pompey's chairman through the fan-owned years, said: 'Harnessing the indomitable Pompey passion with his Tornante team, aided by a few current stalwarts, Michael has every opportunity to take your club back to previous and sustainable heights. Jane and I wish Michael, (his) Jane and their family every ounce of good fortune and chance of success in this great venture. PUP.'

Eisner will be at Saturday's League One opener against Rochdale.

Advertisement

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.