The Pompey Supporters' Trust today issued a rally cry to the club's fans, looking for more pledges to help finalise the biggest fan-ownership deal in British football.

The Trust has also called for fans to show their support not only for the bid, but for the team, with two games in four days this week.

And prospective club chairman Derek McInness believes the Trust are very close to crossing the white line.

He said: “They think it's all over – it nearly is now. At the moment, we're 2-1 up with five minutes left to play.

“We want to welcome supporters towards our bid, whether they can make a donation or not. We aim to move forward and make a realistic success of the football club in the right way.”

The Trust today launched the share prospectus, which will be with fans on Monday, November 19, outlining the benefits of purchasing a share in their football club.

The shares, which cost £1,000 each, offer one share and can either be paid as one person, or as part of a syndicate, for those who cannot afford to pay the total amount.

However, Trust board member Mick Williams was keen to point out the organisation of the prospective board of directors.

“We're looking at around six to eight people sitting on the board, with three representative Pompey fans, along with a chief executive, chairman and two directors from the high net-worth investors.

“And let's not get carried away, we're not going to have a situation like Ebbsfleet United where every fan votes on every club matter; we'll have the board make those choices.”

The three fan representatives will be elected through the Portsmouth Supporters' Trust – and all fans will be invited to attend the annual meetings, in order to bring long-lost transparency back to Fratton Park.

The land surrounding Fratton Park, as well as the ground itself, are set to be re-united as one entity, with property developer Stuart Robinson in purchase talks.

The stadium is the subject of the potential Trust takeover, with a valuation hearing set to take place in December to decide the true value of Pompey's historic ground.

Former owners Portpin have slapped an £18million asking price for the site, however the Trust believe a £2.75million figure, as valued independently by two companies, to be more accurate.

“I didn't know Disney did real estate – but obviously Mr Chainrai has a very different valuation to what the ground is worth”, said McInness.

McInness was quick to add that the Trust have also held talks with other football clubs, local and further afield, about a potential ground-share.

However, it was unanimously decided that the Trust only wanted to take the bid forward with Fratton Park attached.

“It's a win or lose situation for us now. We either get the ground as well, or we get liquidated – it's as simple as that.”

The money to pay for the court costs has also been budgeted for and placed into an escrow account, far from the pledges raised by the fans.

But it's not just with the bid that the Trust want fans to focus their energy, but also by supporting the side in their two upcoming home matches against Doncaster and Leyton Orient.

An extra 1,000 supporters each match day is projected to bring an extra £400,000 back into the club – money which has been earmarked for future projects and adding necessary sustainability back into the club.

Trust chairman Ashley Brown added: “Let's get behind the team and let's make Pompey a club to be proud of once again.

“We've got two games coming up in the next week, so let's show our support.”

Photo: Action Images

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