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.

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