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DAN BRETT: It's up to you know who as Pompey play Million Pound Drop...
DAN BRETT: It's up to you know who as Pompey play Million Pound Drop...
Monday, 23rd Jul 2012 18:10 by Dan Brett

Over the past five years, many have referred to Portsmouth Football Club as a 'soap opera', but for me, they'd be better suited as a prime-time game show.

Whether it be Deal or No Deal (after the Trust's efforts for a fan buy out), The Million Pound Drop (relating to wage-caps for Pompey's stars) or Play Your Cards Right – the message remains clear for Pompey fans - “It's up to you”.

Supporters, led by SOS Pompey, took to the South Coast side's Eastleigh training ground this morning, delivering letters to the club's senior players in a bid to appeal to their conscience by helping to save the debt-ridden outfit.

Many players accepted these letters on their way onto the site – including fan-favourite Greg Halford, who has become a cult hero in recent months; taking to his Twitter account to show support to the club's fans and re-iterate his support to the Pompey cause.

Halford took to the social networking site shortly after training to reassure fans over his position within the club's future – and his willingness to do whatever it takes to keep the club going.

He tweeted: “I think the majority of Pompey fans know I'm willing to do anything I can to help the club and keep it living, but for the people who are asking me to tear up my contract need to know that I'm more than willing to that.

“But if I do it leaves the club in a worse situation - the best thing for me to do for the club is to try and get a fee from another club for my services ad pay of outstanding debts instead of making even more debts for the club.

“Its been the hardest thing I've ever gone through and it kills me to see the club like this but that's how it stands at the moment. I love this club and I want to see it survive. Play Up Pompey.”

David Norris, who will be well-remembered for his 94th minute equaliser against Southampton last season, also accepted the letter on his way into training – despite talks that he could be on his way to Leeds United within the coming days.

An air of confusion laid in the air for striker Dave Kitson – who rushed into the training ground despite the fans' efforts; only to return soon after realising that what he believed to be press were actually die-hard supporters.

Perhaps the game of Tug Of War would be a more apt definition for Pompey's plight, after a blame row erupted between the administrator and senior playing staff.

Birch admitted earlier today that the club could fold 'within the next two weeks' unless the club's high earners agreed to compromise on their salaries – or were willing to leave Fratton Park.

However, the players themselves have stated that Birch has 'yet to offer any compromise', despite being slated in the media by the administrator.

Defender Tal Ben Haim, who had been targeted by Birch for his £36,000 per week wage demands told Sky Sports News: “I have lost a lot of money, perhaps around £2.5million net – but I would be willing to lose more to help the club.

“Many people target me about how much I earn, but the administrator earns more and nobody speaks about that.

The Israeli defender also spoke of players frustrations regarding Birch's media presence, adding: “He forgot that you have to negotiate with the players and not with the press.

“The press are not going to sign a compromise, they have to sit with us and tell us the figures exactly.”

Pompey are also still trying to settle Kanu's contract, after the Nigerian failed to turn up for training – leaving manager Michael Appleton frustrated with the 2008 FA Cup winner

Only time will tell for the future of the club – and fans will no doubt be left praying that The Price Is Right once again.

The views of Dan Brett are their own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial view of pompey-fans.com

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