With the focus turning to Portsmouth once again with the cup semi-final tomorrow, some of those involved in the saga have come forward with their explanations of what went wrong. Goalkeeper David James blames winning the cup and consequently qualifying for Europe. Bonuses for qualification had been set with little thought that Portsmouth might get into Europe. If that had not happened, the club would have been able to build on two years of progression.
With the focus turning to Portsmouth once again with the cup semi-final tomorrow, some of those involved in the saga have come forward with their explanations of what went wrong. Goalkeeper David James blames winning the cup and consequently qualifying for Europe. Bonuses for qualification had been set with little thought that Portsmouth might get into Europe. If that had not happened, the club would have been able to build on two years of progression.
Harry Redknapp has responded to the view held by some Pompey fans that he is to blame for the club’s financial mess. He calculates that he turned a profit on transfers for the club and is emphatic that he knew nothing about the unsustainable wages being paid to players. Things went wrong when then owner Sacha Gaydamak pulled the plug on funding.
Should Portsmouth reach the final, it would again pose financial problems for the club as substantial bonuses and contract extensions would be triggered. Players have been told to waive the bonuses if they want to appear in the final.