We're not for sale... sort of

If Pompey’s statement following the News of the World’s ‘For Sale’ story seemed like it contradicted itself, that’s probably because it did.

We aren’t for sale, went the statement, but if someone’s got the cash it’s all yours.

The club insist the ever-elusive Sacha Gaydamak is not actively looking to sell.

But, like any businessmen, if a healthy profit is on the horizon he wont need asking twice.

In denying the stories Pompey have - wittingly or unwittingly - revealed what a lot of Premier League clubs are thinking.

The likes of Everton and are all casting an eye to billionaires worldwide, praying an oil-rich Arab fancies a new hobby.

They aren’t the only ones either.

If things continue at the same pace, you’ll need a wealthy sheikh just to stand still.

As our columnist Alan McLoughlin said in his column yesterday (Monday), Pompey’s problem is they don’t come ready-made.

Unlike City, they don’t have a new stadium or training ground. That’s 100m quid before you start on the team.

As usual, Harry Redknapp cut through the boardroom waffle.

He said: ‘I don’t know if the owner wants to sell, but every club in the country has a price on its head.

‘When people talk about debts you have to realise that is the economic situation in football.

‘All clubs are in debt, but we have fantastic assets here on the pitch.’

The last bit is a worry. A few injuries here and a misjudged sacking there (it happens!) and suddenly those on-field assets look a bit flimsy.

At the risk of repeating what many Pompey fans have been saying for years, a new stadium and training ground is a must if Pompey want to hold their position in the top flight long term.

But like most fans, I’ll only believe it once the bricks and mortar are in place.