Veteran defender Steve Finnan admits the Portsmouth players cannot
help but be worried by the Fratton Park club's current financial
plight.
Pompey had hoped the outstanding player salaries would be
processed on Thursday but the monies will now be cleared after the
Bank Holiday.
Avram Grant's men head into 2010 rooted to the bottom of the
Premier League, following the 4-1 home defeat by title-chasers
Arsenal on Wednesday night, and beset by financial worries.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pompey had issued a statement to deny
the club had been formally served with a winding-up petition by Her
Majesty's Revenue and Customs in relation to disputed VAT, PAYE and
National Insurance contributions of a reported £3.5million.
A High Court date has been set for early next year, but
Portsmouth - who continue to operate under a transfer embargo
imposed by the Premier League over unpaid transfer debts - are
expecting to have the matter resolved before then and the threat of
possible administration lifted.
The Fratton Park faithful are becoming increasingly
frustrated at the dire financial plight of their club, which in May
2008 was celebrating a famous FA Cup win at Wembley under former
boss Harry Redknapp.
Chants of "Where's all our money gone?", "Sack the board" and
"You're not fit to run a club" rang out around the ground during
Wednesday night's match, as fans sent a clear message to Saudi
Arabian owner Ali Al Faraj.
With the transfer window now open, there have been
suggestions Portsmouth will be forced to sell players like England
goalkeeper David James to raise much-needed funds.
However, chief executive Peter Storrie used Wednesday night's
programme notes to try to allay fears Pompey were set for imminent
liquidation, and maintained talks over further investment were
ongoing.
Finnan knows it is a testing time for all involved.
"The players obviously talk about what is going on, about
getting paid, but as players we have to get on with our job for the
club and hopefully things can resolve themselves, but I think
no-one really seems to know what is going on," he said. "It worries
us, it is not nice for the fans, they have obviously been
supporting the club for a long time, it is just not fair on them.
"For the players it is the same - we want to play for the club.
"It concerns everyone involved, hopefully it will get
resolved, but the players have to keep fighting away. Finnan added:
"I certainly heard the chants, and most of the players heard it.
"They are frustrated like anyone else and you can understand
why.
"They have supported the team a long time.
"It must be really disappointing for them."
Portsmouth take on Coventry in the FA Cup at Fratton Park.
Finnan said: "A cup run can give us confidence. After a poor start,
we have got ourselves in a position where we can still stay up."
This is the second time this season Portsmouth have been
unable to pay players' wages on time. A statement from Portsmouth
read: "Portsmouth Football Club expect to pay their first-team
squad's December salaries on Tuesday, January 5.
"The club has been speaking to the Professional Footballers'
Association and the players have been informed. "The club has been
assured of receipt of funds by Tuesday and the owner and board have
been working hard on resolving the short-term delay."
