Avram Grant is hoping Portsmouth's transfer embargo will soon be
lifted so he can set about strengthening his struggling squad.
Pompey continue to sit rock-bottom in the Premier League
table and are running out of time in their efforts to claw their
way to safety.
It has become painfully obvious that fresh faces are needed
to help bring added quality and confidence to a deflated side.
However, the ongoing financial turmoil at Fratton Park
continues to undermine their plans on the field. The very existence
of the club remains in doubt, with the payment of player salaries
having been delayed three times already this season. Pompey are
also currently barred from bringing in any new signings, a
situation which is further hindering their progress.
Grant, though, is optimistic that he will be given the green
light to dip into the January transfer window once the club's
owners have resolved matters off the pitch.
"January is very important. It's only January when we can
bring in players," said the Israeli tactician in the Daily Star. "I
am not a fan of bringing in players in January, but we do need to
make the team stronger.
"The players are positive, though I don't think happy is the
right word for the situation.
"But they are positive and I respect their spirit very much.
Even in this situation, they are trying to do their best."
Grant has also sought to play down concerns that Pompey could
struggle to survive another month in their current state. He added:
"Nobody wants the club to be in a bad position. It's a wonderful
club. I love it and it can be one of the best in England.
"We're trying to do it, but that is for the long term. In the
short term we will try to fix our problems.
"I have two choices. Either I give up, be sad and come to you
with a long face. Or I try to do my best and find solutions for any
situation."
