THE Pompey Supporters’ Trust have signed a conditional agreement with the club’s administrator to allow them to take over the club.
Trevor Birch, PKF partner and joint administrator of Portsmouth Football Club (2010) Ltd, said: ‘We can confirm that we have signed a sale agreement with the PST to acquire the business of Portsmouth Football Club.
‘Portpin has rejected the Trust’s offer for Fratton Park, so the sale has to be conditional on receiving the Court’s permission to sell the ground. We are therefore in the process of submitting an application to the Court.
‘I’m sure every member of staff, every player and every supporter will join with me in wishing to see a speedy resolution of what has been a protracted administration.
‘Everyone involved in the transaction has worked incredibly hard to get the deal to this stage and, although there is still much that needs to be done, today’s announcement marks what is hopefully the beginning of the end of the process.’
Ashley Brown, chairman of the PST, said: ‘We are thrilled and proud to have signed a sale agreement with the administrator to buy and run Portsmouth Football Club. We hope to finalise the sale by Christmas, and go into 2013 with a fresh start for our great club. This is a special day for the thousands of Pompey fans who have stood by their club and stood up to be counted.
‘We thank everyone for their support so far, and look forward to many more Pompey fans joining us, and being part of history, as we create the biggest community owned club in this country.’
Iain McInnes, proposed chairman of Portsmouth Football Club, added: ‘This truly is fantastic news and the start of a new chapter for Portsmouth Football Club. The hard work will continue during the court application process to ensure that we are in the best position possible to drive the club forward and build for the future ahead of the important January transfer window.’