Football League Reject Keith Harris’ Bid for Portsmouth

Portsmouth Supporters Trust’s (PST) bid to buy Portsmouth FC has been handed a huge boost after the Football League rejected a rival offer fronted by Keith Harris.

The news follows yesterday’s announcement that a Keith Harris-led consortium were looking to buy the League Two club. The Football League believes that their offer could prolong the club’s administration past the end of the current season and into the beginning of the next, sale which is against League regulations.

Ashley Brown, PST chairman, said in a statement: “The Football League has come to a sensible decision.

“Our bid is ready to go and we will be meeting with the administrator PKF shortly to prepare the timetable to complete our takeover.

“We have always been clear we are the best solution for the creditors and the best solution for the club and this has now been recognised across the board.

“Our bid will put capital into Portsmouth FC and will make a clean break from the past.

“Any fans who have been unsure about backing our bid financially can now do so in the confidence their money will go towards the rebuilding of the club.

“There is no knight, white or otherwise, who is going to do it for them.”

The PST bid is dependent on being able to buy the club’s stadium, Fratton Park, from the former owner Balram Chainrai. Administrators PKF require permission to sell the ground and are due to meet Chainrai’s company, Portpin, in court on 15 February.

Brown added: “Mr Chainrai has always made it clear he does not want to see Pompey liquidated.

“We are sure he is genuine in his sentiment and I would urge him to work with us to ensure the club will stand the best chance of success in the future.”