Portsmouth: The Positives and Negatives of Potential New Ownership

A great deal has happened at Portsmouth Football Club over the past month.

An incredible performance and opportunity against AC Milan, faltering performances in the Premier League, tons of goals conceded late, our first UEFA Cup campaign ending in defeat, and now, club owner Alexandre Gaydamak has officially put the club up for sale.

I wrote an article several weeks ago when talk of South African buyers was making its rounds in the media about the possibility of the club being sold and, if so, if it was really the right move.

Now, with confirmation from Gaydamak that the club is "up for sale," I'd like to take a futher look at the potential positives, negatives, and a few concerns that could go either way if the club are sold.

Positive Implications

• Money for Transfers: Gaydamak and Chief Executive Peter Storrie have been "crying poor" and blaming the global credit crunch since summer, so with a new owner will hopefully come an influx of cash and new players in January.
• New Quality: It was in the January window last year that we brought in two of our finest players, Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe. If a new owner is found before the window opens (or shortly thereafter), hopefully we will see some new, exciting faces at Portsmouth.
• Players Staying: What I fear more than anything in January is an exodus of some of our finest players. If, however, a new owner comes and spends some money in January, I don't see many of these players leaving. Many of our big names have been urging the club to spend in January, and I believe that if we do, we won't be losing who we want to keep.
• The Stadium Plans: I almost hesitate to write this one, as Portsmouth supporters have watched stadium plans be announced with much "pomp and circumstance" for almost a decade, with almost nothing to show for it. Since Milan Mandaric's ownership, we've been promised a new stadium. No one has been able to see it achieved. If Gaydamak ensures that any new potential owner has the cash and the ambition to see it through, than perhaps it could (finally) become reality.

Negative Implications

• January Window: With exactly three weeks to the day until the January transfer window opens, how realistic is it that Gaydamak is going to find a "suitable" owner before the window closes? And, more importantly, before our big names get captured? The lack of consistency and security in their own future could lead players to actually leave because of the situation.
• Backroom Changes, Boardroom Changes: With new ownership usually comes significant changes to the Boardroom at a football club, as well as to the backroom staff working directly with the players and the academy. It is probable that Peter Storrie will remain at the club, but who else will be forced to leave? Will there be changes to coaches, scouts, etc? More than likely, yes. Will they be positive?
• The Grass Isn't Always Greener: Under Gaydamak, we have seen some of the most incredible achievements that Portsmouth has ever seen. Players the quality of Defoe and Diarra have been brought in, European competition had finally been earned, and the club currently hold the FA Cup.
  
  Should we really be whinging that we need a new owner? Although this season is tough, is there really going to be anyone who has the money to spend on a new stadium and new players? Gaydamak is an excellent businessman. Why would we want to risk it?

Big Questions

• Tony Adams: With Gaydamak at the club, it is almost certain that Tony Adams will remain Pompey boss for the foreseeable future. With a new owner, however, this could easily change. Is it good to stick with Tony, or is he simply out of his depth in the Premier League right now? This question, certainly, could go either way.
  
  There is already a small (but growing) group of supporters looking at whether Tony should remain manager following the significant amount of dropped points in games we should have won. Only time will tell.
• Consistency: It's a huge question regarding football clubs today, especially with clubs that are not in the "European Elite." When Gaydamak bought the club in 2006, we thought we had the owner who would be with us for some time. Young, ambitious, and wealthy, he was both salvation and hope for Portsmouth supporters.
  
  Two seasons on, and it looks certain we are going to say goodbye. How long can we really expect any owner who comes in to stay? Can we expect consistency, or another quick turnover?
• Intentions, Intentions? Gaydamak has proven to Portsmouth supporters in his time at the club that not only does he love the club, but that his intentions have been pure. Of course, a businessman like him doesn't get involved in something if there isn't some opportunity involved, but we have never had to fear that decisions would be made against the long-term viability of the club.
  
  With a new owner, this is a question that will definitely need to be asked and answered. Gaydamak has stated that he won't consider an offer from someone who doesn't have good intentions or the cash to see the club reach its potential, and we can only hope this is the case.