Pompey close to liquidation

Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou remains confident the club will be able to exit administration - despite releasing a statement suggesting they were on the brink of liquidation.

Pompey's statement pointed the finger of blame at former owner and creditor Alexandre Gaydamak, accusing the Russian businessman of "moving the goalposts" as the club attempted to reach agreement with all creditors to move out of administration.

And while Andronikou accepts there is still work to be done, he believes this evening's release was premature and expects negotiations to resume within the next 24 hours.

Andronikou said: "Contractual negotiations have stalled this afternoon but I am disappointed there has been a press release. I am still hopeful we can sit down over the next 24 hours and agree a way forward.

"This is a matter that has high emotion as the club is very close to the city but I want to emphasise that in 24 hours we will be back on track and hopefully we can get this matter finally concluded.

"We are as close to coming out of administration as going into liquidation. It is a fine balance and I want to say as little as possible at the moment."