Minutes from the meeting apparently.

From Fansonline.net

Just got out from the meeting. In quick summary, not a great deal of new stuff other than £50M will be with us in 3 to 4 weeks.

Present for us: RubiconCSL and Mr Nuts
Present for PFC: Peter Storrie, Lucius Beart plus other directors and Johnny Moore.

SAF arrived a bit late and the meeting started around 7:45.

SAF first read out a statement.


Apologised for the initial cancellation of the meeting.
quotes about administration are incorrect, misleading and damaging to the club.
Also have made it more difficult to secure finance.
He has secured £50M which will arrive in the next 3 to 4 weeks.
Finances at the club will be fully stabalised in the next four weeks - creditors paid off.
He is committed to take us forward.
He will invest in players.
We must increase revenue coming in - more seats, academy, developing the land we have around the stadium (hotels).

We then moved on to questions and answers; most of which I have captured here.

The £50M has been obtained via loans with international institutions, which will be injected into the club as a directors loan. In one way I guess, this is robbing peter to pay paul, but as I see it, this is then his loan, not the clubs. If the loans get called in, then they are after him, not the club. That is positive as no owner so far while PS has been here has done that.

PVA: "Keep PS at PFC"
SAF: PS is the biggest asset PFC has; don;t want to lose him.

PVA:Why wasn't the loan sorted out BEFORE you bought the club, so we could buy players last simmer?
SAF: Cannot get finaince until after Due Diligence, no-one will lend before that has finished.

SAF then made a comment that he doesn't always want 100% of the club - which was sort of mentioned again a few times later. He wants other investors inthe club, but doesn't have any yet.

PVA: what about the 48 page document?
SAF: he ditthered a bit really on this . Something about it being published when its ready and something about someone having exclusive rights to it or something like that.

PVA (our very own Mr Nuts): Are we seting ourselves up ready for the Championship?
SAF: no-one at the club wants championship football.
PH needs time to get the team to settle and gel. Support him, don't give him a hard time.
"No plans to remove PH in the next few games" - read in to that what you will

PVA: Are ALL ownership papers with the Premier League?
PS: Yes and have been for some time now.

PVA: How much time have you spent with PFC employees so you can get to know how things work over here?
SAF: I have spent time....blah, blah..... I didn't really understand what he gabbled on about then, sorry.

SAF made another mention here about wanting other investors.

PVA: What's all this about a 40k seater eco-stadium?
I really wasn't sure where the conversation went here. He did re-iterate later that he is interested in an eco/green stadium. There are a lot of possible government grants of you do apparently and he has lots of experience with his property business in building green buildings.

PVA: Can the Al Faraj brothers still join in?
SAF: Have met one of them before the buy out. The board wanted them involved. They were emailed "you are welcome to come and invest in the club". SAF has no objection.
No idea what happened next though i.e. why they hadn't then joined in the party?

PVA:When will Sasha be out of the frame?
SAF/PS: Sasha still involved due to loans. When they are paid off (with the £50M) he will be totally out of the picture - should be November, although they can leave it until January (legally I think that meant)

PVA: When will the training ground start?
SAF: When the £50M arrives and the debts are paid off, the board will decide where the rest of the money goes - could be players, ground or training ground.

PVA: How far will the £50M get us before we need more?
SAF: ??? maybe 1yr. Need more investers.

PVA: You said you want UAE players to join the club?
SAF: I would love to see my fellow countrymen playing in the prem, whether at PFC or other clubs. However, that cannot happen, as they are not in the top 70 FIFA ranked countires.

PVA: when is the earliest we will see a larger capacity ground - wherever it is.
SAF: Cannot answer now. I want another meeting in early November where he will be able to answer more questions.

SAF: Finally a question for you. May I come to the game tomorrow?
PVA: Yes, but stay in the directors box and wear a suit!
SAF: The reason I wore the shirt is because in my country it is a mark of respect to the team to wear the kit.
PVA: Over here it just looks cheap!
SAF:Okay, I'll wear a suit

Meeting closed.

SAF then mingled with various groups.

I'll post again when I get home or in the morning. Mr Nuts will also add his comments.

Overall, not much new I guess, but at least he met us and seemed ok - if perhaps a little naive with some things e.g. the English press.

PUP!!

LMAO.

Statement from Sulaiman Al Fahim

"I have decided to postpone tomorrow's meeting with the fans. I am concerned that the coverage generated will distract the players from their preparations for Saturday's crucial game. I will convene this meeting again at the earliest opportunity. Play up Pompey! Sulaiman Al Fahim."

Pompeygary says it's not only Peter Sorrie who has had enough the fans are going to protest me thinks.

Message board doom.

From Quayboy
i have been in contact with peter tonight and he is at breaking point and could walk away from the club !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

he has told me that he cannot carry on this way ,

we the fans need to do something to stop this from happening
whether you like the man or not without him we are truly fooked !!!!!!!

lets stand together and show the world we wont allow our club to be laughed at again !!!!!!


ONE CITY , ONE CLUB , ONE SET OF FANS

WE ARE POMPEY !!!!!!!!!!

Pompey 2-3 Bolton

The first game of the season for me was most enjoyable, not the result , but the enjoyment in the stand was much like the old days, you know the time when you go to football not for the stars or even the result, just the fun of being at a match with your mates and having a good time. But it would appear that I was a bit to happy and having fun for one steward as he tapped me on the shoulder at one point in the game and told me to calm down, I said "what?" to him and he said " just calm down" and I replied "for what having fun". From what I could make out no one had complained if they had as it was the family section I would of sat on my hands, I spent the next ten or so minuets complaining very loudly in his ear shot about "no wonder people don't like coming to games so much if you have to sit down and shut up" and "why is all the fun being sucked out of the fun of watching the game" I did say very loudly that I have been going to Fratton Park for years and have never been told to "calm down" by a steward I was not happy with that rant over.

The pre match drink was very good in a happy Pompey pub with a few supporters in it, the only problem in my mind was that they had the cricket on the TV instead of the Football but hay ho.

It was good to be back at Fratton Park, and to be in the South stand after a few years looking at my old seat on the other side to me was strange.The game itself was not full of quality but full of endeavour from both sides and very enjoyable, it was like going to seeing two teams I have not seen before, as Pompey looked so unrecognisable except for James and one or two others.

I expected a win and we needed a win , but after another strange sub by Hart at 2-2 we started to play deeper and deeper until Bolton won the game dam.

Well I can't wait till the next game whenever that will be but I will enjoy every second of it no matter what the result, I just hope I will be allowed too have fun!

Pompeygary

Finalised minutes - PVA/Club First Meeting

Items for discussion;

1) Ownership of PFC

2) Debt position of PFC

3) Future investment for PFC

4) Role of fan websites

5) Next steps

Colin Farmery began by outlining the purpose of the meeting and the PVA,
that being setting up a dialogue between the club and the websites, to
communicate and listen to each other. The PVA currently covers the
interests of thirteen Portsmouth FC fan websites, who are concerned at the
current situation of the club. It was stated the it had to be understood
that there were a variety of items which the club would be unable to answer
because of confidentiality.

Each attendee of the meeting then introduced themselves and, where
appropriate, which website they represented.

Colin then brought up the first item for discussion, the ownership of PFC.
Note that the resulting discussion also eventually incorporated items 2 and
3, so these are dealt with in one section in the minutes.

Peter Storrie;

- Has been at the club for around seven years and, in that time, no owner
has put equity into the business. Every owner has only increased club debt.

- Average turnover is £60 million, this year will be the first in which the
club is close to break even (£30-£40 million on wages, £20 million on other
costs). This leaves no money for transfers when previously club has lost
heavily each season.

- Has personally saved the club over the last year, but acknowledged the
help received from other Pompey staff.

- Has promised other clubs he will not leave Portsmouth so they know he is
in position to help player deals and payment

- Stated that banks could have called in money at any time, and still could.
As as result of having to reduce the loans to the Standard Bank this was
bringing the club down club down, hence players had to be sold.

- Banks compounded problem as club had to pay out loan fees immediately
instead of staging permanent transfer fees

- Portsmouth are still paying transfer fees for players who have left the
club but these will be cleared in January

- All Sky money received in August went straight to Standard Bank

- Club had to refinance so had to bring in owner who could put in equity

- Other clubs and agents have helped the club by putting back payments due

- Club can only break even additional finance is brought in with larger
stadium, so owner will have to provide the equity

Question from Mike Hall - Has Sulaiman Al Fahim completed his takeover and,
if so, where is his money?

Peter Storrie;

- In February, Peter was approached as Al Fahim was interested in buying the
club. Discussion took place then nothing else was heard

- In May, Peter received a call and subsequently met Al Fahim at the
Champions League Final in Rome. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
signed.

- Situation dragged on over next few months, Al Fahim was fully aware of
effect on club

- Pini Zahavi approached Peter to raise awareness of the Al Farraj brothers
interest in the club. Meeting was held and interest confirmed, things then
moved quickly

- One member of Al Farraj consortium was suing Arcadi Gaydamak. Even after
the Al Farraj brothers withdrew him, Al Fahim's offer was completed after
he came up with the required money. This was driven by Arcadi Gaydamak. Al
Fahim owns the club

- Al Fahim has not refinanced the club as things stand, and it is unsure
whether he currently has the funds. Al Fahim has assets but all tied up in
business, no liquid assets. He is currently trying to raise new finace, but
we have not heard whether this has been successful yet

- Al Fahim has club at heart but has, so far, only talked. Peter not
getting answers on how to fund the club, and Al Fahim doesn't understand how
the club runs and how it relates to things like the Inland Revenue

Additional from Mike Hall - Are the Al Farraj brothers still interested?

Peter Storrie;

- Yes, proposals are being discussed, but nothing could happen unless Al
Fahim agrees as he is the sole owner of the club

- In response to a follow up on why Al Fahim is being resistant, have to
understand the individual, Al Fahim likes publicity

- Al Fahim will bring in his own people in time

Question from Scott McLachlan - Will he start releasing statements through
the club?

Peter Storrie;

- Al Fahim has to stop releasing statements in other media outlets, it is
concerning, especially as it has an effect on dealings with other clubs.
When Al Fahim mentions he would like to sign various players, other clubs
state that debts to them have to be paid before we sign those players
mentioned

- Al Fahim is in the States trying to try to get club refinanced

- Al Farraj brothers are ready and waiting. Whilst 50/50 partnership would
be legally improbable, share agreement could be discussed

Question from Colin Farmery - Are there any outstanding issues with Sacha
Gaydamak?

Peter Storrie;

- Gaydamak still sits on the board of the holding company (Miland 2004).
Pointed out that Gaydamak has written off £21m debts which the club had.
There is no impediment in the deal Al Fahim has done with Gaydamak, to
prevent him selling the club on.

Question from Mike Hall - Is there any news on Al Fahim's claimed £100
million bonus, and will this go into the club?

- Doesn't know about this, has just been told that Al Fahim is expecting a
bonus

Question from PVA (sorry, didn't catch who this was) - Can the club shed any
light on the supposed 48-page dossier?

Peter Storrie;

- Doesn't think this exists, and believes this was a publicity stunt

Question from Vern Rickman - Is Al Fahim listening to people regarding their
views on his statements and his publicity stunts?

Peter Storrie;

- Al Fahim is doing his own thing, he doesn't appreciate how it comes over
to fans, and doesn't really appreciate how things work

Question from Scott McLachlan - What can the club do to get confidence back
in the club after a summer of broken promises, there is no enthusiasm for
some people to come to Fratton Park?

Lucius Peart;

- The club has taken a kicking across the board, and everyone at the club
has suffered. The club understand how hard it is for the fans as people at
the club have found it hard work

Peter Storrie;

- Haven't got the finance to start the training ground as it stands, or to
start work on turning the ground. We have a fantastic new design for the
ground and this can be moved quickly with finance. Would like a 4,000 to
5,000 family enclosure. Also said that what doesn't help is other clubs
returning late tickets as Portsmouth have to sell these tickets at the same
price the returning club was charging.

Lucius Peart;

- As a thank you to STH’s he said the club are announcing two increases in
discount to Season Ticket Holders.

From now on STH will receive 20% off the launch prices of any replica kit
purchase. This means STH’s can get a S/S home adult shirt for as little as
£28.00. This offer is open until 30th November 2009 and should prove useful
with the home kit just being launched & the new 3rd kit being released on
Oct 7th.

Additionally, STH normal discount of 5% has been increased to 10% from today
(sat) and will run until May 31st 2010. This means any full priced item can
now be bought for 10% off in the PFC shops.

Question from Peter Corrigan - It's great to have players who want to be
here instead of the "overpaid, sulky" players we did have, but will Peter
Storrie be staying?

Peter Storrie;

- Yes, he has just bought a new house and turned down a huge offer from a
big club. Happenings do get him down but has been reassured by messages
from fans. Would like to see how club can get fans back to games who just
come to the one or two games a season

Comment from Jim Bonner - Has seen and talked to other fans who would love
to be in our position, in the top leagues having just won the FA Cup.

Peter Storrie;

- Partly the club's fault for allowing expectations to get too high.

Question from Dave Taylor - Could Portsmouth take advantage of the 20,000
students due in the city this year and look at discounts for them to help
fill the stadium and what do the club think of the Mirror article of the
12th which basically stated the fans were in revolt over unanswered
questions?

Lucius Peart;

- Yes, working with Portsmouth University and also sponsoring their athletic
teams. The club has very good relations with the fans.

Peter Storrie;

- Shocked by the number of supporting emails he has received over recent
times

Comment from Vern Rickman - Feels that Peter has had a good summer, and it
has shown how much he cares about the club, with what he has done and said.

The chairman then moved the discussion onto Point 4, role of fan websites.
What can the websites do for the club and how can we move forward?

Peter Storrie;

- Club has lowered prices on Milton End tickets and season ticket holders
are receiving discoounts on shirts until the end of November

- Try and quell expectations of Al Fahim, he is the way he is

- Promote ticket sales, let's get people back to Fratton Park

Comment from Scott McLachlan - If we are going down, all we want is to go
down fighting and we need to attack teams more

Peter Storrie;

- Paul Hart has never felt he had the players to play an attacking
formation, especially in midfield. Now has his own players

- Atmosphere on training ground is vastly improved, and players have
requested double sessions

Point 5, Next Steps

Peter Storrie confirmed he is happy to have these meetings every two months

Regular meetings will also be held with Johnny Moore and Chris Hayler on how
the club and websites can work together.

Meeting closed: 12.02

The Message Boards Are Getting Interesting!

This is another post about what happened at the PVA/Club meeting should be a couple of interesting weeks me thinks.

From Pompeyfans.com

Posted by Banker.....

I PM'd the mods last night about this and whether I should post it or not but after sleeping on it I've decided to stick it on here, not to try and be a drama queen but because it's genuinely worrying and confirmation of what a few people are saying on here.

I was told that unless Fahim finds new investment very, very soon then we'll have no option but to go into administration, possibly as early as next week. If not next week, we'll only limp along for a couple more weeks and delay the inevitable. The guy is a complete clown. He's invested nothing in the club since arriving. I was also told some stories about him personally and his behaviour since becoming chairman which frankly are a disgrace.

If there's anything we can do to get this twat out of our club, whether it's demonstrating, trying to publically humiliate him or whatever we should try it.

The first meeting of the Pompey Virtual Alliance/Club

I got this from Pompey Online message boards quite interesting a lot more to happen at Pompey yet me thinks.

From Pompeyscot.....

Hi all,

Firstly to say, there will be official minutes produced for the meeting, probably on Monday morning by the time they've been circulated and agreed. I volunteered to be minute taker, so they're my fault

Anyway, thanks to everyone who was there, think it was very productive and enlightening. Club representatives were Peter Storrie and Lucius Peart, with Johnny Moore and Chris Hayler also in attendance.

Anyway, as I said, the main minutes with all the detail in will be in a couple of days, but what were the main points? Well, obviously I can't quote too much at the moment as statements still need to be ratified, as the statements are only my understanding, but the giste of the meeting from my eyes;

Al Fahim does own the club
Club will be close to break even this year
Peter Storrie has saved the club this last year, and has had to fight off the banks (all of the Sky money this summer went straight to Standard Bank).
Players had to be sold as Standard Bank were calling in their debts, all Sky money this summer went straight to them
Peter Storrie is staying with the club
The club has to refinance but Al Fahim has not done that so far
Too much talk from Al Fahim, no actual doing as yet. Al Fahim is not giving answers on how the club is going to be funded
Al Fahim currently in the States seeking refinance
Al Fahim doesn't seem to have much grasp of the operations of English football...in fact, football at all
The Al Farraj brothers are still interested in getting involved in the club
The 48 page dossier doesn't exist, this seems to have been a publicity stunt
Training ground cannot start until the club receives finance

I'll answer any questions which people may have, as I said the full minutes will be out in a couple of days.

For me, the overall opinion I came out with was that there are people there who can really take the club forward, and people at the club who care about it very much. Peter and Lucius were extremely impressive. I am though greatly concerned with Al Fahim being in sole charge of the club, especially when it seems he has such little grasp of how things work, but seemingly happy so long as he has his face in the media. Sorry, you can't play games with Pompey Sulaiman!! We're assured that Al Fahim does have the club's interest at heart, and is looking into finance, but we need finance now, and needed it in the summer. The fact the team is in the state it is in just now is due to the messing around in the summer, and Al Fahim was part and parcel of that. I'm quite angry about it to be honest.

For me, let people who do care about the club, and can do what is best for the club, do exactly that. The Al Farraj brothers are open to discussion, get those discussions going in earnest, for the good of everyone! This club is too important to be the whim of one man's ego.

(Calm mode). Ok, rant over. Thanks to everyone who was there, great to meet you all if you're reading. Thanks to all at the club, especially Peter and Lucius, for going with this. Peter has said he is happy for these to be held every two months, and we'll also be meeting regularly with Johnny and Chris to see how the club and sites can work together.

All in all, a really promising start.

Pub For Bolton

The Pub

Ok I am going to hold back on my views of Pompey today, I am in a good mood so I will let you know what pub we will be going to before they Bolton the first one of the season.
Tomorrows pub will be The Lawrence Arms,Lawrence Road, Southsea

The Lawrence Arms has traded from this street corner location since Victorian times. Originally part of the Brickwoods Brewery, the pub ended up as part of Whitbread's massive estate when that company purchased the former. The pub received a major refurbishment in 1998, which sadly saw the loss of its seperate lounge bar.

However, it remains a pleasant community local, offering a comfortable bar room with a pool table and dartboard. The south-facing beer garden is a welcome addition in warmer weather and two well-kept real ales are served - thesegenrally beign Fullers (Gales) HSB and Brains SA (the only regular outlet for the latter beer in Portsmouth). The pub enjoys a good local following, as well as catering for passing trade. The pub is likely to be very busy when Portsmouth FC are playing home matches at Fratton Park.

Inside Pub

So mines a pint, Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prediction For Saturday

Well after a short break for the internationals Pompey have a home game this Saturday and I am going to Fratton for the first time this season to watch it, so we are going to win no problem hands down.

So with what is left of the old FA Cup winning team after the transfer window, the team will look a bit unreconcilable to me. David James made it through the window and I am glad about that, I just hope his mind is on the game and not elsewhere.

I will be announcing the pub for the game tomorrow and I will upload some pictures of Pompey's first win of the season to get us of the bottom of the league.

I will be making comment on the recent events at Portsmouth FC now the dust has settled a bit over the take over, so I will not hold back on Alexandra Gaydamak,Sulaiman Al Fahim,Peter Storrie and Paul Hart and some of the players who have left.

Roll on Saturday Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS my prediction for Saturday is Portsmouth 2-1 Bolton.