After four adjournments since December, a directions hearing took place in front of Mr Justice Sales in the High Court today. He ruled the case to determine the value of Fratton Park could proceed and would take place no later than April 19.
A PKF spokesman said: “We are pressing ahead with the case that is seeking the court`s consent for the disposal of Fratton Park to the PST.
“The court has this morning confirmed that the case will be heard by 19 April at the latest, which will enable us to meet the Football League`s deadline for the sale of the club, subject to a favourable ruling.
We hope that, in the next few days, the court will be able to set a specific date for this hearing.
“The court was also made aware that correspondence has been exchanged between the Football League and Portpin which seems to lead to some ambiguity with the League`s previous public statements that no other bid would be considered at this late stage. We are seeking clarification from the League as a matter of urgency.”
The answer to that clarification came quickly and was picked up in the next statement –
Ashley Brown, Chairman of the Pompey Supporters’ Trust issued this statement –
Ashley Brown said: ‘We are pleased our bid is proceeding. As presented in court today our bid is fully funded and ready to go and we hope a date can be found in the near future to resolved this matter so the Trust can start the job of rebuilding the club.
‘The Football League has also cleared up any confusion by making it clear for a third time that it will only consider a bid from PST.
‘Our bid has widespread support, including from Portsmouth City Council, our property partner Stuart Robinson, local and national politicians, Supporters Direct and, most importantly thousands of loyal Pompey fans who have backed the club financially when it needed it most.
‘They have done this by either buying shares, attending matches or, most importantly in the case of our high net worth investors, by underwriting the club’s losses in the autumn. Without them the club may have already disappeared.’
PUP
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