Portsmouth faced arguably their hardest fixture of the season today as they battle to stave off winding up order issued by HMRC.
A seven-day stay of execution keeps Pompey alive, but the club continues to move from one crisis to another off the field. On the field, problems are acute too.
As it stands after last night’s last-gasp draw with Sunderland, the Fratton Park club are facing life in the Championship next season – if they can raise the relevant finance to survive.
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All of which is a far cry from Avram Grant’s days as
Chelsea boss where money was not a huge problem under the generous ownership of Roman Abramovich.
However, he is enjoying the challenge in the relegation zone just as much as his battle royal with Manchester United for the Premier League title back in his Chelsea days.
Q: Has the performance against Sunderland given you hope of avoiding the drop?
A: The way we played against Sunderland was an example to everybody that you never give up.
We are always fighting. Football is a passionate game and people come to watch because of that. I am working here because I have a lot of feelings for this club. I love this club. When I see the players and the fans then I have to do everything I can – they don’t give up so neither will I.
These players continue to show spirit and character and they continue to play good football – even with one less player we were the better team. The players and the fans were great and they gave everything – more than everything.
Q: Are you affected by all the off-field problems?
A: We’re fighting and not just against our opponents but many other situations. This club has been alive 112 years. It’s a traditional club and I’m doing all I can to keep us alive. There are people dealing with the finance issues but I have to do everything I can to help the club survive.
Q: Is it hard to stay focused with a winding up order facing the club?
A: It is not easy. Imagine you have problems in your work. Could you go to your work with a clear head? I want to say something even for the courts tomorrow - football is not one plus one is two, it is a passionate game.
It is not a clear business where there are no feelings - there are feelings of fans, players and my own. There are problems but football is more than this.
Q: There have been rumours of you leaving - is that true?
A: Positive thinking is always better than negative thinking and as long as we have the chance we will fight. It is more difficult for us than other teams but sometimes difficult is a challenge. For me it's a challenge.
It would have been easy to go and no-one could blame me if I left a few weeks ago or one week ago but it is not my way. I want to show this character because it is important for the future of the club.
