Adminstration gives boost to Portsmouth

Pompey escaped being wound up after HMRC abandoned their claim that club owner Balram Chainrai did not have the legal right to put the club into administration.

The cash-strapped south coast club were also encouraged by Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou, who promised fans that no players will be moved on ahead of their FA Cup semi-final on April 11.

HMRC's decision to drop their case was just the boost Portsmouth had been looking for after slashing 85 Fratton Park jobs on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the club said: "The Revenue has accepted the administration is valid."

But Portsmouth now face a nine-point deduction from the Barclays Premier League for entering into administration.

However, with their FA Cup semi-final against Fulham or Tottenham Hotspur looming, Andronikou pledged no players will be leaving the club before the eagerly-anticipated Wembley showdown.

Some members of manager Avram Grant's backroom staff were included in the staff cull, although none of them were high-profile.

Players cannot be made redundant due to protection afforded to them by the Professional Footballers' Association.

But the cancellation of loan agreements to save on wages is a consideration, with Pompey having six temporary signings on their books.

"Selling players is an option but first I need to broach the subject with the Premier League," said Andronikou. "I need their concession.

"As an alternative from looking at the Premier League advancing TV money, I suggested to them to possibly open the window to allow me to sell two players on a loan-back. It's one of those subjects we need to discuss further with the Premier League.

"However, I will not be looking to sell players before the semi-final and I will not be looking to cancel loan agreements before the semi-final.

"The minute I start tinkering with the football part it will be a big mistake."