A Very Deep Hole

Cotterill's roster gives new meaning to the term 'not much to work with.'

The NPower Championship got underway today with every side except Cardiff City and Sheffield United, who open their campaigns tomorrow, involved in the festivities.  Surprisingly, of the eleven matches that took place, none ended in a draw.  If the clubs are able to maintain that competitive energy throughout the season, it promises to be another thrilling year in England’s second tier.

One club that doesn’t look too healthy, however, is Portsmouth.  The Fratton Park outfit dropped their opener, on the road at the Ricoh Arena to Coventry City, 2-0.  New manager, Steve Cotterill, had only four players to choose from when it was time to make changes in his starting line up.  Not a great way to start a season at any level.  If things get any worse, the next manager of the club is likely to be Old Mother Hubbard.

Still it is possible that new ownership is on the way, in the form of, well, old ownership.  The Hong Kong billionaire, Balram Chanrai, is rumoured to have committed to bringing the club out of administration and investing the funds necessary to fund a climb back up to the top flight.

“I don’t want to sever my ties. Portsmouth has grown on me as well as the people of the area – I definitely want to get back to the Premier League. And if I go in, it will be with money to invest in the club. I am not going to stay in the Championship.”–Balram Chanrai’s official statement as to why he was willing to re-assume ownership of Portsmouth FC

Love of club or shrewd business--Which drives Chanrai?

Translation:

With the club having recently won a court battle with the taxman, releasing them from £37m of debt and leaving the southeast side a more manageable £24m in arears, ownership of the club must seem much more enticing to Chanrai.  His day job is, after all, in real estate, and the valuable property that comes part and parcel with the club now looks a profitable piece of business.

While it makes things much easier, money doesn’t solve all problems.  Nor is the Asian tycoon’s promise confirmed or the amount of his investment known.  Pompey’s existence, for the moment, is still balanced on a knife’s edge.

What do you think of the situation?  Vote below and let your voice be heard!

[poll id="10"]

Is the future bright for Portsmouth or will the lights go out?