Chairman says funds are available
Iain McInnes has confirmed Richie Barker will be able to significantly restructure his squad in January.
The Pompey chairman has told the boss there is money available to bring in the players needed to turn the club’s fortunes around, but insisted the investment was affordable, given the increased revenues the club has generated so far this season.
After a meeting between the chairman, manager and chief executive Mark Catlin, McInnes underlined the board’s determination to back their new manager and director of football Steve Coppell in an exclusive interview with the official website.
He said: “As a board we took full account of our playing resources, specifically the inherited and ongoing injury count, as part of the managerial recruitment process.
“A priority for Richie, Steve and his staff has been to analyse resources in the full knowledge we had the January window to invest in our future and dispense with any threat of being dragged into a relegation battle, which would be simply unacceptable and irresponsible as a board should we allow it to happen.
“Fans have supported us in exceptional numbers this season and we are not only respectful of that commitment, but wish to recognise and maintain it.
“In the light of substantial cost savings, heightened commercial income and higher gate receipts than anticipated, we are able to repay that faith by supporting Richie in his player recruitment ambitions, which we are confident will match the expectations of you, the fans.
“However, fans can also be assured that the player salary budget we have set is affordable and in line with our financial projections.
“We believe Richie and Steve have already earmarked necessary players. There remains the challenge of actually signing them, but if all goes to plan, we anticipate a more successful second half of the season."