Portsmouth : Play Up Pompey

Iain McInnes, chairman of Portsmouth, today revealed that Portuguese defender, Ricardo Rocha- who joined the club in 2010, will depart to Championship team Leeds United. It seems that with the transfer embargo on the team, the board will deal with all departures and, if any, arrivals, though at this present time new names look unlikely.

"It's never good, as a fan, to see the big names go." McInnes told a journalist. "But, the way I see it, I'd rather our club lose our big players and slowly make our way up then keep them and plummet even further. I am keen to make as much money I can to repay the debts we have, and I'll make sure the new head-coach knows that."

Rocha was seen by many as Portsmouth's best player, capable of dominating the pitch anywhere at the back line, and had he stayed at the club, he could well have been one of the best players in the entire league, though his farewell is just another blow to Portsmouth's survival hopes.

Great start Toon.

Sometimes you have to let you're best players go so the club is safe financially but a pity it was rocha who was the first to go.

Portsmouth fans everywhere have responded in shock to hear that David James, recently retired Goalkeeper, has been confirmed as the club's manager on a two year deal following the very short spell when Guy Wittingham was in charge of the club.

"It's fantastic to return to this club as a coach. This is the perfect club for me to start my management career." James said in a meet with press in his first appearance as Portsmouth manager. "I know Portsmouth are in a bad state at the moment, but I hope to get them out of this rut and back in the place they deserve to be. The Premier League."

James was seen at the Wellington Sports Ground, Portsmouth's training pitch with his small squad, the absence of Ricardo Rocha as obvious as ever. James' side will play their first pre-season game against non-league side, Cowes, followed by trips to Dover, Burton, Gillingham and finally, Havant & Waterlooville.

It remains to see what McInnes saw in the 42 year old who currently holds the record for most Premier League appearances, and it is still unknown if Portsmouth are able to beat the drop, never-mind eventually make their way back up to the top. The club is still on the edge and if finances are mismanaged, it could continue dropping leagues.

ZOHMAWGAWD! It's the Spice Boy!

Tough ask to manage Pompey! Lets see if James can do it. Great updates mate

Great start and updates to the story Toon! Looking forward to see if James can make Portsmouth come back to Premer League!

David James. What a legend Good luck with this story, gonna be tough and take a lot of patience, but I think you'll get there

Iain McInnes, owner of Portsmouth, met with Media today in an up-beat mood to reveal that the Transfer Embargo that previously meant that the club could not sign players in any shape or form, was now non-existent, giving David James, the Pompey coach, a chance to build on the small squad and prepare the squad for a likely relegation battle.

Alongside the news of the Transfer Ban, McInnes also revealed that Portsmouth would be forming a link with Merseyside club, Liverpool F.C. The Reds will, for the foreseeable future, provide an annual fee of £800k to Portsmouth, a key factor in Pompey's survival plans and eventually, promotion plans.

Alongside the money, Liverpool will send young players to Portsmouth on loan, for free, in which both clubs will see benefit. Portsmouth's survival bid will be boosted with their extra players, whilst Liverpool's youngsters will be developing and seeing regular first-team football. Liverpool will also travel down to Portsmouth for a friendly, free of charge, to see the home team rake in the ticket fees.

"The Liverpool link was actually a key part in the Embargo being lifted." McInnes told press. "It was all negotiated by David (James) and he did well to get such a reputable club to help us in this way. I think his history with the club gave him an advantage in the talks, but nevertheless, it was fantastic he was able to persuade them."

Despite the fact Portsmouth are now able to sign players, it is unlikely many new faces will be seen other than free-agents and loans, the budgets likely very low in the market. Despite this, the ability to sign players will likely boost the confidence of James, the club's fans and the players themselves.

Intresting mate! Dunno why you want to be linked with Scousers but thats your choice

So we might see youngsters like Jack Robinson and Adam Morgan at Portsmouth? Sounds interesting :)Good luck with the coming season, this ain't gonna be easy!

Paulo Odone, Brazilian businessman and, up until the end of last season, President Brazilian Série A club, Grêmio, has stated his desire to take over League 1 club, Portsmouth.

"This is a club that deserves to be playing in the top division. Mismanagement along with several other reasons means that it has fallen in an undignified way, but I am adamant that I will help in restoring it to it's former glory." The Brazilian said to press. "I think that, along side me bringing the fans joy, I will also be earning a nice profit along the way. I am preparing an offer to send to Mr. McInnes."

The current chairman of the club was asked about the subject, and responded in a way that only made the rumor more serious. "I love this club and I want it to do well. Personally I would like to be the man who controls the club as it makes its way back up, but, in the end, it all comes down to money. Can I provide the finances Odone can? No. I will be accepting an offer, if a good enough one is given. The club is in my best interest."

Yet another transfer ban has been placed on the club whilst negotiations between the two chairmen go on, in the meantime, newly appointed manager David James will be wondering if Odone will keep him at the club or if he will be cut to be replaced by someone chosen by the Brazilian.

*Odone joins* *David James sacked*

This is a great read Toon. Looking forward to some fixtures, for sure!

Fantastic. Let's see what David James can do.