Catlin explains Pompey boardroom change

The Blues’ chief executive was this afternoon announced as having joined the club’s eight-man boardroom set-up.

The recognition does not affect his day-to-day duties at Fratton Park.

Instead, Catlin insists the change represents ‘good statutory housekeeping’ at Pompey.

Catlin was appointed to the position of chief executive in April 2013 following the achievement of community ownership.

Earlier this month, the 51-year-old was named CEO of the Year at the Football Business Awards.

Now he has been handed a place on the club’s board as they seek to maintain a stable footing.

Catlin explained: ‘The normal practice for a chief executive is to be a fully-appointed board member.

‘In all modern-day business structures, the CEO is nowadays a director and this is good statutory housekeeping.

‘When I first joined the club there was so much to do in regards of the work required to stabilise the club operationally, while the board were still busy setting out a strategy.

‘Now everything has calmed down and we are looking to the future, we are evolving as a club and evolving as a broad and, as with all modern-day business enterprises, the CEO is normally on the board of directors. Absolutely nothing changes, it is exactly the same.

‘I have attended almost every board meeting in the last three-and-a-half years and, despite previously not having an official vote, I have always felt I had a voice as valid as every director on the board.

‘I am sure that will continue.’