Pompey Takeover: What next?

American billionaire Michael Eisner has launched a bid to buy Pompey

News chief sports writer Neil Allen examines the questions thrown up following the announcement that Michael Eisner wants to purchase Pompey.

So what hppens next?

Negotiations are continuing with Michael Eisner and his people, which means no financial agreements are presently in place.

Should terms be finalised, shareholders in the football club will then be consulted and asked to vote.

Who gets to vote?

The Pompey Supporters’ Trust own a 48.48 per cent stake in the club, making it the largest single shareholder and in the position to have a pivotal say on any new owner.

Only the Trust’s 2,426 shareholders will be allowed to vote, not those solely signed up for annual membership.

Of those who cast their vote, a majority must back any potential new owner for Trust approval and the process to continue.

Pompey’s remaining 51.52-per-cent shares are distributed among the 16 presidents, who will vote individually.

Why interest in Pompey?

Mr Eisner and his family have been seeking to invest in an English football team for several years, prompting them to scour the leagues.

Pompey have been keen on investment since September and is a club the American believes possess attractive potential.

With its fanbase and current financial structure, he recognises there is scope to steer the club into the Championship and maybe even the Premier League.

It is claimed he has attended around six matches this season and been impressed with the Fratton Park atmosphere, particularly the 4-0 win over Grimsby.

Does Mr Eisner even like football?

It is understood he is a keen football supporter and fan of many sports.

Following Leicester City’s Premier League success in April 2016, he tweeted ‘Great sport story of the year, Leicester odds of being number 1, 2000-1.

While in March 2016 tweeted ‘International Football becoming my favourite sport to watch’.

Does he plan to invest in the infrastructure?

Should Pompey remain at Fratton Park, work is urgently required to improve the North stand and Milton end.

At this stage it is too early to say where Mr Eisner stands on such issues.

However, it is understood he plans to address outstanding safety concerns and to bring the capacity back up.

He is also said to favour bolstering the Academy set-up to enable Pompey to continue producing the talent which has seen the likes of Jed Wallace and Adam Webster progress through in recent times.