Catlin: No individual player is bigger than Portsmouth

And the chief executive has reiterated potential departures must be for the Blues' benefit.

The Conor Chaplin situation continues to rumble on, although a deadline-day conclusion looms on Friday.

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett has long insisted the wantaway striker's Coventry switch will not be permitted unless a replacement is identified.

That has prompted frustration from Chaplin, who asked to be left out of Saturday's trip to Doncaster on account of not being in the '˜right frame of mind'.

Catlin would not be drawn on commenting directly about the 21-year-old.

However, he is adamant the club should always come before any player's needs.

He said: '˜We are Portsmouth Football Club, we are bigger than a single individual. I don't care about what other clubs say about us, all that's important is Pompey.

'˜I'm not talking about Conor Chaplin individually here, but concentrating on talking about the team.

'˜Mine, Kenny's and everyone at the football club's priority is Portsmouth Football Club, it's a team game, we do things that are right for the club and not necessarily individuals.

'˜As with any player, we will take a view that it's about strengthening not weakening the team. Ultimately, it is a football decision and that decision is with our manger Kenny Jackett.

'˜Our commitment is to Portsmouth Football Club, we will do what we believe is right for the club, the fans would expect that.

'˜That is our philosophy, that is our mantra, and if individuals don't like it, well that's down to them.

'˜The club is everything, that is the reason we are here, we are not here to make friends with people.

'˜If you do make friends with people it's a great by-product and you want to be friendly with people '“ but, ultimately, our priority is Portsmouth Football Club.'

Pompey are preparing themselves for more business ahead of Friday's 5pm loan deadline.

Inevitably that would consist of Chaplin finally moving to Coventry.

But a replacement must be found.

Catlin added: '˜There are a number of options, irons in the fire generally, but I don't want to talk about Conor individually, that applies to any player in the squad.

'˜If Kenny feels a player leaving can either strengthen that particular position or the squad as a whole, that is what we'll do.'