Mark Catlin: Ignore crazy, laughable rumours. Portsmouth is not for sale - Michael Eisner's here for long-term

Mark Catlin has branded claims of Pompey being up for sale as ‘laughable’.
Mark Catlin is adamant Michael Eisner and Andy Redman remain at Pompey for the long-term. Picture: Joe PeplerMark Catlin is adamant Michael Eisner and Andy Redman remain at Pompey for the long-term. Picture: Joe Pepler
Mark Catlin is adamant Michael Eisner and Andy Redman remain at Pompey for the long-term. Picture: Joe Pepler

And the bullish chief executive is adamant the Eisner family remain fully committed to Fratton Park for the long-term.

Rumours have been circulating on social media that owners Tornante are seeking to cash in on the club they purchased in August 2017.

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It has been an immensely difficult past 12 months for all football clubs, with the coronavirus crisis devastating finances.

Catlin has repeatedly praised chairman Michael Eisner and his family for standing by the Blues, maintaining stability.

And with Pompey in the process of appointing Danny Cowley as manager, he dismissed accusations Tornante are seeking a swift escape route.

Catlin told The News: ‘I can categorically deny that the club is up for sale. It’s one of the most bizarre, crazy rumours I have heard in my time here.

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‘Michael (Eisner) and the board are 100 per cent committed to this club in the short-term, medium-term and long-term.

‘I can absolutely categorically say there is no truth in that. You do wonder where these rumours start and who likes to start them. You have to ask what benefit it does to the club?

‘Following some poor performances on the pitch, some people tend to delight in undermining the club generally.

‘I’ve always said people can have an opinion on the manager, chairman, board of directors, player, chief executive, whoever it may be. That’s fine.

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‘But at least base your opinions on facts, not what people put on social media and say they are a fact.

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‘With everything else going on, it’s not good for a club to have people starting or spreading rumours that are totally unfounded.

‘I don’t think that’s good in any business - and a football club craves stability. There are some that seem to be hell bent on causing destabilisation.

‘Again, if that is based on fact, then fine. I have never lied during my time here, if you do then you’ll get found out pretty quickly in such a high-profile position.

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‘I can categorically tell you, there is absolutely no truth whatsoever in the rumour that the Eisners are even thinking of selling this football club.

‘It is laughable.’

It has proven a massively disappointing season so far for a side expected to be automatic promotion contenders.

Having led League One at Christmas, the Blues are presently 10th, with manager Kenny Jackett departing on Sunday.

While owners Tornante have been on the receiving end of ‘vile’ social media abuse from Pompey followers.

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Catlin added: ‘What Michael, Eric (Eisner), Andy (Redman) and the rest of the board do on their private social media accounts is really down to them.

‘We have a club Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, should people want to vent their frustration.

‘As long as it is done without abuse or threats, fair enough.

‘But I think it crosses a line where people’s own personal social media is vile.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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