Why the flak being aimed at Portsmouth CEO Mark Catlin is totally unjustified

That’s the view of Blues writer, Jordan Cross, in the latest edition of Pompey Talk - which you can download HERE.

Catlin has found himself in the firing line with mounting anger among some fans at failing to get out of League One last season.

Much of the criticism is based around those who want to see Kenny Jackett sacked after his failure to get out of League One at the third attempt.

Jackett arrived with a reputation for gaining lower league promotions when succeeding Paul Cook in 2017.

Cross believes the integrity Catlin has shown in his seven years at Fratton Park sees him stand above his predecessors in the club’s CEO role.

He said: ‘Mark Catlin is the best CEO I’ve dealt with in 20 years at The News, comfortably the best.

‘The thing about Mark is he’s honest. I don’t feel he’s ever lied to me - and that’s a first with Pompey CEOs!

‘You can have a backwards and forwards conversation and you may not agree on everything, but there’s an honesty there.

‘It’s reassuring that when you get off these calls, even though perhaps he can’t tell you everything, there’s an honesty to it.

‘He’s straight with you and in any conversation in any walk of life or career, that is not a bad starting point with me.

‘There’s the open door policy he has with supporters, too. How many CEOs will constantly reply to emails from supporters in the way he does with fans?

‘Then there’s the Q&As. I don’t think you can knock Mark Catlin for the job he’s done in his time at Pompey.

‘There’s this scattergun anger at the moment, and he along with the executive team run the day to day at Pompey and call the shots.

‘But, no, for my money I don’t think you can be leaving much criticism at the door of Mark Catlin.’

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