'˜Still more to do' with top earners, says Birch

Defender Tal Ben Haim, former captain Liam Lawrence, and striker Dave Kitson have yet to reach a compromise over outstanding pay.

He revealed last month the club will be liquidated on Friday, August 10 unless the players leave or accept a pay settlement.

Mr Birch revealed he was buoyed by the departures of Greg Halford, David Norris, Nwankwo Kanu, Luke Varney and Erik Huseklepp last week.

But he reiterated the club can only be taken over by Balram Chainrai’s Portpin or the Pompey Supporters’ Trust – the only two parties to have tabled takeover offers – if settlements are reached before the deadline.

He said: ‘Both Portpin and the trust have made it clear that, in order to complete the purchase of the club, the players have to leave and conclude compromise settlements.

‘We are making good progress on that front but there is still more to do before we meet the conditions laid down by the bidders.

‘We are continuing to update Portpin and the trust with our progress, but 
we’re not at the stage yet 
where a deal can be concluded with either party.’