From Sydney to the Shetlands: What Pompey fan groups worldwide think of Eisner's takeover bid

Pompey fans from across the globe have been having their say on American billionaire Michael Eisner's bid to take over their club.
Michael Eisner (left) with Roy Disney by the entrance to the Walt Disney Studios Park.Michael Eisner (left) with Roy Disney by the entrance to the Walt Disney Studios Park.
Michael Eisner (left) with Roy Disney by the entrance to the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Many supporters have treated the interest from the former Disney chairman with excitement and optimism, while others have expressed their concern at the news.

As well as talking to Pompey fans living in the city, we’ve been in touch with supporters groups from across the world to find out their thoughts.

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Chris Quinell, from Australia-based group PompeyDownUnder, told The News that more investment is needed in the club if it is going to move forward.

As The News has previously reported, Eisner is currently in negotiations over a takeover at Fratton Park.As The News has previously reported, Eisner is currently in negotiations over a takeover at Fratton Park.
As The News has previously reported, Eisner is currently in negotiations over a takeover at Fratton Park.

He said: ‘Some investment is needed to take the club to another level. Whether this is the one will be decided by those in the best possible position to do so, the board and Portsmouth Supporters Trust.

‘The people that did such a tremendous job saving our club are the only ones who should be allowed to decide the future of our beloved Portsmouth FC.

‘My main concern is why Pompey and what does he want to get out of the takeover? Does Michael have plans for the club and will fans still have a share in decision making of the club?’

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There may only be about 23,000 on the Shetland Islands, but the islands are still home to another of our Pompey supporters clubs.

Pompey currently sit third in the League 2 table.  Photo: Joe Pepler/Digital SouthPompey currently sit third in the League 2 table.  Photo: Joe Pepler/Digital South
Pompey currently sit third in the League 2 table. Photo: Joe Pepler/Digital South

Phil Morris, who started setting up the club about four years ago, agreed that more money needs to come into the club - but warned that if the takeover didn’t work Portsmouth could turn into a ‘Mickey Mouse club’.

He said: ‘It sounds like a good idea to have the financial backing because as it stands at the moment in the current footballing world, if you don’t have money then there’s not much room for growth in a club.

‘It is a wonderful achievement to have become a community owned club but we have to be realistic in how far the club can grow on our own.

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‘But I would ask the the shareholders to be very vigilant and treble check Mr Eisner’s credentials as we have been bitten before with Sulaiman Al-Fahim.’

Many Pompey fans have said investment is necessary for work to be carried out on Fratton Park. Photo: Joe PeplerMany Pompey fans have said investment is necessary for work to be carried out on Fratton Park. Photo: Joe Pepler
Many Pompey fans have said investment is necessary for work to be carried out on Fratton Park. Photo: Joe Pepler

A spokesperson for Pompey’s London Supporters’ Club said: ‘It’s hard to view the news without anything other than cautious optimism.

‘We’ve been here before so many times, and having fought so hard to save the club, fans will rightly want to know that anyone wanting to put money into the club does so with the best of intentions and that those intentions won’t put at risk what so many worked so hard to achieve - a sustainable club that enjoys an unrivaled relationship and closeness with its fans.’

What do you think of Michael Eisner’s takeover bid? Do you belong to a Pompey supporters’ group abroad, and if so what’s your opinion?

You can let us know by emailing [email protected] or commenting on our Facebook page.