Whittingham pinpoints '˜crucial' two days for Pompey's future

PKF and the Trust head to the High Court today in an attempt to remove Portpin’s charge on Fratton Park.

The case will be heard in Court 17 of the Rolls Building from 10.30am and is anticipated to last until tomorrow afternoon.

It will be left to Mr Justice Sales to adjudicate on a price for Portpin to receive.

If the figure matches the Trust’s long-time offer of £2.75m then Pompey fans will be able to clinch the purchase of their club.

In the meantime, the Blues remain in administration with their relegation battle hampered.

Caretaker boss Whittingham is desperate to discover his playing budget ahead of next month’s transfer window.

The future of the players is also uncertain, with 18 out of contract.

The aspirations of Whittingham, the club and the fans hinge on the High Court verdict.

And the Pompey legend is desperate for the Trust to emerge triumphant.

He said: ‘This is the most crucial thing to happen to this club for a long time.

‘We are all hoping for the right result. It is paramount the Trust get it.

‘I have spoken to them and the chats we’ve had have been very positive.

‘This club has not been what you would call a normal one for a few years now.

‘Unfortunately we have become used to that and that is not right.

‘The Trust are made up of supporters who have got the club at heart.

‘If they succeed I am sure first and foremost they will make sure the club is run as a business.

‘It cannot be allowed to get into the situation it has done in recent times, that is crucial.

‘The Trust’s aim is to get the business running properly.

‘That will normally bring some stability – and everyone knows that is what we need.

‘All we want is to have as stable a working environment as we possibly can.

‘Like everybody else, I am hoping for the right result.’

While eyes are fixed on the High Court battle, the team have a match to prepare for.

Preston visit Fratton Park on Saturday with the Blues hoping to build on successive away draws.

Inevitably, progress in London is liable to provide a distraction to all at the club.

However, Whittingham insists the focus will remain purely on the pitch rather than the courts.

He added: ‘All we are doing is preparing for the game on Saturday.

‘The rest will take care of itself.

‘We cannot affect what happens in court.

‘I expect the odd thing will be filtered through and I will be kept updated.

‘But we will carry on trying and preparing for the game.

‘That is all we can do while others carry out their jobs.’