Football: Venables' threat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Terry Venables, the Australian national coach, revealed yesterday that he is on the verge of walking out as Portsmouth chief executive after takeover talks came to a halt.
Venables took over the First Division side when he paid just pounds 1 for a 51 per cent shareholding and looked like taking complete control of the club when he agreed a three-year option to buy the former chairman Martin Gregory's 46 per cent stake in the club.
But after talks lasting more than two months, Venables said yesterday that the negotiations had "broken down" and hinted that he would consider an offer for his shareholding. "I want to stay and I would put up a fight, but if I thought that somebody else could achieve something for the better of the club I'd have to consider it," he said.
The cash crisis at Portsmouth was made clear last week when the construction of a new stand at Fratton Park was put on hold because of outstanding bills. There was some cheer yesterday for Portsmouth supporters, however, as the team won for the first time in 12 games, beating Bury 2-0 at Gigg Lane.
The Manchester City manager, Frank Clark, who had to watch his side lose to bottom-of-the-table Huddersfield on Friday, was fuming at reports yesterday of growing unrest in the boardroom. "Some of the stuff being said is scandalous. People who supposedly have the good of the club at heart were almost inciting supporters to riot if we lost," he said.
More than 2,000 fans demonstrated outside Maine Road after Friday's 1- 0 defeat, calling for the heads of the absent chairman Francis Lee and the manager. Clark claimed the poor run of results had not affected his own resolve to carry on, but that it may affect the resolve of the people who employ him to allow him to continue. Board members are believed to be discussing the situation this weekend.
Japan reached the World Cup play-offs by beating Kazakhstan 5-1 in Asian zone Group B yesterday. They play the runners-up of Group B in Malaysia next Sunday for a place in the finals.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments