Andy Cullen namedrops Leeds United in Portsmouth recruitment comparison
Andy Cullen says Portsmouth will continue with their model of investing in young talent, adding there is no longer any debt at the club.
The club have faced criticism this season for not spending enough over the summer to bring in ready-made Championship players, with Pompey sat inside the relegation zone heading into the third international break, though have heavily invested in the club’s infrastructure.
The CEO, speaking at the Pompey Supporters’ Trust (PST) Q&A [11 November, 23:54, held on 6 November], reinforced that the club’s budget is dwarfed by many in the second tier such as Leeds United, and that the current approach will remain in place.
“We don’t have the £60-70million that Leeds United for instance have got, but there is no debt at Portsmouth Football Club,” Cullen said.
“We may have to tweak it slightly this season, but we have a large number of players under 24 from investing in young talent and that’s the approach we will continue to take.
“What you can’t do is muddle along in terms of strategy – you have to be absolutely fixated on what you’re trying to do. We need to get that balance right. People can say we haven’t invested, but it’s not just about fees, it’s salaries as well.”
Portsmouth looking to grow self-sustainable model
The modern era of football is seeing a growth in sensible self-sustaining financial models inside clubs as the numbers involved continue to multiply.
In looking at the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford – two Premier League clubs who have organically advanced through genius investments – many in the Championship and below are turning further towards adopting a similar approach.
Coventry City and Luton Town were also Championship clubs identified by Cullen as those looking to implement the same strategy, while leaders Sunderland have performed excellently with the division’s youngest average playing squad.
The concerns held by supporters are understandable. Pompey have endured so much hardship since last appearing in the second tier in 2011-12 that the thought of it unravelling due to failure to adequately strengthen the squad is unbearable.
The hope is that if the Blues can manage to claw themselves above at least three competitors by May, the club can afford to invest towards the next level in good time.
In other Portsmouth news, Kusini Yengi has analysed his season as he lands in Melbourne for two important games with Australia.
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