David James fears of Pompey Collapse
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James admits players and staff at Fratton Park have been worried about the club going into administration following uncertainty over a potential takeover.
Sulaiman al-Fahim was in the directors' box for the Premier League defeat to Fulham but a change of ownership has not been completed almost three months since Pompey announced his offer had been accepted.
James has seen high-profile players leave the club and has spoken about the fears of being put into administration and suffering a points deduction.
"Hearing that dreaded word - administration - attached to a Premier League club, albeit speculatively, is unprecedented in this division," he said.
"Hearing it in association with your own club is much worse."
He added: "This league is supposed to be bulletproof. But over the summer months, as we began to sell our players, those left in the dressing room couldn't help looking round and wondering, 'Who's next?"'
Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra, Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch are among the players who have been sold since January, leading James to suggest "the numbers just don't seem to stack up".
The irony of Pompey's shirt sponsor being recruitment website Jobsite has not been lost on James.
"As players and staff queried the security of their employment, it was an uncomfortable irony that Jobsite.co.uk were our new shirt sponsors when Canterbury, who make the kit, went into administration last month," he added in his Observer column.
Al-Fahim insists he is committed to the takeover, although no explanation has been made for the delay.
The man fronting the takeover has also been quoted about the possibility of bringing Amr Zaki to the club on a loan deal and Jonas Gutierrez from Newcastle.
In the meantime, manager Paul Hart is desperately looking for loans and free transfers to bolster his squad as there is no money to spend.
Hart was encouraged by the defeat to Fulham but urged fans to have different hopes for the club.
"Over the last few years, with the influence of money from a benefactor we have punched above our weight," he said. "I say that with the greatest respect.
"The players that have been here and what was achieved with Harry has been magnificent, a dream for everybody. I don't think anyone would have wished for anything else - but it's just different now."
Midfielder Aaron Mokoena, after making his debut for the club, added on portsmouthfc.co.uk: "We're in a difficult position, but with the spirit and strength we have in the squad I'm sure we'll do better."
"We have a lot more to come, so we have to move on."
Bobby Zamora scored the only goal of the game at Fratton Park when he deflected in Clint Dempsey's shot.
After working hard but only scoring two league goals last season, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson believes Zamora was due a stroke of luck.
Hodgson said: "I certainly think the way he and Andrew Johnson work offensively and defensively makes them worthy of a bit of luck.
"Last season Bob's luck in front of goal wasn't in, this time he has started with goals in pre-season and got himself on the scoresheet on the first day with a deflection."
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