Portsmouth Women pledge ‘phenomenal’  financial help to any players who need it

The Blues discovered the Women's National League Southern Premier Division was null and void after an FA announcement on Thursday.

They were one club who probably had few complaints at that - they had only played nine out of their 22 League games due to the wet weather and a host of postponements at the PMC Stadium they share with landlords Baffins Milton Rovers.

Even prior to the FA announcement, the earliest Pompey Women would have returned to action is the end of April in line with the men’s team.

But the club are still offering help to any squad or staff member who might need some financial assistance because of the Covid-19 epidemic.

An internal statement was issued by chairman Eric Colborne to all involved with Pompey Women this week.

It is believed a four-figure sum from the club's remaining expense fund has been set aside should anyone need support.

All involved in the Blues' women's team are non-paid volunteers and some of the squad are self-employed.

That could mean reduced or no income for players and staff at the moment and boss Jay Sadler has thanked the 'phenomenal' gesture.

'The club have offered a financial package for the women’s players in terms of Portsmouth Women and our chairman Eric Colborne,' he revealed.

‘If any of our players are self-employed or those employed that can’t support themselves financially, the club is able to support.

‘We’re under the same umbrella, but with us being a separate entity we’ve got a separate way of financial accounting.

‘What is in that account would have been the money to get us to Plymouth Argyle and back.

‘The rest of the season is currently there to roll onto next season.

‘But it is there as a cover blanket in a way for any players and staff - even myself included - and the other staff that are unpaid volunteers.