Steve Finnan admits the Portsmouth players cannot help but be worried by the club's current financial plight.
Pompey defender shares fans' worry over club's financial state
Defender Steve Finnan admits the Portsmouth players cannot help but be worried by the club's current financial plight.
Pompey had hoped the outstanding player salaries would be processed on Thursday but the monies will now be cleared after the Bank Holiday.
Avram Grant's men head into 2010 bottom of the Premier League and beset by financial worries.
Pompey issued a statement to deny the club had been formally served with a winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in relation to disputed VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions of a reported £3.5million.
A High Court date has been set for early next year, but Portsmouth - who continue to operate under a transfer embargo imposed by the Premier League over unpaid transfer debts - are expecting to have the matter resolved before then and the threat of possible administration lifted.
The Fratton Park faithful are becoming increasingly frustrated at the dire financial plight of their club and Finnan knows it is a testing time for all involved.
"The players obviously talk about what is going on, about getting paid, but as players we have to get on with our job for the club and hopefully things can resolve themselves, but I think no-one really seems to know what is going on," he said.
Worries
"It worries us, it is not nice for the fans, they have obviously been supporting the club for a long time, it is just not fair on them.
"For the players it is the same - we want to play for the club.
"It concerns everyone involved, hopefully it will get resolved, but the players have to keep fighting away.
Finnan added: "I certainly heard the chants (during the defeat to Arsenal), and most of the players heard it.
"They are frustrated like anyone else and you can understand why. They have supported the team a long time. It must be really disappointing for them."
Portsmouth take on Coventry in the FA Cup at Fratton Park on Saturday. Finnan said: "A cup run can give us confidence. After a poor start, we have got ourselves in a position where we can still stay up."
This is the second time this season Portsmouth have been unable to pay players' wages on time.
A statement from Portsmouth read: "Portsmouth Football Club expect to pay their first-team squad's December salaries on Tuesday, January 5.
"The club has been speaking to the Professional Footballers' Association and the players have been informed.
"The club has been assured of receipt of funds by Tuesday and the owner and board have been working hard on resolving the short-term delay."
