McLeod admits uncertainty has hit hard

The ongoing uncertainty over the club’s future has provided a difficult backdrop to the opening weeks of the League One season.

It has left players waiting to discover if they can extend the short-term contracts they penned before the first league match of the season.

Manager Michael Appleton has tried to reassure his men but feels form has suffered as a result.

He pinpointed McLeod as one of those whose confidence may have been hit.

That came after the striker went four matches without scoring – leading to criticism from some Blues fans.

He bounced back against Crawley with a neatly-taken goal in Sunday’s maiden League One victory.

And McLeod is hoping the financial constraints of administration will soon be lifted as the battle for control of the club goes on.

He said: ‘I am not going to lie, it is hard.

‘We know what the situation is and we have to deal with it.

‘There is not a lot we can do about it as players.

‘We have to hope the club sorts itself out – the sooner the better.

‘If it does – it is such a big club that anyone will be happy to play here.’

After being burned so many times in recent years, Pompey fans will be cautious about the latest talk of a new offer to buy the club.

Administrator Trevor Birch has indicated he wants to see evidence of the funds on the table.

That comes before he is expected to make a decision on Friday about whether to proceed with either the bid from the Pompey Supporters Trust, or Balram Chainrai’s Portpin.

McLeod, meanwhile, is just hoping for some stability off the field.

He feels once the club can come out administration and the players are able to commit their immediate future, everything is in place for a good season.

In the mean time, McLeod assured fans, the players will continue working hard for the cause.

The striker said: ‘We are in a difficult situation but we are playing for a massive club.

‘Everyone is aware of it but we are just getting our heads down and working hard.

‘As soon as everything off the field can get sorted it is only going to benefit us and the manager.’

Pompey fans again showed their unrivalled loyalty as they turned out in force at the Broadfield Stadium.

The terracing behind one goal was a sea of blue as the travelling army roared their side on.

It was another great show of defiance as they outsung the home fans.

McLeod praised the supporters and is adamant the main goal is to repay their backing with more victories on the pitch.

He wants to see more scenes like those enjoyed during the second half as Pompey romped to a 3-0 victory.

McLeod added: ‘We had a lot of support at Crawley.

‘It shows the fanbase here is magnificent.

‘This is a big club and if we are repaying the fans like that, then everyone is happy all-round.’