David James says that financial woes drove him out of Portsmouth
Bristol City goalkeeper David James has insisted he wouldn’t have left former club Portsmouth if it had not been for the club’s dire financial straits. James, who was talking ahead of
his return to Fratton Park with his current club on Tuesday night, noted “If it had not been for the financial problems the club encountered, I would almost certainly still be there.”
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa stopper also spoke of his adulation for the club’s fans, but stated he would be doing them no favors when the sides meet. “I had four wonderful seasons
at Portsmouth and I have nothing but the highest regard for the club and positive thoughts about my time there,” James said. He went on to talk of his bond with the fans on the south coast, saying “I built up a good rapport with the fans and I still keep in
touch with some of the people down there. They are good people and good fans.”
But the 40-year-old insists his professionalism will overcome any emotions he has for his former club on the day. “It won't have any effect on how I perform on the night. I'm a Bristol
City player and my job is to help get the team get higher up the league and into the play-offs,” claimed James.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of reception the experienced goalkeeper gets upon his return. He was undoubtedly an outstanding servant throughout his time with the club, with his
first two years at Fratton Park probably the finest of his entire career in terms of form.
But now, having rejected a contract in the summer in order to ply his trade elsewhere in the Championship, some on the south coast may feel he jumped ship when they needed him most.
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