Jamie O'Hara backing Portsmouth pay cuts

Portsmouth midfielder Jamie O’Hara says he is willing to take a pay cut to help the stricken club.

But he says a reduction could hurt some players - because many well-paid stars are so free-spending.

The club’s administrator Andrew Andronikou announced on Wednesday 85 members of staff were being made redundant.

They were followed out of the door by chief executive Peter Storrie, who announced he was stepping down on Friday.

There have been suggestions certain players may be asked to take pay cuts to help secure the club’s future.

O’Hara, who is on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season, says he would agree to a reduction if necessary.

But, despite the huge salaries earned by Premier League players, he says Pompey should take care over making any cuts.

He said: “Every person lives to their means and people have to look ­after their families. Footballers earn a lot but they also spend a lot because that’s what they earn.”

While some have questioned why members of the playing squad – who face Liverpool tomorrow – have not been laid off, O’Hara feels the squad should be kept together.

He said: “Players are the priority because you can’t play without a team. But, on the other hand, it’s difficult to see friends you have made losing their jobs.

“It’s sad to see people go because obviously, the players don’t really suffer in a way. We all get paid and we still play football every week.

“It’s the masseurs, the tea ladies; they are the people this is going to affect in the long run. That’s the disappointing part of going into administration.

“We haven’t really got to worry because whatever happens, we get paid and we go elsewhere in the summer. The people here are the ones it will affect the most.

“I’ve never been involved in something like this and it has made me grow up a lot.

“It makes you realise what actually goes on in the world because you can be in this little bubble as a footballer and not really know what goes on outside.”