Peter Storrie has announced to ESPNsoccernet that he has quit as chief executive of Portsmouth but will stay on as a "consultant" for the FA cup semi-final against Spurs or Fulham

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GettyImagesPeter Storrie was Portsmouth's chief executive

Storrie told Soccernet prior to the official announcement being made: "It is not fair on my friends and family. They are looking for blood letting and I'm the one there to take all the stick. I cannot take it any more taking all the stick on my own, so I have decided to quit as chief executive, but agreed to stay on as a consultant to help the club for the FA Cup semi-final."

He added: "It is best that I walk away for the sake of the club as well as my family and friends. Despite working non-stop to try to keep this club alive for the last 14 months, they need someone to blame, and there is nobody left to blame but me."

As for the survival of the club, Portsmouth remain in intensive care, according to Storrie who says: "I really hope Portsmouth survive, and they will do if the South African group I brought to the club take it over.

"They have now produced proof of funds so I see no reason why they shouldn't go ahead with a takeover, the club need it."

Storrie fears the Premier League will deduct the nine points at the beginning of next week: "The Premier League have been waiting for the outcome of the court case with the revenue, and that will occur on Monday, so I would expect the nine points to be deducted by Tuesday."

Storrie, 48, plans to stay in football: "Yes, I would like to stay in football. I've been in the game for 21 years, so I would like to return. I do need a break first, what has happened at Portsmouth has been exhausting, it has taken its toll, but I still love the game and want to stay in it."

A statement from the club's administrator Andrew Andronikou revealed Storrie had left "in the best interests of the club" after speaking with family and friends, although he will continue to advise them in a consultancy role.

Storrie will be "remunerated accordingly" for working with Pompey on a range of matters, including the sale of the club, the FA Cup semi-final arrangements and other projects.