An official club statement said "his sale was necessistated by the club's commitment to repay scheduled debts while we are in a transitional period of completing the takeover."
"We will now be looking to add fresh faces to the first-team squad as soon as possible."
I think all Pompey fans knew that this sale was purely for financial reasons and that Paul Hart wasn't going to see a penny of this fee. I have nothing against Crouch personally as he worked tirelessly to keep us in the Premier League and scored some crucial goals too.
He hasn't been "disloyal" despite signing for Redknapp. I'm sure he would have stayed if he wasn't forced out because of our financial situation so I'd like to thank him for his service last season but I hope he doesn't put the boot in and score against us next season...
Crouch's departure may mean that Pompey are no longer "forced" to play the long ball game and we may see some more attractive football at Fratton Park. Hart has hinted that he wants to play the game the right way and being obliged to go long may not necessarily be his style.
Hopefully this is the last big name departure from the club because we can't afford to lose any more of our key players.