Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric last night backed down over his threat to withhold payment to his playing and coaching staff after a meeting with two Pompey players and club consultant Peter Storrie.

Club spokesman Peter Jeffs said: "The precise situation is that the cheque to the bank that pays the wages was released.

"Contrary to any other reports it's the club's money and it's being paid as it would have been ordinarily.

"The meeting between Milan and the players has been concluded and as far as we're concerned that's the matter closed."

Manager Graham Rix has been caught up in the storm as he prepares his side for a crucial Division 1 game at Walsall today that could impact massively on both Pompey's season and his own future.

But the former Chelsea assistant boss praised his players for their professionalism and dedication during training yesterday.

He said: "The players are as good as gold. It's a big game for us and that's been the only thing on our mind.

"Our spirit is excellent and everything is concentrated towards today's game.

"We know it's a game that we need to win and that's all we're interested in. Everything else is being talked about by everyone else but not by us."