Portsmouth chief executive Andy Cullen has defended the Eisner family’s limited public engagement, explaining that their low profile reflects a common approach taken by American sports owners rather than a lack of interest or commitment to the club.
The Eisners have not spoken to Portsmouth-based media outlets since mid-2024, with chairman Michael Eisner’s last interview taking place in July of that year as part of a feature celebrating his long and successful career in television and film. His son Eric Eisner last addressed local media in April 2024 during the League One title celebrations on Southsea Common. Since then, the family have instead communicated with supporters through exclusive video interviews produced for the Pompey Supporters’ Trust, including one recorded in November 2025.
Cullen insists this approach is entirely consistent with how most American owners operate, stressing that they are comfortable allowing the club’s executive leadership to handle day-to-day communication. He says the responsibility for speaking to fans and the media rests with himself, head coach John Mousinho, and sporting director Rich Hughes, and that he has no issue acting as the public voice of the ownership group.
According to Cullen, owners in the United States rarely make frequent public statements, preferring instead to entrust operational matters to their executive teams. He contrasts this with some UK-based owners who are more visible due to their physical proximity to their clubs, though he notes such hands-on owners are increasingly rare at Championship level. Cullen also emphasises that he has always made himself available for interviews and discussions and believes no reasonable request for engagement has ever been turned down.
While the Eisners may not regularly speak to the media, Cullen highlights that they have remained visibly involved, attending several home matches in recent months. He points out that members of the family were present at four of Pompey’s last eight league games at Fratton Park, demonstrating ongoing engagement behind the scenes.
The Eisners have also reduced their activity on social media since Portsmouth’s return to the Championship, a decision Cullen understands and personally relates to. Having stepped away from X (formerly Twitter) himself in 2021, he believes social media can create unnecessary complications, as it requires constant engagement and exposes users to unfiltered and often anonymous criticism.
Instead, Cullen says he prefers direct, face-to-face communication with supporters. On matchdays, he regularly walks around the stadium, visiting different stands, fan areas, and club facilities, making himself accessible without entourages or barriers. He feels this approach encourages more open and constructive conversations with fans, most of which focus on operational issues such as ticketing, facilities, or stadium matters rather than football decisions.
Cullen adds that when he does not have immediate answers to supporters’ concerns, he makes a point of following up. He believes this visible, personal style of engagement is more valuable than online interaction and reinforces his commitment to transparency and accessibility, even if the club’s owners themselves remain largely out of the public spotlight.
