tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85247345384485925062009-12-09T10:26:39.036ZThe News Portsmouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425766182709618093noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-47176517798341883732009-12-09T09:24:00.008Z2009-12-09T10:26:39.044Z

Having been a critic of Avram Grant's arrival - in the previous blog and in The News Pompey Talk podcast - it's time to assess the Israeli's initial impact as full-time manager.One thing's clear - he has his own ideas.Placing Prince Boateng and Tommy Smith out wide in a 4-5-1-style formation against Burnley showed he understood the need for the team to have more width.You can't argue with the

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-87420839384734447822009-10-09T14:52:00.004+01:002009-10-09T15:54:42.307+01:00

Managers always talk about waiting until 12 games before looking at the table.Well, this blogger has waited until eight games in before locating his keyboard.The events at Pompey have, as usual, been nothing short of sensational but we'll come to that later.First I'd like to re-introduce you to this blog, which started up last season and will now pick up the reins again in the 2009/10 season.My

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-19534528303245553652009-07-16T14:23:00.006+01:002009-07-16T15:13:00.027+01:00

So far this summer it's taken a lot to arouse this blog from its off-season slumber.But the current furore over the Pompey takeover is too big an issue to ignore.Glen Johnson's departure was in many ways inevitable and the majority of Pompey fans wished him well as he made his way to Merseyside.The feeling was the Blues would soon be in new wealthy hands and the club would be putting into place

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-52238269419353377392009-06-23T19:11:00.006+01:002009-06-24T15:07:36.252+01:00

While no-one can begrudge Glen Johnson his move back into the top four, his exit marks a sad day for Pompey.He was the team's best player by a country mile last season and provided fans with quality few thought they would ever witness at Fratton Park.He is the best right-back in the country and the Blues will be significantly poorer without him.His departure to Liverpool marks the official end of

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-48335298921378801342009-05-15T09:56:00.005+01:002009-05-19T19:32:28.200+01:00

Pompey wrapped up their home season with an overdue flourish on Monday night.With the pressure off and fans calling for Paul Hart to ditch his 4-5-1 defensive stance, the Blues delivered by way of a 3-1 win.The season is being dissected by everyone - not least the sports desk at The News.And thoughts are inevitable turning to next season.This is the most crucial summer in Pompey's recent

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-24593846176629406112009-05-05T12:43:00.004+01:002009-05-05T13:34:41.024+01:00

There seems to be a debate raging at the moment.You're either pro-Paul Hart, happy to support his pragmatic approach to Premier League survival.Or you anti-Hart, reeling away in disgust at his perceived negative and dour style of play.Can I take this opportunity to appeal to the haters.Stop and think. Please.Think of Pompey as a Premier League club, arguably the greatest league in the world. If

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-4008336663728209082009-04-23T09:58:00.005+01:002009-04-23T10:50:02.403+01:00

At least that's Man United out the way.Let's be honest, it was a game in hand that meant little. The prospect of taking anything away from title-chasing United at this stage of the season were minimal.Of course, you never know. But Paul Hart has quickly moulded a team rooted in realism and no-one expected miracles at Old Trafford. Not this year anyway.That Pompey competed as strongly as they did

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-8088639849340130522009-03-31T16:41:00.003+01:002009-03-31T17:25:58.318+01:00

The misfortune of others mean the door has swung open again for Peter Crouch's England career.Injuries to Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole will see the Pompey striker lead the attack against Ukraine in the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.Past selections suggested Fabio Capello wasn't 100 per cent convinced with the former Liverpool man.But now he has little choice - and Crouch deserves every

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-71240908309024764552009-03-24T18:22:00.005Z2009-03-24T19:32:53.890Z

Let's not count our chickens, but it appears a no-thrills approach has done the trick at Pompey.The secret to Paul Hart's success so far at Pompey seems to be that there is no secret.The re-introduction of basic, no-nonsense defending has laid the platform for Pompey's upturn in form, culminating in the three points at home to Everton.It's not over by a long shot, of course, and there will a few

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-18150275833600964162009-02-25T11:59:00.004Z2009-02-26T12:31:02.464Z

If anyone needed proof of how sport bonds a community, they need look no further than the seventh News Sports Awards.Last night, at Portsmouth Guildhall, the real heroes of the area's rich sporting tapestry were recognised.It was fitting, therefore, that two of Pompey's most conscientious players were there to revel in other people's achievement.Perhaps more than anybody at the club, David James

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-52444066108185312282009-02-11T13:27:00.008Z2009-02-11T14:56:37.990Z

In the previous Burton's Banter I suggested Tony Adams' heartfelt interview to The News had bought him more time with fans.The former Gunners captain admitted the abuse he received after the defeat to Fulham had hurt. He was a wounded animal.But while fans condemned their own and got behind their leader, the episode brought little sympathy from Pompey owner Sacha Gaydamak.On Sunday night, The

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-5260184540006060062009-02-06T09:54:00.006Z2009-02-06T10:56:17.389Z

If one thing's certain after the stories of the past two days, it's that Tony Adams cares deeply about Pompey.After his initial insistence he wouldn't give phone interviews, a beleaguered Adams - no doubt stung by recent criticism - returned The News' calls this week.And from the conversations that ensued, two things were clear.Firstly, that he thought Pompey's financial predicament - ie they

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-35535267601849631962009-01-12T12:26:00.005Z2009-01-12T14:17:56.541Z

Pompey insist no more stars will leave Fratton Park.If that's true - and my optimistic side has chosen to believe it - then fans can now focus their attention on new arrivals.Midfield is clearly a priority, with the heart of the FA Cup winning team - Mendes, Muntari and Diarra - having been ripped out.Sean Davis, Richard Hughes and Papa Bouba Diop are honest enough, but additions are needed.The

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-77956844600657864022009-01-09T13:59:00.004Z2009-01-09T14:16:54.554Z

At last, some news to lift the gloom that has engulfed Pompey in recent weeks.England full-back Glen Johnson has signed a new four-and-a-half year deal to stay at Fratton Park.Cynics will (with some justification) argue contracts mean little in modern-day football.But by my reckoning, Johnson's deal is a real coup for Tony Adams.Even at this early stage in the month, I would suggest it's the best

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-67862154579965811342009-01-08T10:45:00.004Z2009-01-08T11:20:59.648Z

It's a bold - and reassuring - statement.Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie has told The News Jermain Defoe will be the last big-name Pompey player to leave in the January transfer window. Glen Johnson, Peter Crouch, Sylvain Distin, David James - going nowhere.Raising the spirits of wounded Pompey fans, he also said new signings are on their way, two by the end of the next week.It's nailed

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-14933921489941605782009-01-06T12:10:00.004Z2009-01-06T12:59:04.022Z

Sadly, the least surprising transfer in Pompey's recent history looks done and dusted.From the minute Harry Redknapp hurriedly headed for Spurs, Jermain Defoe's interest in Pompey vanished.Clearly, he feels no love for the club who rescued him from the White Hart Lane subs' bench and catapulted him back into the England set-up.Clearly, his loyalty lies with Redknapp and, more galling for Pompey

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-11481626125377711442008-12-17T11:05:00.005Z2008-12-17T12:16:31.483Z

It was a deal which suited both parties.Lassana Diarra got the first-team football he craved and Pompey - a club looking to escape years of mediocrity - got the services of a genuine world-class talent.Both knew it was only a temporary arrangement, but everyone was happy with it.Harry Redknapp knew he has a player to take his team to unprecedented heights and fans licked their lips at the

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-62940271482028425812008-11-28T11:34:00.006Z2008-11-28T12:37:55.614Z

What can be said?There are no words that can possibly do Fratton Park justice last night.Thousands of fans around the city - and the country - will have walked into work today bulging with pride.The superlatives have been flooding in via The News' website and, while the feeling after AC Milan's late equaliser was one of overwhelming deflation, there is also a large element of celebration.Firstly

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-71585362206269994012008-11-27T09:56:00.008Z2008-11-27T11:12:48.697Z

If there is to be a pinnacle of Pompey's current era, tonight is surely the night.Don't get me wrong, the trips to Wembley were gloriously spine-tingling.But earning the right to play AC Milan in a competitive fixture? That's off the scale.Kaka (one of the best players in the world) will line up at Fratton Park with Ronaldinho (one of the best players in the world) ready to come off the bench.The

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-10011865131566803432008-11-21T11:05:00.004Z2008-11-21T12:06:10.807Z

Tony Adams may be enjoying his honeymoon period at the moment - but he has some big decisions around the corner.As reported in The News, 15 first-teamers' contracts are up at the end of the season.Among them are Sol Campbell, Sean Davis and Linvoy Primus.If Adams chooses, he has a great chance to gut the squad and remodel it in his own image.His success will depend on who he decides to keep and,

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-90749934628533465612008-11-20T11:37:00.006Z2008-11-20T13:41:53.786Z

If there's one word which strikes a nerve at Pompey, it's stadium.In particular, a new one.While The News' sportsdesk's reporting of the club's football team can cause arguments and the occasional snub, nothing provokes such blind panic as criticism of Pompey's plans for a new ground.The club believe they should get zero negativity in their pursuit of a new home on Horsea Island (above).Most

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-74441838583110247252008-11-14T09:24:00.008Z2008-11-14T10:47:53.995Z

The Tony Adams era is taking shape - and it's clear he will be doing things his own way.Whether his way succeeds, of course, only time will tell.Bringing in Johnny Metgod to be, in effect, his number two is his biggest decision so far.Metgod is a technically-gifted coach with experience of the English top flight. On the face of it, it looks a decent appointment.Adams is obviously heavily

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-44423005434526499312008-10-29T12:34:00.005Z2008-10-29T13:21:00.277Z

Harry Redknapp received the freedom of the city after being booed at the Portsmouth Guildhall ceremony.Thankfully, this ugly minority were soon silenced by audience members (and some incredibly vigorous stewards).Just two days after his defection to Spurs and the wounds are still very raw, despite Tony Adams' appointment.Feelings and emotions are running high.I don't think too many people

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-10250808804954336602008-10-28T12:15:00.000Z2008-10-28T13:30:51.299Z

After Pompey insisted they would take their time in appointing a new manager, the club took just three days.Their choice: Tony Adams.First things first, I hope he proves to be a roaring success.He was a big-match player of the highest calibre and has paid his dues as a coach.He's earned his chance at Premier League management - now he finds out if he's any good at it.For me, it's a gamble.Looking

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524734538448592506.post-58961777647177363082008-10-27T11:47:00.005Z2008-10-27T14:51:25.607Z

For the second - and final - time, Harry Redknapp has turned his back on Pompey.It's likely he had taken the Blues as far as he thought he could.And the chance to finally manage a 'big' club in his beloved London was a chance he has craved for years.The sad fact is, though, the only loser in all this is Pompey.That, and the swiftness of Redknapp's departure, explains a lot of the anger from the

James Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018556684425825541james.burton826@gmail.com1