Pompey's relegation scrap: the verdict

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 ups and downs along the way.

But the Blues look like a team up for the challenge of staying in the division and, importantly, believing they have the skill and organisation in place to do so.

Here I look at the bottom nine teams and assess their chances of avoiding the drop.

Bolton
A good run-in against many of the bottom sides coupled with a tough, uncompromising approach should see them survive. In Matt Taylor they have a player - as Pompey fans will know - capable of chipping in with goals. And in Kevin Davies they have a forward who, while not prolific, is well-versed at unsettling Premier League defences.
Verdict: Safe

Hull City
Goals have dried up and the charismatic but crocked Jimmy Bullard could prove to be a huge waste of money. They are finding it tougher the longer the season goes on as the demands of the top flight take its toll. A tricky run-in won't help and I can see panic setting in as they edge nearer the drop zone. Luckily for them, a sensational first half of the season should see them survive.
Verdict: Safe - but only just

Sunderland
Ricky Sbragia's honeymoon period is now over and it's clearly going to be a nerve-shredding finale for them. They are organised and gritty, and their clash against Hull on April 18 could be a defining moment. Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse hold the key. This dynamic, but erratic, duo must chip with a few goals to keep the Championship at bay.
Verdict: Safe

Blackburn
Rovers have a hideous run-in with trips to Anfield, Eastlands and Stamford Bridge lying in wait. However, there are also winnable games in the final furlong for Sam Allardyce's men. Big Sam has already made them a tough unit to play against and with his nous, I can see the Wanderers scrambling enough points together to clamber to safety.
Verdict: Safe

West Brom
Many have admired Tony Mowbray for sticking to his principles, but this inflexibility has cost them. Pretty football aplenty, but the Albion have always lacked real quality in the final third. No goals has meant no wins, and that means one thing - relegation.
Verdict: Down - no question

Stoke City
Home form has been a revelation. Their style is not to everyone's taste - not that the Potters will give two hoots about that. The signing of James Beattie has proved as shrewd as Dave Kitson's was disastrous and the former Saint should rack up enough goals to see Stoke home. Keeping them up will be Tony Pulis' crowning moment as a manager - and that's what I expect to happen.
Verdict: Safe

Middlesbrough
The Premier Leaguye is not a good place to learn how to be a manager. Just ask Tony Adams and Paul Ince. Boro, though, have afforded Gareth Southgate the time he required. The trouble is, it hasn't worked. Big-money striker Afonso Alves has proved a huge flop and the reliance on youth has backfired. Capable of decent approach play but a lack of a goalscorer will mean goodbye to the Premier League.
Verdict: Down

Newcastle
If ever a club deserve to go down, it's the Magpies. Bad buys, bad appointments and general bad decisions mean the club is in disarray. The owner managed to get rid of the one shining light in Kevin Keegan and brought in one who, sadly, is sidelined by a heart op. Caretaker boss Chris Hughton is clearly not up to the task and the defence is leaking goals for fun. Amid all this chaos, knitting together an under-performing team looks a tough ask - especially when they've got Arsenal, Chelsea and Luverpool to come.
Verdict: Down - a 'big' club bites the dust

Pompey
The calibre, motivation and experince of the likes of David James, Sol Campbell and Peter Crouch is beginning to come to the fore. Given a framework by boss Hart, the team have responded well. Next up are Hull and it's vital the form is carried on. The mood is good, which is more than can be said for some of their rivals, and the Blues have the tools at their disaposal to move away from danger.
Verdict: Safe

Time to tie down Mr Pompey

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 and Linvoy Primus appreciate what goes on away from the football field.

And like everybody else, they cheered Paralympic gold medallist Dan Bentley, stood and applauded Fareham's late boxing coach Derek Hoile and were amazed when they heard how amputee Spike Westbrook plays for Manchester United and competes with his able-bodied peers in the Portsmouth Sunday League.

Those are just three heroes plucked from the evening (for the full pull-out see Friday's News).

James met scores of children and was genuinely 'buzzing' when, to his surprise, he picked up Best Sportsman to go with his Pompey Player of the Year award.

His, Primus and coach Guy Whittingham's presence was also a timely reminder footballers' jobs should not stop the minute they take their boots off.

Primus is the epitomy of this.

Upon receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award he said: 'I am in a blessed place. If I can change people's lives for the better by just turning up, meeting people and signing autographs, then I want to be a part of that.'

It's a nod to his Christian faith, but also reveals an awareness of the city's people many at his club could learn from.

The ordinary folk of Paulsgrove, North End, Fareham etc have embraced Primus because Primus has embraced them.

At the awards he admitted he never thought he'd venture outside the M25 such was his London roots. Now he calls Portsmouth his home.

His reception last night, just as when he lifted the FA Cup, once again revealed the love and warmth afforded to a true hero of the city.

His playing style has helped. A journeyman pro, he has been inspired by rejection to raise his game to such a level he regularly outperformed centre-back partner Sol Campbell.

The fans recognise the guts and desire that took.

When Mr Pompey (as James affectionately called him) does decide to hang up his boots - and it can't be far off - Pompey must keep him involved.

Community work, coaching, whatever suits him best.

To ignore Linvoy would be to ignore one of the best.

And that would be unforgivable.

Time to bring O'Neil home

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 on that one of those will be Gary O'Neil, and it's a prospect that has split opinion.

On one hand, supporters believe it's a backward step. The other side reckon a dedicated, hard-working player like O'Neil is worth 10 Defoes.

Let's be frank. O'Neil's not in the same class as Lassana Diarra or Sulley Muntari.

But he would improve the current midfield, adding a touch of creativity to the industry and muscle of Papa Bouba Diop, Sean Davis and Richard Hughes.

The biggest thing you'd get with O'Neil, though, is heart at a time when Pompey risk having it ripped out.

Having come through the ranks he cares for the club, wants to return and wouldn't spend his spare time on the phone to his agent.

O'Neil's as genuine as they come and Pompey runs through his veins.

At a time of unsettling overhaul and a manager finding his way at the top level, the return of O'Neil is a no-brainer.

It's a no-lose situation - and Fratton Park would welcome him back with open arms.

Adams puts his stamp on Pompey

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 influenced by his experiences in Holland but he should know - more than most - that the reality of the Premier League requires more than pretty football (unless you're Arsenal).

Nevertheless, prepare for the phrases 'total football and 'Dutch philosophy' to creep their way into Pompey reports from now on.

Be warned, though, that doesn't automatically mean success - there's not a batch of Johan Cruyffs at Fratton Park.

In any case, one look down the road at the struggling Saints' Dutch management team and it's clear that, although the future's orange, it's not bright!

Apart from Adams' coaching appointment, the other thing which has come to the fore is his personality.

I have mentioned before on this blog he is a very different man to the drink-fuelled centre-back who terrified strikers and inspired team-mates.

As we at The News are fast discovering, the new boss is a picture of sobriety and, to be honest, slightly eccentric.

Not sure how Sol Campbell and David James reacted to being called his 'babies'.

And how about this:

'I'm very positive and I'm very happy.
'Today I'm fearless. I'm okay today.
'Yesterday I was a little bit fearful but today I'm okay.'

It's a one-man counselling session on being the new Pompey manager - probably something the likes of Alain Perrin and Graham Rix can empathise with.

For us of the sports desk, it's a taste of things to come.

Let's hope there's still a successful football team involved as well.

Whatever happens, it's going to be a very different world to the one Harry Redknapp inhabited at Fratton Park.

Utaka on the brink of failure

So England saw off Belarus and (whisper it) are finally looking the business.

David James produced an assured display in Minsk, which was good to see after some shaky moments so far this season.

Other than that Pompey players were largely bypassed for the game - Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson didn't get a look in, while Peter Crouch came off the bench for a brief cameo.

International week now over, it's time to look forward to Aston Villa - and the eternal enigma that is John Utaka.

According to the winger, he's ready to step up to the plate in what will be a true test at Villa Park (see back page of The News)

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but when has the Nigerian ever stepped up to the plate for Pompey.

Apart from his blistering start to last season, the winger's faded badly.

It's clear to most Pompey fans - and to Harry Redknapp as well, I'm sure - that Utaka lacks the mental toughness to succeed in the relentness, high-profile Premier League.

His days at Fratton Park appear numbered.

Villa are a team on the rise and in Ashley Young they have a potent winger.
Will Utaka be trusted to cover Glen Johnson down the right? I doubt it.

Glen Little should get the nod for his industry and endeavour.

No offence to Little, but that says it all about Utaka's future.

The £7m man is second choice to an injury-prone journeyman (albeit a decent one).

Even Harry Redknapp, a master in the transfer market, can't get them all right. That's the nature of the business.

Just like the hapless David Nugent, Utaka is close to being a certified flop.

Sol refuses to rise to Spurs abuse

Sol Campbell is one of football’s genuinely interesting people.

He’s interesting because, to many, he’s a mystery.

An imposing, physical presence at centre-back, he is also more sensitive and thoughtful than the average footballer.

The youngest of 12 children, Campbell is an introvert - some have preferred self-absorbed - who has received bad press for his unwillingness to enjoy the celebrity culture.

His half-time walk-out at Arsenal pointed to inner demons or at the very least a crisis of confidence.

He doesn’t fit the stereotype. He doesn’t go out on the town with the latest Big Brother reject and he loves fashion (he helped design Pompey’s FA Cup suit).

That makes him an easy target - especially for Spurs, the club he turned his back on to join their biggest rivals Arsenal in 2001.

It was an incredible Bosman move which saw him become a figure of hate.

He could not have expected anything less, although it was a move he, in principle, had a right to make.

He was, and is, an ambitious individual. Look at the interviews he gave when Pompey were building the current side and he was crystal clear the club’s ambition had to match his own.

Emerging from Fratton Park after the Spurs victory on Sunday he refused to talk to our writers.
Unlike a lot of modern players, in Campbell’s case this was pretty unusual.

He is intensely private, but he’s also a considerate and thoughtful interviewee.

On the pre-FA Cup final press-day frenzy, he was the model pro.

Along with David James, he made his way down the queue of TV, radio and newspaper hacks with a smile, making sure everyone had what they needed ahead of the big match.

Glen Johnson and Sulley Muntari refused everybody. They could learn a lot from the Pompey skipper.

Being the character he is, Spurs’ racist and homophobic taunts will not have simply been shrugged off by Campbell.

Its ferocity will have reminded him of the abuse he got when he left White Hart Lane all those years ago.

The irony is, those dishing out this personal attack support a club with strong Jewish links, the most discriminated of all minorities. Go figure.

But Campbell stood tall amid the filthy verbals and led Pompey to a comfortable victory. He willl have relished that.

I suspect, though, the abuse does not simply bounce off Campbell. He will have thought about it deeply.

It’s not the first time he’s heard it, of course, but it will have hurt. He had made his point in the best way - on the field.

With the win secure, having to talk about why the opposition fans chanted he had HIV probably did not appeal.

I think he can be forgiven for that.

Pompey's Euro vision

The last few years have seen Pompey stride forward impressively.

The Great Escape, best league finish for half a century and, of course, FA Cup winners.

Thursday night will see another chapter in the club’s history written when they play in the UEFA Cup.

My view is simple: don’t underestimate anything.

Don’t underestimate the occasion - this is Pompey embracing the European stage for the first time.

Don’t underestimate the opponents - Vitoria SC will be good. They finished above Benfica in their league and will be technically excellent.
Beware Pompey.

To win and proceed to the group stages will be a decent achievement.
It should not just be expected.

Our back page today (Tuesday) has David James warning his team-mates not to blow their chance.

James is right to compare the match to a cup final - I just hope the team have prepared as such.

It would be a waste to fall at the first hurdle.

From the fans point of view, the occasion must be savoured. After all, this is history in the making.

- Watching Spurs last night put Pompey’s current squad in flattering context.

Harry Redknapp’s policy of getting in English talent reflects well on Juande Ramos’ array of world ‘stars’.

The spine of a team is always key.

Therefore, Spurs fans must have shuddered at the performances of keeper Heurelho Gomes, playmaker Luka Modrić and new big-money striker Roman Pavlyuchenko in the 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa.

In that order they were erratic, lightweight and off the pace.

Thank goodness for David James, Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe.

Harry we salute you.

Fratton a haven for Jamo

So David James was a little shaky for England at Wembley.

As Tom Jones famously sang: 'It's not unusual.'

Thankfully, these jitters don’t extend to Fratton Park.

For this, I suggest we thank the coaching staff and the club for ensuring his confidence stays high and his value to the team is well voiced.

History reveals when this drops and the national press get him in their sights - note England displays and Liverpool career - he becomes prone to rushes of blood.

The reason for this fallability only he knows. From what he says in interviews to The News, he is an obsessive, perfectionist who finds it difficult to put mistakes to one side.

James admits himself he had ridiculously high expectations of himself at Liverpool.

Now he’s older, wiser, a more relaxed figure and in a more loving environment.

For Pompey’s sake, let’s hope it stays that way.

The trouble for Fabio Capello but the great new for Pompey fans is James is still the best in the business.


Meanwhile, the debate over John Utaka rumbles on.

This time Harry had his say on our back page. The News asked him directly what he thought of the infuriating Nigerian.

And while he wouldn’t comment on a possible sale to Lille, Redknapp left everyone in no doubt - Utaka must improve.

He has to build on his debut season and he has to show he has more than just raw pace.

Over to you John - the question is will he be around long enough to prove his doubters wrong?