Burton's Banter returns - and so does Grant

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 name is James Burton. I'm deputy sports editor at The News, Portsmouth, and this is a blog about Pompey.

Hopefully, it will add to our already-comprehensive interactive web coverage of the club, which as well as featuring all the latest stories, now boasts established webchats and podcasts.

As on our website, portsmouth.co.uk, feel free to leave your comments at the bottom and the best ones will be picked out and published in our daily newspaper.

Formalities over, let's crack on.

With Sulaiman Al Fahim elbowed out of control and Ali Al Faraj moving in as the main owner of the club, a 2pm press conference on Wednesday promised to be nothing more than confirmation of that takeover.

But there was an unexpected add-on - the return of Avram Grant, or as some harsher members of our sports desk call him, the Honey Monster.

Grant has been welcomed back with open arms by fans and David James - but I'm sceptical.

After all, what does Grant bring to the party? Is he a top coach like Brian Kidd? Can he attract the best players to Fratton Park? Does he bring tactical nous to the table?

I'm not convinced about any of these. He was underused during his last spell at Pompey.
And I'm not convinced Grant did anything to enhance his reputation at Chelsea, where he simply prolonged Jose Mourinho's footballing mantra for another year.

The worry is the Israeli will be moved into the hot seat if the axe falls on Paul Hart - a pretty uninspiring prospect in my book.

It's worth pointing out, too, that Hart can't be pleased with Grant's arrival. Just as he appears to be moulding a team in his image, winning the fans over in the process, he gets undermined by an appointment which does not appear to be his choice.

Of course, it may end up being a match made in heaven.

Let's hope everyone looks back on Grant's return as a positive moment in Pompey's history.

I fear it may be a rocky ride.

Why Crouch deserves to walk tall

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 bit of luck he gets.

Rarely has someone with previous at Southampton been so applauded at Fratton Park as the beanpole front man (only Alan Ball, Alan McLoughlin and Harry Redknapp spring to mind - and some never accepted the latter!).

That Pompey fans respect him is testament to his character - and the fact, perhaps, that he was willing to leave the trappings of Anfield for a second spell at Fratton.

You see, a man like Crouch should not, in our minds at least, be a footballer.
As Smithy brutally said in the recent Comic Relief sketch: 'Everything about you tells me you should be rubbish at football'.

The image is of someone who should be as hapless as the thousands who still chase the dream in Parks football.

Except Crouch has 'overcome' his unique physique - 'freak' was a popular away end chant - to end up an accomplished international footballer.

In truth, though, he always had talent. But, because of his shape, he was written off immediately.

I remember watching Crouch in his first spell at Pompey as a raw youngster. His first touch was still miles ahead of everybody in that team bar the legendary Robert Prosinecki.

But he's had to win people over, earning him the respect of all without any apparent bitterness.

Off the pitch he's a genuine bloke, clearly appreciative of his talents.
Asked on Soccer Saturday what he'd be if he wasn't a professional footballer, his immortal response was 'a virgin'. If you didn't like him before, you did after that.

The other important thing for Blues fans is his often-expressed love of life at Pompey. Because it's Crouchie, you believe him.

It's why everyone, not just Pompey fans, will be hoping he shines against Ukraine.

Pompey manager hunt: the lowdown

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 News broke the story of Adams' sacking. The timing was a surprise, the decision was not.

Now, of course, attention turns to his replacement.

The club have refused to speak (apart from approved in-house interviews) and insist they haven't much to say until a new man is appointed.

Let's hope a plan was put in place before they made the decision to axe Adams, because apart from Harry Redknapp the success rate of recent appointments has been dire.

The next one is the most important for decades. Either Pompey cement their place as a Premier League club and enjoy the riches this brings or they slip into the relative obscurity that is the Championship dogfight.

With that in mind here's my take on the management names which have been linked so far by media and the fans.

Sven-Goran Eriksson
Clearly now the preferred choice. However, the former manager has a big - and well-paid - job as Mexico boss to deal with. Has pledged his future to them Mexico but, in the same breath, said 'anything is possible'.
Wouldn't have the same budget that he did at Man City and would have to wheel and deal. Is that his forte?
One thing is for sure, he would command instant respect from the senior players as someone who has been there and done it with England, Lazio, Benfica and Sampdoria.
Is Brian Kidd's arrival - he worked with him at England - a sign of Sven's influence.
A good, but expensive, choice.

Avram Grant
No-one really knows what he did at Pompey as technical director. One suspects not a lot. Harry Redknapp tolerated him before Grant got his chance at Chelsea.
Took a team Jose Mourinho built to the Champions League final and came within a whisker of winning it. Mourinho has more charisma in his little toe than Grant, but the Israeli's achievement now compares favourably to his successor Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Is organised and clearly knows his football, but could he inspire Pompey? Senior players at Fratton Park, like me, have reservations. Not the answer.

Alan Curbishley
Compensation battle with West Ham would stop him being instantly available, which makes him slightly irrelevant in an immediate relegation battle.
Longer term he could be someone worth hanging on for. Proven record of establishing Premier League teams, albeit not beyond midtable, at Charlton and the Hammers.
Knows the market, could work within a tight budget and is someone who would communicate well with the fans. A solid choice.

Slaven Bilic
Represents an exciting option. An up-and-coming boss with international experience and with the personality to deal with Premier League prima-donnas.
Plays in a rock band and has a law degree, he definitely bring some colour to Fratton Park. Insists he will not leave Croatia until the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign so it would have to be some offer to tempt him. On the flip side he is relatively poorly paid as national team boss and a job in England would represent a huge pay rise.
Would be a gamble, but one that could spectacularly pay off.

Glen Hoddle
One word: Southampton. Good pedigree with England and Spurs but would not be welcome at Fratton Park.

Graeme Souness
One word: Southampton. Less impressive pedigree with Newcastle and Liverpool, and would not be welcome at Fratton Park.

Paul Hart
Pure stop-gap. As doomed spells in charge of Barnsley and Rushden proved, his main strength is working with youngsters. Good personality, though, and an ideal man to hold the fort while Pompey sort themselves out.

Roy Keane
Brian Kidd's appointment to assist Paul Hart has raised the prospect of Roy Keane at Fratton Park. The duo know each from their Manchester United days and Kidd was rumoured to be heading to the Stadium of Light as his number two at one point.
Oh... and there have been rumours of Keane being spotted at Fratton Park. Mind you, Sven has also been spotted, despite being in a different continent!

Time to wait and see...

Hurt Adams opens his heart

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 have little spare cash - had been explained long ago.

It hadn't and Adams revealed he had been informed his budget had been cut a week before Christmas. There was more than a pang of envy when he said: 'The fact is I have not been given the financial support like Harry Redknapp.'

Secondly, the former Arsenal man is hurting, having endured a torrent of abuse from fans following the Fulham defeat. Adams tried his best to reason with Pompey supporters only to be shouted down and told in uncertain terms he was not welcome at Fratton Park.

He said: 'For me, it's unusual and that's why it hurt. It was only a couple of guys angry at me, but it didn't stop me feeling bad.'

There is no doubt the Pompey boss' tactical decisions have been dicey and his bemused press conferences only add to the impression of a man lost in the job.

But this gushing display of honesty - broke exclusively in The News - could prove a turning point, if not on the field then at least in how people view him as a human being.

Our messageboards have generally been more supportive of Adams since the story broke, with fans criticising their own for the vitriol thrown the manager's way.

Perhaps fans will now see him as someone to trust their club with rather than an undecipherable shield of optimism which he has presented so far.

He needs to be himself and let people know when he's upset or angry.

Say it how it is. Fans can relate to that and will give him time, which he so blatantly need.

Let's hope it's not too late for a man who's finally come out of his shell.

Why Defoe's not Jermain man

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 fans, himself.

We all appreciate a professional player's career is short.
But they are privileged and, therefore, commitment is the minimum fans expect. And rightly so.

The minute a route back to Spurs looked on, Defoe stamped his feet, shrugged his shoulders and showed a complete lack of respect to Pompey.

When one of your best players acts that way it leaves a bitter taste. Pompey now join Charlton and West Ham in being burned by the striker.

The manner of Redknapp's departure and his pursuit of Defoe since then lacked class.

Maybe they deserve each other.

Farewell Lassana - it was great while it lasted

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 prospect of seeing a special player at Fratton Park.

It's why, with his departure to Real Madrid imminent, there'll be no recriminations, no bitter parting shots.

Admittedly, there were grumblings of discontent when Diarra openly admitted Pompey were a stepping stone to greater things.

But a degree of perspective prevailed and in the end the player was even praised for his honesty.

The absence of badge-kissing antics and declarations of undying love were understood.

The message was clear. Here was a player on his way to the very top.

Diarra was grateful for a stage to display his talents: Pompey were happy to provide the platform.

The club can look back with justifiable pride at the way they boosted the midfielder's ascent.

In truth, though, the benefits were two-way.
With Diarra at the hub of Redknapp's team, Pompey won the FA Cup and qualified for Europe, their best season for half-a-century.

And then there's the small matter of an expected profit of around £16m in just a year - a remarkable turnaround.

It's enough cash, one hopes, to ease the club's financial worries and assist Tony Adams in the transfer market. We'll see how that materialises.

It will be sad to bid farewell to one of the finest footballers to grace Fratton Park.

But I doubt whether sentiment is at the top of Diarra's priorities.
In his defence, he has always given Pompey his all and leaves us with once-in-a-lifetime memories.

With Real Madrid sniffing, we'll forgive him his suspiciously slow recovery from an ankle injury.

The Frenchman is ruthlessly ambitious and he's got his dream.

Pompey have been used - and haven't we loved it.

Make the city proud, Pompey

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 Rossoneri are taking this seriously. That's the mark of Pompey's progress in recent years.

These are uncertain times at Pompey following Harry Redknapp's departure but, for all the scale of tonight's occasion, we mustn't cower in the face of the Italians.

Pompey are a quality team in their own right.
The worry is, of course, that the spine of this side is missing.

Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Sol Campbell are definitely out, seemingly undermining Tony Adams' faith that his charges can still pull off a Uefa Cup shock.

The creative Niko Kranjcar is also missing, although the absence of John Utaka won't break too many Pompey hearts.

Personally, I just hope Pompey do the city proud.

Historic is an overused word, but this really is a game people will remember for generations.

After the struggles of the 90s, to see the boys in blue give it absolutely everything against Milan will be enough for me.

If Adams' team do that they give themselves a chance of getting a result. That's all anyone can ask.

To those people who seized the chance to watch the likes of Seedorf, Kaka, Pato, Shevchenko, Pirlo, Ronaldinho et al train at Fratton Park last night, I applaud you.

This is not something which you can expect to come round that often.

Obviously, the hope is Pompey will build on their recent success and Euro nights like this will be more common in the future.

The reality is this may not happen.

So join me in savouring watching Pompey v AC Milan under the Fratton Park floodlights in a crunch Uefa Cup game.

Play up Pompey.

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.

Tearful Redknapp's Pompey goodbye

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 begrudge Harry his chance at Spurs.
We on the south coast will be eternally grateful for putting our tight-knit football club on the map.

It's Harry's verbal indiscretions we have a problem with.
Fine when he's on your side, but infuriating when he's not.

His claims the move was good for Pompey and his reference to them as a good 'little club' are just patronising.

Likeable and mischievous he may be, but classy he is definitely not.

But then we knew that anyway, of course. His move down the road will always be a stain on the incredible job he did at Pompey.

Like that hasty act, Redknapp continues to shoot himself in the foot because for all the self-proclaiming and self-preserving nonsense Harry spouts, he really did care about Pompey.

At the civic ceremony, a tearful Redknapp was genuinely touch at the outpouring of thanks he received from the city.

And while he repeated it until it lost its meaning, Pompey people really are his type of people.

Take away the exaggerated cockney wide-boy that appears on TV, and his affinity with Pompey will always be there.

It's just a shame one of the greatest figures in Pompey's history taints it with thoughtless media soundbites.

Here's a snippet from his goodbye interview in The News.

I'll leave it to you to decide how genuine it is.
That, for all his greatness, has always been Harry's problem.

'I think walking away from Portsmouth has to be the hardest thing I've ever done.

'It was unbelievably hard to decide to move. I haven't really slept since I did.

'It was a difficult decision. On Saturday night I said I definitely wasn't going to go.

'I didn't want to leave. I love it here and I enjoy the life here.
These are nice people and this is a great city.

Harry scarpers - again

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 fans he has left behind.

Where does Sacha Gaydamak go to replace a man with 25 years' managerial experience who is the most charismatic man-manager in the top flight.

He can't - and murmurs that Tony Adams is in line to be his replacement worry me.

While he is hugely respected, can he connect with the players and inspire them. I'm not sure.

Pompey, at this time, need someone with the strength of belief and personality to come in and kick-off another era, not limp along trying to maintain the previous regime.

Sam Alardyce springs to mind, while up-and-coming talent Slaven Bilic would represent a coup.

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle would be an interesting leftfield option.

The interviews from Harry Redknapp over the weekend indicate it was Pompey who couldn't say no to the money.

Rubbish. It was Harry who could not say no to Spurs. Everybody realises that.

It would have done Harry no harm if he, for once, spoke honestly and treated the Pompey fans with the respect they deserve.

Instead, he comes across as patronising the people who have worshipped him for years.

It's why he will never be wholly loved at Fratton Park because, for his hyperbole (I'm thinking quotes like 'I'm Pompey till I die'), he was ultimately in it for number one.

As someone eloquently posted on The News website.

Harry is a great manager. He is not a great man.

Beck off Milan, Harry's lurking!

Sports desk: 'Was he serious or is Harry having a laugh?'

Reporter in Braga: 'He meant it.

Sports desk: 'Really? It's Beckham we're talking about and he is in talks with Milan.'

Reporter: 'Harry was serious - he really thought about putting in a bid for him.'

(Still unbelieving) Sports desk: 'Okay, I suppose we'll have to play it reasonably straight.'

And so went the conversation for a little while longer until The News sports desk were half-convinced they weren't the victim of an embarrassing wind-up.

The result is our back page today.

The Sun, somewhat understandably, had a little fun with it but they, too, played it reasonably straight.

Harry Redknapp was serious - he thought about bidding for David Beckham.

He hasn't a chance, of course. the world's most recognisable footballer is half-way to the San Siro to play for AC Milan in a loan deal.

It's easy to view the whole thing as another Harry joke. And let's be honest, the tongue must have been firmly in cheek for at least some of the press conference.

A little bit of fantasy, maybe, but then we thought that when Redknapp went after Sol Campbell and look what happened there.

Granted, big Sol cut a troubled figure at the time and didn't have a high-maintenance former Spice Girl on his arm (just imagine Posh Spice walking down Commercial Road!).

Football-wise, though, how Harry - a born self-publicist - would have loved to have talked Beckham into coming to Fratton Park. He'd give it a go, for sure.

He also knows if Campbell was a long shot, getting Becks to even consider coming to Fratton Park is mission impossible.

Redknapp's comments leave him open to ridicule.

But it's a credit to him and the progress Pompey are making that he was only half-joking.

Villa Park v Harry part two?

So the question is: Who was the moron aiming at?

Was it the linesman at Villa Park? In which case the moron got his/her man.

Or was it Harry Redknapp? In which case the moron's shot is as bad as his/her level of decency.

One suspects it's the latter because there's something in the Pompey boss' appearance at Aston Villa which seems to stir the morons in that part of Birmingham.

Last season's continual taunting of the Pompey boss - supposedly over the nature of the police raid on his house - drew an exaggerated and uncharacteristic celebration from Harry.

So what has Redknapp done to upset the Villa crowd.

Is it his cockney barrow boy manner, the aforementioned police raid (Harry's since won compensation for that) or is simply that for two years running Pompey have been more than equal to the Villans.

Whatever it is, there seems to be a personality clash between the two.

Whoever the intended target was for the 50p piece, the moron who threw it must be rooted out and banned from football games for life.

It's the obvious answer - and the right one.

And yes, in case you missed it, whoever cut open the linesman's head is a moron.

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.

Is Davis on his way out of Pompey?

So the question is: How much do Pompey want to keep Sean Davis?

The midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, but according to the player the club has yet to make any moves to tie him up on a new deal.

In interviews Pompey boss Harry Redknapp regularly appears reluctant to talk up the midfielder, prompting speculation of a personality clash.

There is also no doubt that pre-season Pompey were keen to get rid of him in order to balance the books.

Celtic came in, but Davis didn't fancy a move to Scotland.

In the end, Pedro Mendes was sacrificed to appease the bank manager.

Davis has responded this season by playing well, providing a quality foil for the more wide-ranging skills of Lassana Diarra.

It's clear he wants to stay - but the silence from the Pompey hierarchy is deafening.

Davis told The News:

'I don't want to go anywhere else but at the moment I have no idea where my
future will be.

'The ball's in their court, it's always been in their court.'

The former Fulham man appears underrated by the Pompey management, although fans are quickly on to the messageboards to laud his contribution.

Is he easily replaceable or should he be tied down?

I think his on-field displays deserve a new contract, but you get the feeling Pompey - for whatever reason - would be happy to see the midfielder leave Fratton Park.

Pompey defeat the anti-football

Beautiful game 2 Anti-football 1.
Fratton Park
October 5, 2008

Everyone who likes their football played a certain was will have welcomed Pompey's win over Stoke City on Sunday.

Now I have nothing against Tony Pulis' side. Football is a game of different styles, it adds to its drama.
That doesn't mean you have to like it.

Stoke's aerial bombardments compared to Pompey's pacy pass-and-move approach is like comparing Slipknot to Frank Sinatra.

One is rough and direct, the other smooth and pure (sort of... we'll ignore Ol' Blue Eyes' alleged mafia connections).

Anyway, you get my drift.

For lovers of football played at its most skilful, the likes of Stoke and the old Wimbledon side will always be the enemy.

In 1988, Liverpool's defeat to the Dons in the FA Cup was a travesty, when the ugly game won out.

Twenty years on and Pompey struck a (lower profile) blow for the beautiful game.

Peter Crouch's scissor-kick was majestic, while Jermain Defoe was again clinical.

And after the exploits in Portugal, Pompey's verve and athleticism was a pleasant surprise, although you get the feeling Nadir Belhadj could still be playing such is his energy.

Stoke's main weapon, Rory Delap's throw-in missiles, were effective. That cannot be disputed.
Pompey could not deal with them and conceded an equaliser as a result through Fratton Park reject Ricardo Fuller.

Thankfully, for Blues fans - and those of us who like their football played close to ground level - Harry Redknapp's side had too much class at their disposal.

Johnson inspires Pompey Euro glory

Pompey were never going to do it the easy way.

Just ask any Blues fan that.

But after a torrid first half against Vitoria Guimaraes, Harry Redknapp’s side proved too strong for their Portuguese opponents in the UEFA Cup first round.

Vitoria seized the initiative early doors, knowing they had to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg.

They pressed Pompey high up the field, pushing the Blues back. It was an impressive signal of intent.

It rattled Pompey who, for their part, didn’t pass the ball well and didn’t get the ball to their wing-backs.

Second half and everything changed. The inspiration: Glen Johnson.

He was exceptional. Sensing he had the beating of the Vitoria left-back, Johnson had a field day.

He was incisive and dynamic and Pompey took the lead from his attacking intent.

The blistering Armand Traore did the same down the left, but Johnson’s better final ball marked him out.

Yes, Peter Crouch got the goals. But for me, Johnson ensured Pompey progressed to the group stages.

In addition, his interview post-match in today’s (Friday) News finally revealed his desire for achieving success at Pompey.

It clearly meant something. The more he opens up like this, the less people will remember him for nicking a toilet seat from B&Q!

He is a classy player and in Portugal he took it upon himself to provide the impetus for Pompey’s recovery.

A sign he is maturing as a player and a bloke.

In the stands, what looked like being a night to forget slowly transformed into a night to remember for the 3,000 travelling fans.

It was worth the wait.

The UEFA Cup group stages and potential ties with AC Milan, PSG and Ajax await.

For proud Pompey fans, and in particular those in the Afonso Henriques Stadium on Thursday night, these are wonderful times.

We're not for sale... sort of

If Pompey’s statement following the News of the World’s ‘For Sale’ story seemed like it contradicted itself, that’s probably because it did.

We aren’t for sale, went the statement, but if someone’s got the cash it’s all yours.

The club insist the ever-elusive Sacha Gaydamak is not actively looking to sell.

But, like any businessmen, if a healthy profit is on the horizon he wont need asking twice.

In denying the stories Pompey have - wittingly or unwittingly - revealed what a lot of Premier League clubs are thinking.

The likes of Everton and are all casting an eye to billionaires worldwide, praying an oil-rich Arab fancies a new hobby.

They aren’t the only ones either.

If things continue at the same pace, you’ll need a wealthy sheikh just to stand still.

As our columnist Alan McLoughlin said in his column yesterday (Monday), Pompey’s problem is they don’t come ready-made.

Unlike City, they don’t have a new stadium or training ground. That’s 100m quid before you start on the team.

As usual, Harry Redknapp cut through the boardroom waffle.

He said: ‘I don’t know if the owner wants to sell, but every club in the country has a price on its head.

‘When people talk about debts you have to realise that is the economic situation in football.

‘All clubs are in debt, but we have fantastic assets here on the pitch.’

The last bit is a worry. A few injuries here and a misjudged sacking there (it happens!) and suddenly those on-field assets look a bit flimsy.

At the risk of repeating what many Pompey fans have been saying for years, a new stadium and training ground is a must if Pompey want to hold their position in the top flight long term.

But like most fans, I’ll only believe it once the bricks and mortar are in place.

Bigger fish to fry

Pompey 10-man injury crisis is nice for headlines.

But Harry Redknapp won’t be losing much sleep over it.

Put it this way, there won’t be many 10-men injury lists for a Premier League game or an FA Cup game.

With the UEFA Cup now part of the club’s fixture list, the Carling Cup has slipped further down the pecking order.

You want proof - even David Nugent was lined up to play tonight (Wednesday) before he found his (familiar) way to the treatment table.

Some of these players’ knocks can be translated as rested.

Jermain Defoe will be fine for Sunday, while Lassana Diarra has a knock below the knee, not ligament damage as Harry mischieviously suggested.

These are two examples of Harry ‘rotating’ his sqaud.

The Carling Cup is basically second string versus second string (or youth team if you are Arsenal).

It’s now a chance for recuperating stars or youthful promise.

For many - eg Sol Campbell - it means a rest day.

For Pompey, this should be seen as a sign of our success.

It should be thrilling for fans to realise that, at the present time, we have bigger fish to fry.

Pompey crumble to City slickers

Ouch! That one hurt.

Humiliating and embarrassing. Losing is one thing but capitulating to a 6-0 defeat is another.

Robinho, Stephen Ireland and Elano tore Pompey apart.

But the manner of the drubbing at Man City came out of nowhere.

After the euphoria of the UEFA Cup win on Thursday, Pompey just weren't up for it.

The News columnist Alan McLoughlin was shellshocked in today's (Monday) paper.

The former Pompey stalwart was almost lost for words, which for anyone who knows Macca is quite something.

I spoke to him as he was enduring the miserable drive down the M6.

It will have been a similar story for a host of Pompey fans.

Harry Redknapp's tactics were wrong but, crucially, the players' attitude was also wrong.

A bit of complacency, a bit of tiredness, a lack of desire in the face of a vibrant City - they are all guilty, all apart from Lassana Diarra who was the best of a bad bunch by all accounts.

What I would pay to be a fly on the wall when the team sit down to watch the video nasty.

One reason the match was such a shock was because that sort of thing doesn't happen to Pompey these days.

We are the FA Cup winners, a team with internationals, a team on the up.

For that reason, in the cold light of day, most fans will put it down as a freak result.

They will, though, demand a response. Firstly, against Chelsea in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

More importantly, Pompey must show how much this performance hurt them.

The best way is to take their anger on beleagured Spurs next weekend in front of their own fans.

That's the least we all expect.

Pompey's Euro Tour up and running

Pompey looked liked they’d been playing European football for years.

But then most of their players have.

Ironically, in the team’s Euro debut they had too much experience and know-how for their opponents Guimaraes.

Not that it was straight forward.

Overall, it could have been better - Jermain Defoe missed a penalty and Armand Traore was denied by a stunning save.

But crucially it could have been worse - James produced a lucky save and they also missed from 12 yards.

Basically, we’ll take 2-0. Let’s not be greedy.

The occasion was terrific and the fans lapped up their moment in history.

The supporters were determined to make their mark on Europe and they did just that.

Our back page today (Friday) sees Harry Redknapp dedicating the win to the crowd.

Traore also talks up the atmosphere as they best he’s ever played in.

Pompey - staff, fans, players, the city - were in this together.

On the pitch two players caught my eye.

Nadir Belhadj was excellent. His partnership down the left with Traore is quick and dynamic.
They both look hungry.

Belhadj looks like he’s loving it at Fratton and the crowd have responded immediately - they love him.

His cross for Defoe’s goal was as perfect as they come.

Diarra is from another level. He knows it, Harry knows and the fans know it.

Refreshingly, the supporters also acknowldege the Frenchmen will leave at some point but are intent on enjoying him while he’s here.

It’s a rare dose of realism amid the hyperbole of professional football.

Instead of feeling bitter betrayal when he does depart for Real Madrid or the like, the majority will feel a sense of pride that the classy Frenchmen pulled on a Pompey shirt.

My hope is he gives us the rest of the season at least. That will be a fair return and there’s no doubt regular football at Fratton is making him a better player.

In the first-half, especially, Diarra was too much for Guimaraes who, nevertheless, looked an accomplished side.

When they stepped it up in the second half, it posed Pompey problems.

That was a taste of things to come in Portugal.

Two-nil alone will not be enough, but I do think Pompey have more than enough to get on the scoresheet and wrap up the tie.

AC Milan then awaits. Now that really would be mind-blowing.

Nugent heads for the exit

If David Nugent hasn’t got the message already, then he did this morning.
If he’d read our back page today he would have learned of his omission from the 23-man UEFA Cup squad.
He certainly hadn’t been told of his axing before last night’s reserve game, that’s for sure.
The whole scenario reveals how low down the pecking order this one-time England player is.
Firstly, the fact the club have not bothered to tell him shows not only a lack of respect, but little regard for a player who did, let’s not forget, cost Pompey £6m.
More pragmatically, it means Nugent will not be UEFA Cup-tied come January - when Pompey will almost certainly try to off-load him again.
It’s hard not feel sympathy for the player, whatever his on-field merits are.
A big-money signing, he has not been given a fair crack of the whip.
Harry Redknapp didn’t fancy him from the word go, which begs the question why did he buy him?
Whatever the answer to that question, the suspicision is Nugent is out of his depth in the top half of the Premier League.
I hope he proves me wrong because he is honest and willing.
But he seems to lack the composure to cut it at the top.
It is obvious to all, except maybe the player himself, that his Fratton Park fate has already been sealed.

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.

Does the Cap fit?

Harry Redknapp's mantra has always been that football 'is all about good players'.

There is, of course, much truth in that.

However, at international level it's not that simple.

For one thing, there are a lot of good players. The key has always been to tactically mould these players into a sum even greater than their parts.

Terry Venables managed it at Euro 96, Glenn Hoddle almost managed it and Kevin Keegan and Steve McClaren failed dismally.

Anyone can pick the best 11 players - and that was pretty much all Sven-Goran Eriksson did towards the end of his reign.

Now England have started their World Cup campaign under Fabio Capello.

Team balance and the ability to outwit opponents are key.

It's why Stewart Downing, for all his shortcomings, is a better bet on the left than Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard.

And it's why England will do better with a legitimate partnership upfront. For example, Heskey/Owen worked. Owen/Rooney will not offer the same threat.

It's one thing spouting these thngs off in a blog, of course, but getting them right in real life requires the sharpest football brain

Step forward Mr Capello. We hope.

No credit crunch at City!

Man City’s mind-blowing takeover makes Sacha Gaydamak look like a pauper.

And the new multi-billionaire owners at Eastlands even dwarf Roman Abramovich’s millions.

It all puts credit-crunch stricken Pompey in the shade.

When Sacha took over from Milan Mandaric at the helm of Fratton Park, Pompey suddenly had more cash than a lot of their rivals.

But the game moves on at a lightening pace.

Suddenly, it looks like we needed Sacha’s cash simply to hold our own in the league rather than push on to the top six.

That’s the nature of the Premier League now. It’s the perfect playground for the world’s wealthiest people.

City have now taken that on to a totally new level.

The other debate raging is the role of a football manager.

Harry Redknapp, as he is quick to point out, has control other the make-up of his team.

Alan Curbishley didn’t at West Ham and Mark Hughes certainly doesn’t now.

It’s one of the major reasons Harry will not be tempted back to Upton Park, and why he eventually turned down Newcastle.

Let’s be honest, who wants Dennis Wise picking your players for you.
Newcastle are a mess and Pompey look in rude health in comparison!

Sacha has never hiden his dislike for The News - he’s never spoken to us.

But Pompey fans must be pleased he isn’t in the Fratton End on matchday in his replica kit downing pints before trying to sell Jermain Defoe behind Harry’s back.

We aren’t the richest, but we are still a proper football club.

Deadline? What deadline?

By Pompey’s standards last night’s transfer deadline day was a non-event.
No last-minute deals to get Harry Redknapp’s adrenaline pumping.

No Benjani-style hold-ups or paperwork dramas.

Instead, fans had to be content with the arrival of Algerian Nadir Belhadj on a season-long loan.

It wasn’t the Wright-Phillips arrival everyone had hoped for a few weeks ago but there is a reason to be relatively cheerful - no-one left.

Well, no-one except Jean-Francois Christophe and, let’s be honest, he doesn’t really count.

As usual there were a lot of rumours knocking about.

The People reckoned Lassana Diarra was all set to join Spurs, but the sports desk reckoned they’d got the wrong end of the stick.

Harry Redknapp insisted he wanted only to get rid of fringe players and Diarra is certainly not that.

More importantly, we knew Diarra’s agent’s dislike of Spurs director of football Damien Comoli would count against the move.

The other rumour was Pompey were involved in last-gasp talks with fresh-out-of jail Joey Barton.

You can read Harry’s empahatic respone to that in tomorrow’s News.

The heartening thing for fans is none of Fratton Park’s top stars have followed Sulley Muntari or Pedro Mendes out the door to balance the books.

With a trip to Portugal in the UEFA Cup on the horizon, that would have been a disaster.

So while Pompey’s ‘credit crunch’ has dampened expectation, there is still reason to be confident of another decent season.

- So it looks like the way forward this season is 3-5-2.
And why not after Pompey’s wing wonders destroyed Everton at the weekend.
Playing Chelsea and Manchester United first thing made Pompey look a worse side then we are.
They are the two top teams in Europe, don’t forget.
Crouch and Defoe got service and got involved at Goodison Park.
The result - Pompey turned on the style.
- Finally, yours truly is cycling 160 miles this weekend.
Not just for fun, mind you. I’m doing the Pedal for Primus challenge - with 40 other riders - cycling between all four of Linvoy’s professional clubs.
It’s in aid of Faith and Football and their work to get the game into the poorer areas of our community.
We set off Friday and return on Sunday to be greeted by a Community Fun Day at Fratton Park.
The Fun Day is free to enter, starts at 3pm and features face painting, a bouncy castle, penalty shoot-out as well as food and drink.
Get down there and join in the fun.

Vidic is nails

Depending on who you listen to, Pompey were either hopeless against Manchester United or back on track after the hammering at Stamford Bridge.

The truth is somewhere in between.

Harry Redknapp’s team battled hard during the 1-0 defeat and clearly showed the heart which was so embarrassingly absent at Chelsea.

Kaboul looked better, Campbell less shaky and Thomas a good free signing.

Pompey struggled up front and in midfield, but then it’s no coincidence that was where United excelled.

The usually wonderful Diarra was outshone by Scholes, who oozed class. How England need the ginger one!

Crouch and Defoe made zero impact - but then centre-backs Vidic and Ferdinand looked impregnable.

Rio is a Rolls Royce of a defender and although Vidic will not ‘murder yer’ as the United fans sang with tongue firmly in cheek, the Serbian is a menacing presence.

In layman’s terms - he’s hard as nails.

Note when the United man clashed heads with the hulking figure of big Sol it was Vidic who was up first and sprinting towards the changing rooms to get stitched up to return to the fray.

As he left the field, Campbell was on one knee, rubbing his head!

So Pompey were outclassed against the European champions - there’s no shame in that.

The way United moved and kept the ball was breathtaking.

At least we showed some mettle and that is a step in the right direction as Pompey emerge from the hardest start possible.

The coming games against Everton and Middlesbrough will prove a better yard stick.

A different kind of Traore

Anyone who’s had the fortune to be at a number of Harry Redknapp’s press conferences in the past year knows one thing - he loves Arsene Wenger’s Gunners.

It’s not because Harry was an Arsenal fan in his youth.

It’s simply because he marvels at the pace, power and potential of the Arsenal side.

Even the king of the transfer market wonders where Wenger finds his rough diamonds.

One player, in particular, stands out for Redknapp - Armand Traore.

There was a rumour he was related to his new team-mate Djimi.

But one look at them on the pitch (and a check on the internet) destroys that myth.

Armand is classy - David Nugent couldn't believe how quick he was in training - and so obviously a product of the Arsenal youth system.

Djimi doesn’t even resemble a footballer, let alone his cousin.

And while you get the impression Harry would have driven Djimi up to Hull himself to ensure he signed for the Tigers (he turned them down), he is Armand’s biggest fan.

The new signing will be a massive boost after the disappointment of being forced to sell Pedro Mendes.

And in time you suspect Traore will prove to be a better bit of business than paying millions for Nicky Shorey.

It suits both parties. Traore continues his development and Pompey have a genuine talent at their disposal for a season.

Mr Wenger, we thank 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?

Diop's all right by me

Papa Bouba Diop is an honest guy.

He admits he's got no pace and the attacking side of the game does not come naturally.

He also knows he's not a right-winger.

But that's where he's started the season, mainly due to Harry Redknapp's lack of trust in John Utaka.

Diop looks unrefined and out of position, but amid the sea of sub-standard performances so far his endeavour has stood out.

Off the field he's a gentle giant.On it 'The Wardrobe' can be brutal.

On our back page today (Wednesday) Diop says he'll do whatever is necessary for the team.

If that means struggling on the right because Harry needs him there then so be it.

But it means he rarely gets the plaudits.

He's whole-hearted despite this - and that takes courage.

Courage is something which, so far at least, has been lacking from John Utaka.

I'm not talking about the courage to go into tackles.

I'm talking about having the bottle to get on the ball and make things happen.

If anything, Diop shows more because he is not as naturally gifted as fellow African.

The Nigerian has all the attributes, but he rarely opts to use them.So often he turns back or checks his run instead of backing his pace and ability.

For fans, it's the ultimate sin.To see someone with the natural talent to reach a level they could only dream of not having the balls to at least give it a go.

That explains the fans' - and possibly Harry's - apathy towards Utaka.

It also explains why the endearing Diop is so valued at Pompey.

Harry comes out fighting

Harry Redknapp’s response to the mauling at Stamford Bridge?
To come out fighting.

Our back page today has him in typical Harry mode.

Provoked and agitated by the inept display at the billionaire’s playground that is Stamford Bridge, Redknapp went on the offensive to remind everyone of his ability.

Mega-wealthy Roman Abramovich probably thinks the credit crunch is a biscuit - it’s far to say money is not too tight to mention for Luiz Felipe Scolari.

For Harry, though, the purse-strings have
been tightened. His reaction was to pore scorn on the likes of Scolari who can hand-pick his signings.

Redknapp said: ‘Any mug can go and buy loads of players for £20m or £30m.
'My missus could go and buy Kaka.
'We could all buy the best players in the world if we had an open chequebook, but it's called managing – I have to manage this football club.
'I love looking around for loans – I enjoy that side of the job and I love that part of the game. That's managing.’

Wounded by criticism of his tactics, Harry reared up on one journalist - not from The News - who had the temerity to question the choice of 4-4-2 over 4-5-1.

Harry knows he is one the best in the lower ends of the transfer market and, while he desperately wanted the money to go for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Nicky Shorey, scrapping around for loans and frees suits him.

But as our columnist, Sky Sports Ian Darke says in tomorrow’s (Wednesday) News, Pompey’s cash ran out with the shopping half done.
Peter Crouch and Younes Kaboul have arrived, but the need to balance the books has altered recruitment, hence the loan signing of Jerome Thomas from the Championship.

The revolution will have to be evolution.
Sacha Gaydamak’s pockets are not as deep as we, or Harry, had hoped.

Opening-day misery

The opening day of the season is usually a joyous occasion.

The sun shines on pristine, unspoilt grass and your head is filled with optimism for the coming season.

So it was as I headed to the pub to watch Pompey’s trip to Chelsea.

Forty-five minutes later I was heading home, thoroughly dejected.

Not at the defeat I knew was coming - we all half-expected that - but at the manner of it.

Pompey were abject. Granted they were up against a world-class side, but Harry Redknapp’s side never tested them.

The defence, so impressive last season, had no answer to the home team’s movement.

Never mind a yard, Sol Campbell looked liked he’d lost two. This will surely be his last season at Fratton Park.

His long-term replacement Younes Kaboul had a debut to forget.

Thrown into the heart of the battle out of position in the middle of the park, he was willing but out of synch with his new team-mates.

He wasn’t helped by the decision to go with four across the midfield.
Redknapp admitted he made a rod for his own back in that he has to play both Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch up front.

The midfield was overrun, however, and Pompey
needed another body in there to combat Lampard and Deco, who was exceptional.

Finally, the default phrase for Crouch is that he has a ‘good touch for a big man’.

Well, there was no proof of that Sunday - everything was pumped towards his head.
Things may have improved in the second half, although I doubt it.

I was back in my armchair watching the Olympics.
Pompey were way out of the medals on Sunday.
They'll have to step up their game against Man United next Monday.