Grant's task is his defining test

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 sentiment, although the tactical switch failed.

The first-half display - as one of our chosen fans perfectly described - was a mess.

And it was only when Grant switched to 4-4-2 and, more crucially, brought the guile of Kanu on that Pompey began to get in behind the Clarets.

As many have pointed out, though, at least he was prepared to make the change.

It already seems his players will have to be more flexible with formations and tactics than they needed to be under Paul Hart.

That's fine - as long as Grant doesn't over complicate things. The first-half confusion on Saturday should serve as a warning that this is not the time or place to throw too many square pegs in round holes.

As for the man himself, Grant has exuded the calm befitting a man who took Chelsea to the Champions League final.

My major concern remains that at Stamford Bridge he steered a ship with an A-list crew, who were so well drilled under Jose Mourinho the team looked like it almost ran itself.

Grant fans will say that's grossly unfair - and they have a case.

But the Pompey ship has a crew of odd-job men and solid pros - stardust is in short supply.

It's up to Grant to make Pompey's whole greater than the sum of its parts and escape relegation.

It's a tough task but it's where he will earn his real managerial spurs.

Pompey 2 AC Milan 2: Deflation yet celebration

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 at the performance of Pompey's patched-up team, which defied all expectations.

And secondly, at the way the fans showed the rest of Europe what they are about.

Here, in no particular order, are my highlights of an extraordinary night from my seat in the Milton end.

- Jumping up and down in delight when Younes Kaboul scored - and then jumping a foot higher in disbelief when Kanu found the roof of the net.

- Hearing Pompey fans shout 'who are ya?' at the travelling Milan brigade without a hint of irony. For 80 minutes, they were justified!

- Watching Ronaldinho counter a volley of abuse from one particular fan by blowing him an exaggerated kiss - the fan soon lost his bottle!

- Being directly behind the great Brazilian's free-kick - you just heard the net ripple as everyone gaped in admiration.

- Watching two players acknowledge the crowd in two very different ways. Despite preparing to defend a corner, Belhadj couldn't resist a couple of cheeky waves to the crowd, who promptly told him to pay attention to the game! Clarence Seedorf, meanwhile, swaggered along the touchline before regally saluting the Milton end - three Champions League wins allows you to do that!

- Seeing Richard Hughes scythe down Flamini - Pompey's resident AC Milan fan will savour that moment for the rest of his life!

- The spine-tingling, awe-inspiring 15-minute chant of 'Tony Adams' blue and white army' which reverberated all around the ground. During the performance there was a break in play and you could see the players looking around in amazement.

- Being 10 yards from Kaka as he stood at the near post.

- Sensing a degree of inevitability, having to watch Inzaghi prod home the equaliser as Pompey's backline lost their men. When Glen Johnson hammered the ball back into the net in frustration, he spoke for all of us.

- Finally, the applause from Ronaldinho directed at all parts of the ground during his warm-down. A classy man from a classy club. AC Milan's comments after the match were humble and appreciative of Pompey's players and atmosphere, capping a wonderful fixture.

There we go, a few titbits from the night, which is one of the best games I've ever had the privilege to be at.

Feel free to share your memories from the game in the comment box below and I'll be sure to pick out the best ones for publication in the Sports Mail and The News.

Deal or no deal

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, crucially, who he can get in.

There's also the major issue of Pompey cutting their costs. Adams will no doubt have his hands tied to some degree as the credit crunch continues to bite.

Here's a run-down of the players out of contract - and my take on whether they should stay.

Sol Campbell: Has he got another Premier League season in him? Will he accept being a squad player if Younes Kaboul continues his impressive emergence? His experience is crucial and should be offered a deal to stay for another year.

Sean Davis: Can't do much more to earn a new deal. Harry Redknapp tried to usher him towards the exit door without success (clash of personalities maybe?). Should be offered a new deal based on what he could still offer for the next couple of seasons.

Linvoy Primus: Fans' favourite and all-round top bloke. However, top-flight days are behind him. Should be promised a future role at the club, though.

Jerome Thomas: Has to prove his worth, simple as that. If he can shake off his injuries, then no doubt he has the talent to play in the Premier League. At this point, though - no deal.

Djimi Traore: Not even in the picture. Not even any good. No deal.

Richard Duffy: The elusive defender (trying to get an interview with him is like getting an interview with Fabio Capello) has not done enough. No deal.

Glen Little: Like Thomas, has the game for the Premier League but does he have the body? Too fragile for me - no deal.

Lauren: Knee problems mean he has lost his spark. Spell at Fratton Park has been a major disappointment and he will be happily waved on.

Richard Hughes: Reliable and a good destroyer in the midfield against the big four. Depends whether he wants to be a squad player for the duration of another contract. Should be offered a deal, though.

Hermann Hreidarsson: Effort never in doubt and a solid defender, although will be 35 next summer. Adams seems to prefer Noe Pamarot at the back. Verdict: On his way.

Nadir Belhadj: Made a massive impression with his energy, pace and enthusiasm. Has become a key member of the squad and should be rewarded with a permanent deal which ties him down to the club.

Jean-Francois Christophe: Who? On loan at Southend - and that's about his level. No deal.

Noe Pamarot: The man with the biggest thighs in football. When fit and up-to-speed is an underrated defender. Another contract should be forthcoming.

Kanu: A Pompey hero for his FA Cup goal and still the man with the best first touch at the club. His body is clearly creaking, though, and his impact will only diminish. Gone but never forgotten.

Armand Traore: How Pompey would love to keep him, but Arsene Wenger will surely not let this talented performer go. Expected to get another chance to prove himself at the Emirates. If he fails, Pompey should be ready to rescue him.

Tony Adams will be judged on what he decides will happen to the above players.
Of course, it's him - rather than this pen-wielding journalist - who neck is on the block.
Times are a changing at Pompey.