So this is the end of another blog, and what a season it has been. What is going to happen next season well let me look into my crystal ball ......................... I see but I am not going to tell you!
With no official announcement on new owners yet, I have decided to take no notice of any press or fans site until it is announced on the Portsmouth FC web site. We are very close to the deal going one way or the other, I am getting fed up with one paper saying one thing and the other saying the other. The only people who know what is going on are the club and the Dr and his representatives. So untill they come out of that smoked filled room so to speak we and evryone else know nothing.
So till the next blog gets going Good Bye Pompeygary
New blog at this link BANANA AND STARFISH
Friday 10 July 2009
Friday 19 June 2009
Watching Idiots
I used to say to myself when I watched Sunday Supplement " what are these people on?" they used to talk such utter drivel, they seemed to think they new it all. To me they were Football fans last and bully boy hacks first, they are so far removed from what the real fan is thinking it is a bit scary. So I was not surprised to find the Pompeytgate rubbish is the work of one of these morons, a none story story, what is his problem with my team? well I tell ye in hack fashion
Headline "POMPEY-HATING GEORDIE HACK FILLS THE SUN WITH LOAD OF CACK"
And there is more substance in that headline than anything this idiot has ever written.
Headline "POMPEY-HATING GEORDIE HACK FILLS THE SUN WITH LOAD OF CACK"
And there is more substance in that headline than anything this idiot has ever written.
Thursday 18 June 2009
At This Time
As things stand in my mind Pompey are in the same position as we were at the end of the season, the owner wants to sell the club and will not put more money in. The club are still cutting costs and balancing the books to make the club break even. The players that are going or gone want to go, and I think there must be a clause in Glen Johnson's contract to the effect that if a big club come in for him he can go, and I think the money for him is a good deal but it is sad to see him go.
As with the proposed sale of the club to Sulaiman Al-Fahim we are in the process of Due diligence as of the time of the announcement on the club web site and to the press so we are only half way through, the announcement of the selling of the club is usually done when Due diligence is completed and finalized but with other clubs trying to tempt Sulaiman Al-Fahim away from Pompey Peter Storrie had announce it to the world. We would know nothing about this now but it has been pushed to the public for the sake of the take over.
The selling of players is ultimately up to the owner not Sulaiman Al-Fahim who is not, until the sale of the club goes through.
So until we get a new owner things will stay on course with what Peter Storrie has said all along "we need to balance the books"
By the way I am not going to waste my time talking about the rubbish in the National press over this story so I wont. Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As with the proposed sale of the club to Sulaiman Al-Fahim we are in the process of Due diligence as of the time of the announcement on the club web site and to the press so we are only half way through, the announcement of the selling of the club is usually done when Due diligence is completed and finalized but with other clubs trying to tempt Sulaiman Al-Fahim away from Pompey Peter Storrie had announce it to the world. We would know nothing about this now but it has been pushed to the public for the sake of the take over.
The selling of players is ultimately up to the owner not Sulaiman Al-Fahim who is not, until the sale of the club goes through.
So until we get a new owner things will stay on course with what Peter Storrie has said all along "we need to balance the books"
By the way I am not going to waste my time talking about the rubbish in the National press over this story so I wont. Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday 6 June 2009
Dr in the house
So the good Dr made a visit to Fratton Park yesterday, I have been waiting for something more than just paper talk and to see the Dr at the park was encouraging and by all accounts he was a nice guy.
Questions on the message board and in the press are as follows.
When will the deal be completed? I don't know
What are the Dr's plans? Who knows
Where is the money coming from? Your guess is as good as mine.
This is what I want if all goes well, the redevelopment of Fratton Park, the new training facility and keeping of our best players and improvement of the squad and a new stadium.Not much to ask for then! oh I forgot paying of our debt.
The only thing the press can find to be negative about this (I do believe that some of the press hate Pompey and every year they can't wait or Pompey to fall) is the FA's Fit and Proper checks, I hope this gets the go ahead witch I think it will, as Portsmouth are one of the proposed city's for the world cup and the Dr is the only man to deliver a world class stadium for Pompey and England that may help things!. Why are we the first club to get problems when we are going to get a rich owner, they are all against us I tell you!!!!!!!!
Monday 1 June 2009
New Owner
It was one afternoon I was looking at some message boards and one of the headers came up and said "Pompey bought by Billionaire Arab" so looking at it thinking it would be a joke article or a wind up. But no as the afternoon went on it started to appear on more and more reputable web sites until this below appeared on the Portsmouth web site. I am not going to get to excited until the deal is done and dusted. The press I think were caught with there trousers down with this one, I had a feeling they were sharpening their knives for our potential fire sale and demise. So they can go and pick on someone else so to all the press I say "Fuck Of And Die"
So I am going to extend this blog until the sale goes through, so if it does well done Peter Storrie.
Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that it has accepted an offer from Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim to buy the club.
This follows initial due diligence and negotiations with Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie on behalf of club owner Alexandre Gaydamak.
Peter Storrie concluded the deal with Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim in Rome on Tuesday night.
A period of formal legal and financial due diligence will commence next week so that the transaction can be completed as soon as possible.
The club cannot make any further comment on the future structure of the club until this period has been completed.
Wigan1-0Pompey
So we ended this season on a defeat, I did not even have the radio on for this one I was watching Newcastle get relegated sad I know. So that's it for another season a slightly different end to this season than the last, what will happen next term?
Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Brown, N'Zogbia (McManaman 78), De Ridder (Routledge 90), Rodallega.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Edman, Cho, Watson, Kupisz.
Goals: Rodallega 26.
Portsmouth: Begovic, Kaboul (Kanu 72), Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant (Thomas 72), Hughes, Mullins, Traore, Utaka, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Primus, Pamarot, Cranie, Basinas.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Hughes, Crouch, Thomas.
Att: 17,696
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
Sunday 24 May 2009
Portsmouth 3-1 Sunderland
Well what a good Finnish to the season at home. It seemed for the first half that as we were safe that we might lose this, we started with quite an attacking formation for once 4-3-3, but strangely I am glad to say when we went to 4-4-2- in the second half and went on to win from one down. But to me the highlight of the night was when Linvoy came on for the last five and it gave the game that added extra punch that we have been missing at home since the AC Milan.
It was good to go back to my old haunt and have a couple of drinks. The place soon got busy with a glow of relief that we were now safe for this season. The only downside for Mum was the lack of Stella. Well there is no accounting for taste.
The visitors took the lead against the run of play when Calum Davenport's cross was tapped in by Kenwyne Jones.
John Utaka fired in an equaliser a minute later and then forced Phil Bardsley to bundle in an own goal that gave the home side the lead.
So except for pride and a bit more money, the game against Wigan there is not much to play for I still hope for a win, but I will be more interested in the 4 way who is going down matches that will be one afternoon in front of the box.
Portsmouth: Begovic, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Davis, Mullins, Hughes (Traore 46), Kanu (Kaboul 46), Crouch (Primus 90).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Nugent, Basinas, Belhadj.
Booked: Utaka.
Goals: Utaka 60, Bardsley 68 og, Traore 88.
Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Davenport, Ferdinand, Collins, Tainio (Cisse 80), Malbranque (Edwards 54), Whitehead, Leadbitter (Murphy 85), Richardson, Jones.
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Reid, Healy, McShane.
Goals: Jones 59.
Att: 20,398
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
Sunday 17 May 2009
New Owners? Are the getting round the table?
From SkySports.com
Portsmouth supremo Peter Storrie says he is in advanced talks to sell the club - and there will not be a fire-sale of players this summer.
The Fratton Park chairman says there are two interested parties looking to take over the club from owner Sasha Gaydamak.
He believes a deal will be done and dusted by the start of July and he is optimistic about the future.
Storrie told the News of the World: "I am in advanced talks (to sell the club) with two interested parties and believe a deal will be struck by the start of July.
Prepare
"That's when the transfer window opens and that's when we will need to know what money we have to prepare for next season. So I am optimistic about the club's future.
"I have heard all the doom and gloom stories about us being loaded with a mountain of debt which will mean we have to have a fire-sale of players in the summer. But I am telling you that's absolute rubbish.
"Sasha has been very open and honest about this. He made it clear earlier in the season that he would not continue to invest in the club and that he wanted to sell.
"And I can tell you he will lose a lot of money when he does complete the sale of the club - money that would make most people wince.
Long-term
"But he is prepared to do that because he is so concerned about the long-term future of this club."
Safe!
So we are safe at last. Thanks to Newcastle loosing to Fulham, so Monday night I can relax a bit more and party! So I expect an announcement about a new owner very soon me thinks.
Saturday 16 May 2009
Will we be safe today?
If Hull or Newcastle lose today Pompey will be safe for another season. I would go with Hull I'm afraid but it would be nice if they both lost, but knowing how it goes with Pompey they will both win so hold on tight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday 10 May 2009
So still not safe
I was hoping for a point at Blackburn, so with two games to go we must get about two points but I think we will need 4, never easy as a Pompey fan. Thankfully the teams below us are worse than us so we may not need the points, and by Monday it could all be over I hope. Play up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blackburn 2-0 Portsmouth
Blackburn all but sealed their Premier League place with a comfortable win over a Pompey side still desperately seeking the win they need to survive.
Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers ahead after David James had flapped under pressure from Christopher Samba.
Benni McCarthy made victory safe from the penalty spot after Hermann Hreidarsson had needlessly handled.
John Utaka wasted a chance to set up a tense finish when he hopelessly blazed over from the penalty spot.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce:
"This has not been a great escape, it has been survival we worked hard for over several games.
"We have been clear for a while and are nearly there with two games to go. Forty points guarantees nothing but I don't think we can be caught now."
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart:
"You have to be on your toes against teams like Blackburn. They are hard to play against but I felt we gifted them two goals and that is disappointing.
"I have said all along that there will be no complacency from us in our preparation. If anyone thought we were safe already then today is a timely reminder that is not the case."
Blackburn: Robinson, Andrews, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock, Diouf, Grella, Kerimoglu, Pedersen, Samba, McCarthy (Mokoena 83).
Subs not used: Bunn, Khizanishvili, Villanueva, Treacy, Olsson, Doran.
Booked: McCarthy, Andrews.
Goals: Pedersen 31, McCarthy 58 pen.
Portsmouth: James, Kaboul (Pennant 64), Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Hughes (Kanu 53), Davis, Mullins, Belhadj (Utaka 53), Crouch.
Subs not used: Begovic, Nugent, Basinas, Cranie.
Booked: Johnson
Attendance: 24,234
Referee: Mike Riley (Yorkshire)
POMPEY 0-3ARSENAL (Youth)
Well I had this one down for a defeat before the game and I was right about that one.
Got to the pub nice and early, got the drinks and sat outside in the sun and waited for Mum. with only two tables it got a bit busy on the street. When Mum arrived there must of been about 15 odd people standing around the other table, one of them said to me and Mum " are you with us?" I said "no we are with ourselves" He said they were with an internet fan group the Vital Pompey and they had decided to meet up for an end of season bash And take some pics of the group, if you look at the pic below you will see Pompeygary (Me) and my Mum enjoying a pint in the sun on the right of the picture. It was a lovely worm day so we headed for the ground.
The first half we played badly with one up front and went 2 down in the first half, the whole team were quite pore. The second half we were all over Arsenal but they got a third and it was all over.
Pompey goalkeeper David James gifted Arsenal the opener when he fumbled Nicklas Bendtner's header into his net.
The Dane then grabbed a second from the penalty spot after Sean Davis was ruled to have fouled captain Andrey Arshavin.
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart:
"The boys are adamant that it was not a penalty for their second goal and I agree with them. There was no physical contact.
"I am not here to vilify referees. We have had a few decisions go against us recently but it is a tough life for referees and it is for us.
"Everyone around us in the table has lost today, so there is no change. We just have to look after ourselves."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"I wanted to give a breather to some of the players
"I have no doubts about the younger players because I see them every day and what we work on, you could see that on the pitch today.
"We were sharp, composed and mobile with a great attitude."
Portsmouth: James, Pamarot, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson (Kanu 46), Pennant (Utaka 46), Davis, Hughes, Mullins, Belhadj, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Primus, Nugent, Basinas, Cranie.
Sent Off: Pamarot (78).
Booked: Campbell, Kanu, Davis.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Song Billong, Djourou, Eboue, Walcott (Bischoff 64), Denilson, Ramsey (Randall 82), Arshavin, Bendtner (Merida 77), Vela.
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Coquelin, Emmanuel-Thomas, Frimpong.
Booked: Arshavin.
Goals: Bendtner 13, 41 pen, Vela 56.
Att: 20,418
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
Friday 1 May 2009
PUB
Drinks will be at The Milton Arms , yes this fine pub is a favorite of ours one of the few real pubs left.
Historic old Brickwoods pub which was almost demolished in the 1920s. The main bar consists of a long public bar which runs the length of the frontage and there is an old barn at the rear of the property which doubles as a lounge and function room, where live bands sometimes perform.
Football away fans beware - the pub is known to be very partisan when it comes to Portsmouth FC and the house is therefore not suitable for visiting supporters.
Historic old Brickwoods pub which was almost demolished in the 1920s. The main bar consists of a long public bar which runs the length of the frontage and there is an old barn at the rear of the property which doubles as a lounge and function room, where live bands sometimes perform.
Football away fans beware - the pub is known to be very partisan when it comes to Portsmouth FC and the house is therefore not suitable for visiting supporters.
Newcastle 0-0 Pompey
So it looks like the fat man is singing for the Toon, and with the abuse he gave the Pompey fans I hope they go down now!
What a nervy night I had with the radio on, and I am very happy with a draw. And that bloody woodwork got in the way again!
This point will be almost enough for us, but not for the Toon.
Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Guthrie 28), Smith, Butt (Gutierrez 71), Duff, Viduka (Carroll 64), Martins, Owen.
Subs Not Used: Krul, Barton, Lovenkrands, Edgar.
Booked: Bassong, Carroll.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Davis, Belhadj, Hughes, Mullins, Nugent (Pennant 65), Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Cranie, Kanu, Basinas.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Johnson.
Att: 47,481
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
Friday 24 April 2009
Southampton
On this I will gloat, for all the years of stick I got when Pompey were shit, the name calling in the street the "your going down" in the pub from complete strangers. I can take stick no problem, but for all the years that Saints fans looked down on Pompey it's time for us to claim Kings Of The South goodbye Southampton FC.
Southampton have been effectively relegated after being docked 10 points by the Football League.
The ruling comes after Saints' parent company went into administration, though the club and administrators say they expect to launch an appeal.
Four points off safety with two games to go, Saints will lose 10 points if they stay up in the Championship.
And if they do not avoid finishing in the bottom three then the points penalty will take effect next season.
The south coast outfit had hoped to avoid the punishment as they argued that it was their parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings plc (SLH) which had gone into administration on 2 April - not the football club.
But a League investigation by "independent forensic accountants" found that the football club and SLH were "inextricably linked as one economic entity" and applied their mandatory penalty.
The League also found that: "The holding company has no income of its own; all revenue and expenditure is derived from the operation of Southampton Football Club and the associated stadium company.
"The holding company is solvent in its own right. It only becomes insolvent when account is taken of the position of Southampton football club and the other group companies."
The statement added that there was no alternative other than to invoke the 10-point penalty.
It was also revealed that the company commissioned to look into the matter reported that co-operation with them was withdrawn towards the end of their enquiries.
However, Mark Fry, joint administrator of SLH, insisted he was "shocked and extremely disappointed" with the League's decision to deduct points.
Former chairman urges fans to back club
"The football club was not even aware that the investigation had been concluded," he told the BBC.
"We remain very firmly of the view that the rules do not apply, and that the Football League has stretched the rules to meet the circumstances. The football club is not in administration.
"The Football League is a members' organisation, and with any such body of that nature, you run the risk that if there is any grey area, they can interpret the rules as they see fit.
"I think they've interpreted the rules to suit the conclusion they wanted to reach.
"It is expected that an appeal will be launched."
Leon Crouch, who has had two spells as chairman of the football club, hit out at the "terrible timing" of the League's decision.
He told BBC Five Live Sport: "Southampton Leisure Holdings and Southampton Football Club are two separate companies.
"Mark Fry is the administrator for SLH, he's not the administrator for the club. We're not in administration, we're paying our bills and I don't see how they can take these points off us.
"Southampton Football Club was set up so that if this ever happened, we would not have these points deducted - it's the way they have interpreted the rules.
"I think we have a very strong case, I hope we appeal and we now have to focus on winning against Burnley on Saturday, we need to safeguard our Championship status and then hopefully have this decision overturned - then we'll be back where we belong next season."
Responding to Crouch on Five Live Sport, Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "What he said that was of particular interest of me was when he said this structure was set up to avoid the football club having a penalty if it got into financial trouble.
Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney
The board is acting on sound legal advice, implementing the rules the clubs themselves wanted put in place
Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney
"We have looked carefully at the holding company's annual accounts, which include the football club, we sent forensic accountants into the company - not Football League staff, but people whose expertise is to get to the bottom of relationships between companies - and we have taken external legal advice.
"It's quite clear the holding company and the football club are inextricably linked as one economic entity.
"All of the evidence pointed us to the conclusion that an administrator has been appointed that covers the club or aspects of the club as well as the holding company, and that being the case, we had no flexibility under Football League regulations - we had to apply sporting sanctions.
"It's worth pointing out that those sporting sanctions were agreed by all the clubs. This is not a runaway decision - the board is acting on sound legal advice, implementing the rules the clubs themselves wanted put in place."
The 10-point deduction for Football League clubs entering administration was introduced in 2004, with Wrexham the first League team to suffer a deduction in the 2004/05 season.
In 2007, the rule was amended so that clubs going into administration after the fourth Thursday in March would have the 10-point deduction suspended, after Leeds United and Boston United both entered administration when they were all but relegated, just before the end of the 2006/07 season.
Southampton have been effectively relegated after being docked 10 points by the Football League.
The ruling comes after Saints' parent company went into administration, though the club and administrators say they expect to launch an appeal.
Four points off safety with two games to go, Saints will lose 10 points if they stay up in the Championship.
And if they do not avoid finishing in the bottom three then the points penalty will take effect next season.
The south coast outfit had hoped to avoid the punishment as they argued that it was their parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings plc (SLH) which had gone into administration on 2 April - not the football club.
But a League investigation by "independent forensic accountants" found that the football club and SLH were "inextricably linked as one economic entity" and applied their mandatory penalty.
The League also found that: "The holding company has no income of its own; all revenue and expenditure is derived from the operation of Southampton Football Club and the associated stadium company.
"The holding company is solvent in its own right. It only becomes insolvent when account is taken of the position of Southampton football club and the other group companies."
The statement added that there was no alternative other than to invoke the 10-point penalty.
It was also revealed that the company commissioned to look into the matter reported that co-operation with them was withdrawn towards the end of their enquiries.
However, Mark Fry, joint administrator of SLH, insisted he was "shocked and extremely disappointed" with the League's decision to deduct points.
Former chairman urges fans to back club
"The football club was not even aware that the investigation had been concluded," he told the BBC.
"We remain very firmly of the view that the rules do not apply, and that the Football League has stretched the rules to meet the circumstances. The football club is not in administration.
"The Football League is a members' organisation, and with any such body of that nature, you run the risk that if there is any grey area, they can interpret the rules as they see fit.
"I think they've interpreted the rules to suit the conclusion they wanted to reach.
"It is expected that an appeal will be launched."
Leon Crouch, who has had two spells as chairman of the football club, hit out at the "terrible timing" of the League's decision.
He told BBC Five Live Sport: "Southampton Leisure Holdings and Southampton Football Club are two separate companies.
"Mark Fry is the administrator for SLH, he's not the administrator for the club. We're not in administration, we're paying our bills and I don't see how they can take these points off us.
"Southampton Football Club was set up so that if this ever happened, we would not have these points deducted - it's the way they have interpreted the rules.
"I think we have a very strong case, I hope we appeal and we now have to focus on winning against Burnley on Saturday, we need to safeguard our Championship status and then hopefully have this decision overturned - then we'll be back where we belong next season."
Responding to Crouch on Five Live Sport, Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "What he said that was of particular interest of me was when he said this structure was set up to avoid the football club having a penalty if it got into financial trouble.
Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney
The board is acting on sound legal advice, implementing the rules the clubs themselves wanted put in place
Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney
"We have looked carefully at the holding company's annual accounts, which include the football club, we sent forensic accountants into the company - not Football League staff, but people whose expertise is to get to the bottom of relationships between companies - and we have taken external legal advice.
"It's quite clear the holding company and the football club are inextricably linked as one economic entity.
"All of the evidence pointed us to the conclusion that an administrator has been appointed that covers the club or aspects of the club as well as the holding company, and that being the case, we had no flexibility under Football League regulations - we had to apply sporting sanctions.
"It's worth pointing out that those sporting sanctions were agreed by all the clubs. This is not a runaway decision - the board is acting on sound legal advice, implementing the rules the clubs themselves wanted put in place."
The 10-point deduction for Football League clubs entering administration was introduced in 2004, with Wrexham the first League team to suffer a deduction in the 2004/05 season.
In 2007, the rule was amended so that clubs going into administration after the fourth Thursday in March would have the 10-point deduction suspended, after Leeds United and Boston United both entered administration when they were all but relegated, just before the end of the 2006/07 season.
Manchester United 2-0Pompey
Well I knew we would not get much from this, especially after Manchester United left out key players for the FA Cup game at the weekend, by all accounts we played very well. Next stop the Toon!
Pomey1-0Bolton
Three points nice just what the Doctor ordered.
With no pub picked for this game as Mum was staying over for the night, we thought we would pick a place to pick at random, having got to Pompey fairly early we went of in a random direction and went for a cuppa in a cafe.
We left and went in search for a pub,the Fort Cumberland was the first pub we found, after ordering the drinks we went into the Family room mainly because some bloke was talking over the bar to people on the other side in a very annoying voice, why he could not walk over and sit closer to them I do not know? Although he did ask a Pompey fan in a hat and Pompey shirt and flag wrapped round and all sorts of Pompey paraphernalia "Are you going to Cricket then?" I found that very funny.
So to the game I don't care for Bolton that much, I don't hate them but now they have Megson in charge I like them less.
This was a game I just knew we would win and we did, so now we are six points of the bottom three with a game against Manchester United coming up no points there then.
Portsmouth had dominated the first half, with Glen Johnson, in an unusual midfield role, going close to breaking the deadlock on three occasions.It was an interesting first half, especially for 24-year-old England international Johnson, whose return from suspension saw him find a series of attacking opportunities.With Younes Kaboul playing an industrious role directly behind him, Johnson frequently found himself free to drift inside and even towards the left side of the field as Bolton's defenders struggled to track his movements.Substitute Kanu's faint touch from a Nadir Belhadj corner gave Portsmouth a vital home win over Bolton.
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart: "I didn't really see what happened for the goal but we'll take it. I'm told Kanu has claimed it but it doesn't matter to me who scores as long as it is us and I thought we deserved it today.
"Bolton have a way of playing that makes them difficult to play against but I think you have to give our players credit even though we didn't dominate in the second half as much as in the first half."
Bolton boss Gary Megson: "We were poor and Pompey were not that much better than us. We've got to show a big improvement on this even though three of our last five matches are at home. We are certainly not thinking we are safe yet.
The defending for the corner was very bad, letting it go straight in like that from Belhadj's corner. Did Kanu claim it? Well, he would. I should know, having had him at West Bromwich Albion!"
Portsmouth: James, Kaboul (Pennant 90), Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis, Mullins, Nugent (Kanu 71), Kranjcar (Belhadj 77), Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Hughes.
Booked: Kranjcar, Distin.
Goals: Kanu 78.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Andrew O'Brien, Cahill, Samuel, Basham, McCann, Gardner (Muamba 12), Kevin Davies, Elmander, Taylor.
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Puygrenier, Makukula, Cohen.
Booked: Kevin Davies, Andrew O'Brien, Hunt, McCann.
Att: 20,158
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
Friday 17 April 2009
Pompey 2-2 WBA
Well a game we should off won, but at least we had a point and came from behind, but we could of done with a win!
The pub was a nice one if a bit empty, only for a locals baby in a chair who seemed to enjoy dropping everything on the floor, as we left more children arrived so it must of been the baby's birthday.
The home side took the lead through Younes Kaboul who fired high into the net from 12 yards.
West Brom equalised after the break when Jonathan Greening placed his six-yard shot past a helpless David James.
The Baggies then took the lead when Chris Brunt smashed in a free-kick from 25 yards before Niko Kranjcar's 30-yard strike won Pompey a precious point.
For Paul Hart's men, who began the day three points off the relegation zone, the point will improve immensely valuable but bottom-of-the-table West Brom will feel they missed a huge chance to gain a priceless win.
So it's Bolton next we must win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pompey boss Paul Hart:
"We didn't play well today and it would be wrong to say otherwise, but we've come out of it with a draw.
"We've moved up two places and 10 points from seven games is the best run we've had since October.
"We're not sprinting our way over the line, we're crawling. But if that's what we need to do then we'll crawl."
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray:
"We've been here for a long time. We need to win at Manchester City and get on with it.
"The fans deserve a team that is playing for them right until the death and I think they are getting that.
"The desire and the commitment of the players is clearly still there."
Portsmouth: James, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant (Gekas 90), Mullins, Hughes, Nugent (Belhadj 64), Kranjcar, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Kanu, Utaka, Basinas.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Kranjcar, Kaboul.
Goals: Kaboul 33, Kranjcar 65.
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon (Hoefkens 77), Meite, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison (Chris Woods 75), Greening, Koren, Dorrans, Brunt (Mulumbu 81), Fortune.
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Menseguez, Borja Valero, Simpson.
Booked: Dorrans.
Goals: Greening 48, Brunt 62.
Att: 20,376
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Friday 10 April 2009
Place to drink
So it's Easter drinks in Pompey and we shall be meeting at The Druid's Arms 11-15 Binsteed Road, Buckland, PO2 7PM.
This Victorian corner pub has retained the same name since its opening in the late 19th century. Part of the local Young's Brewery since 1897, it eventually ended up in the hands of Ind Coope until being sold to Gales of Horndean in 1990. The pub sports a large L-shaped public bar offering a jukebox, pool and darts, with a smaller lounge bar facing St Stephen's Road.
The pub is an occasional entry in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide.
Lets see if they have Stella ?
Saturday 4 April 2009
Southampton Don't die!
I am so happy when Scum lose and I will be happy when they get relegated! but I do not wish the scum to go out of business. No club deserves that we need each other the South Coast needs the two clubs. Who will we make fun of every Saturday? The Saints must survive this for our good if nothing else.
Southampton's future is seriously under threat, according to the man appointed to run the club's owners.
Southampton's parent company was placed in administration on Thursday and chief executive Rupert Lowe has resigned.
Trading in Southampton Leisure Holding (SLH) plc's shares was suspended on Wednesday after the company admitted it needed extra money to have a future.
"The finances are interlinked therefore the future of the club is in serious jeopardy," said administrator Mark Fry.
"The holding company owns the football club. The football club is an asset."
The holding company has been put into administration with debts of £27.5m, reportedly made up of financial liabilities of £23.1m and an overdraft of £4.4m.
It is possible that putting the parent company into administration - thus wiping out a significant proportion of the club's debt - could save the club from a 10-point deduction.
Fans' reaction to financial news
The Football League has a monthly board meeting next Tuesday, and the Southampton situation will be one of the key items on the agenda.
A spokesman told BBC Sport said it would not comment until after that meeting, and he added it was not certain the club's fate would be decided once it finished.
Clubs such as Leeds and Luton, who were hit with points deductions themselves after going into administration, would be angry if Southampton avoided such a fate.
Lowe, Saints chairman Michael Wilde and director Andrew Cowen have resigned from the company with immediate effect, although a statement from SLH said the club is "unaffected by these insolvency proceedings".
The business is heavily in debt after spending more than £30m on the 32,000-seat St Mary's Stadium, which they moved to from The Dell in 2001, before being relegated from the Premier League in 2005.
606: DEBATE
Would be a joke if Southampton escaped a penalty by putting the holding company into admin rather than the club
YouAreMyForest
The administrators will now try and find a buyer for the club although Fry, who is joint administrator, admitted that has been an-on going process for the directors.
"The directors have tried to sell or seek investment for a considerable amount of time, which they have been unsuccessful in doing," Fry said.
The controversial Lowe was chairman at the club for 10 years until his removal in 2006 but linked up with Wilde, the man who initially replaced him, to return to the boardroom last summer.
But despite introducing a number of cost-cutting measures, including loaning out big earners and closing parts of St Mary's on match days, the south-coast club remain in desperate financial trouble.
In an earlier statement Fry insisted the club "could be an extremely attractive investment for the right buyer".
He added: "We are working hard to preserve the value of the football club and produce a positive outcome for all stakeholders.
"I ask that fans continue to show their support for the team for the remainder of the season as we seek to show the best face possible to potential investors."
Last October, SLH's bank Barclays significantly reduced the company's overdraft facility.
The Saints are second from bottom of the Championship, three points adrift of safety.
And it means they are now threatened by liquidation and could drop out of the Football League, if SLH fails to attract new investment by the end of the summer.
Southampton's future is seriously under threat, according to the man appointed to run the club's owners.
Southampton's parent company was placed in administration on Thursday and chief executive Rupert Lowe has resigned.
Trading in Southampton Leisure Holding (SLH) plc's shares was suspended on Wednesday after the company admitted it needed extra money to have a future.
"The finances are interlinked therefore the future of the club is in serious jeopardy," said administrator Mark Fry.
"The holding company owns the football club. The football club is an asset."
The holding company has been put into administration with debts of £27.5m, reportedly made up of financial liabilities of £23.1m and an overdraft of £4.4m.
It is possible that putting the parent company into administration - thus wiping out a significant proportion of the club's debt - could save the club from a 10-point deduction.
Fans' reaction to financial news
The Football League has a monthly board meeting next Tuesday, and the Southampton situation will be one of the key items on the agenda.
A spokesman told BBC Sport said it would not comment until after that meeting, and he added it was not certain the club's fate would be decided once it finished.
Clubs such as Leeds and Luton, who were hit with points deductions themselves after going into administration, would be angry if Southampton avoided such a fate.
Lowe, Saints chairman Michael Wilde and director Andrew Cowen have resigned from the company with immediate effect, although a statement from SLH said the club is "unaffected by these insolvency proceedings".
The business is heavily in debt after spending more than £30m on the 32,000-seat St Mary's Stadium, which they moved to from The Dell in 2001, before being relegated from the Premier League in 2005.
606: DEBATE
Would be a joke if Southampton escaped a penalty by putting the holding company into admin rather than the club
YouAreMyForest
The administrators will now try and find a buyer for the club although Fry, who is joint administrator, admitted that has been an-on going process for the directors.
"The directors have tried to sell or seek investment for a considerable amount of time, which they have been unsuccessful in doing," Fry said.
The controversial Lowe was chairman at the club for 10 years until his removal in 2006 but linked up with Wilde, the man who initially replaced him, to return to the boardroom last summer.
But despite introducing a number of cost-cutting measures, including loaning out big earners and closing parts of St Mary's on match days, the south-coast club remain in desperate financial trouble.
In an earlier statement Fry insisted the club "could be an extremely attractive investment for the right buyer".
He added: "We are working hard to preserve the value of the football club and produce a positive outcome for all stakeholders.
"I ask that fans continue to show their support for the team for the remainder of the season as we seek to show the best face possible to potential investors."
Last October, SLH's bank Barclays significantly reduced the company's overdraft facility.
The Saints are second from bottom of the Championship, three points adrift of safety.
And it means they are now threatened by liquidation and could drop out of the Football League, if SLH fails to attract new investment by the end of the summer.
Pompey2-1Everton
Well after a two week hiatus with the international break I'm back for the hard part of the season staying up.
With an early start and no car I had to get up mega early, so no pub we decided to meet in the marquee. Getting in early we got a table for once lovely, this place is good big screens and very loud. It gets full so quick one second I drink a beer the next I look up and then it is full of Pompey.
The game, I had a good feeling we would win this one, you know what I mean you just know. The moment Everton scored with that lovely free kick I just knew we would come back and win. And we did!!!!!
Two goals from Peter Crouch helped relegation-threatened Portsmouth to a priceless victory over Champions League hopefuls Everton at Fratton Park.
Everton went ahead after just four minutes when full-back Leighton Baines fired in a brilliant 20-yard free-kick.
Crouch equalised midway through the first half when he headed in Glen Johnson's nod-back from six yards.
And the England striker scored the winner with another header from Sean Davis' corner with 15 minutes left.This was a win we needed and with two home games coming up after Hull we could be on for for seven points? I hope.
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart:
"This was a massive win for us - we've steadied the ship and I'm not surprised with that performance.
"We started poorly from the kick off but they got their heads together and got back on track.
On two-goal hero Peter Crouch: "Peter is fantastic and he deserves the statistics of three in the last two. He works hard and get goals."
Everton manager David Moyes:
"We started well by scoring the goal but didn't capitalise on that.
"The team didn't defend well at set pieces. We knew about Peter Crouch's threat but we didn't stop it and didn't cope well.
"It's not common for us to make mistakes which is why it feels bad."
Portsmouth: James, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis, Mullins, Nugent (Kanu 74), Kranjcar, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Hughes, Basinas, Belhadj.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Kaboul.
Goals: Crouch 22, 75.
Everton: Howard, Jacobsen (Gosling 86), Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Fellaini, Neville, Pienaar, Saha, Jo (Rodwell 90).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Agard, Baxter, Wallace.
Booked: Osman.
Goals: Baines 4.
Att: 20,388
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
Friday 20 March 2009
Drinks foe Everton.
As the game is so bloody early, I think we should meet at the Marquee outside Fratton Park. I am taking the bus so maybe a beer or two more if we have time.
Fans Forum from Rivals
Pompeygary says " Interesting but mostly Peter Storrie filling us up with rehashed stories but honest to a point. It's a shame Sasha has ran out of money not just for us but for him to. I had hoped he would carry on his good work, lets just hope he finds us a good new owner.
This is from Rivals.
Well firstly it was bloody freezing in there, most people felt it was warmer outside!
Peter Storrie and Paul Hart were the two main guests and the Club had also brought along some old players from the past, Ray Hiron etc.
The Asia cup and a replica FA cup were also there for anyone who wanted photos with them.
Main topics of conversation were:
The Ground
Basinas
Conceding late goals
Gekas
New Kit
Training Ground
Reserve Team
New Owner
Games shifting ie Newcastle now on a Monday!
On the Fratton Park proposal, Peter Storrie said that planning permission had been altered slightly as the previous proposal had included residential building, which in this current climate is a no go. The supermarket option finances 70% of the cost of building 2 and 1/2 new stands, new facilities in the stands (pie and pint shops, new loos with hot running water in the taps...) The South Stand will become the away end. The capacity initially will increase by 5000 and once work is completed by November next season (work is meant to commence in May) it will have increased by 10000.
Basinas is not played as Hart believes we need tougher contact players on the field whilst we are in this relegation battle and feels Mullins is the man for the job.
Late goals issue was defended by saying we've done it all season, not just lately....also said that 5 points from last few games are great, but he knows we are in a battle and words were said in the dressing room after boro.
Gekas did refuse to play for the reserves, needless to say Hart and Storrie are not happy with this as hes contracted to the club and should do as he's told basically. Apparently he was bought after being seen on a video and that he has actually only played 2 hours 59 minutes this season, all as a late sub. Apparently Hart has spoken to him and says he needs to see him play, he cant take risks with team selection as we're fighting for survival and that if he is as good as Gekas says he is why didnt his team keep him!
New kit will be red, white and blue.
Training ground, work to start in the next month, the contracts have been awarded and all plans etc have gone through.
Reserve team, its felt that the reserves need to play more matches and there is supposed to be a proposal that the reserve league becomes an under 21 league.
New Owner, apparently a few people are interested, but until they show the colour of their money, nothing is concrete. Sasha is skint and will not put any more money into the club and if the club isnt sold by the new season, we are going to have a difficult summer, although not as bad as the last transfer window. We are running on a break even basis just now, but with new sky money etc we will be okay.
Afterwards someone asked about Diop, he has started running again today and is about a month away from a return, so good news on that front.
All in all, I thought Paul Hart was a very straightforward down to earth guy who seemed very honest.
There was a bit of joking at the start regarding winning the cup etc, players wanting to go clubbing after the win and take the cup with them, herman being held onto the side of the bus by Sasha when he tried to climb off to go to the loo....
I enjoyed it, my only complaint was how cold it was in there and that maybe it shouldve been held in one of the function rooms.
oops forgot to say about the games being shifted about. Peter Storrie said that we have no control over it, its to do with so many european fixtures etc and not just down to sky and setanta.
He did however say, that without the sky money we and probably every club in the premiership (including man utd) would be bankrupt. The sky money pays the wages and if we dont offer the wages then the best players would all go abroad, so as much as people dislike their games being disrupted theres not much anyone can do about it.
This is from Rivals.
Well firstly it was bloody freezing in there, most people felt it was warmer outside!
Peter Storrie and Paul Hart were the two main guests and the Club had also brought along some old players from the past, Ray Hiron etc.
The Asia cup and a replica FA cup were also there for anyone who wanted photos with them.
Main topics of conversation were:
The Ground
Basinas
Conceding late goals
Gekas
New Kit
Training Ground
Reserve Team
New Owner
Games shifting ie Newcastle now on a Monday!
On the Fratton Park proposal, Peter Storrie said that planning permission had been altered slightly as the previous proposal had included residential building, which in this current climate is a no go. The supermarket option finances 70% of the cost of building 2 and 1/2 new stands, new facilities in the stands (pie and pint shops, new loos with hot running water in the taps...) The South Stand will become the away end. The capacity initially will increase by 5000 and once work is completed by November next season (work is meant to commence in May) it will have increased by 10000.
Basinas is not played as Hart believes we need tougher contact players on the field whilst we are in this relegation battle and feels Mullins is the man for the job.
Late goals issue was defended by saying we've done it all season, not just lately....also said that 5 points from last few games are great, but he knows we are in a battle and words were said in the dressing room after boro.
Gekas did refuse to play for the reserves, needless to say Hart and Storrie are not happy with this as hes contracted to the club and should do as he's told basically. Apparently he was bought after being seen on a video and that he has actually only played 2 hours 59 minutes this season, all as a late sub. Apparently Hart has spoken to him and says he needs to see him play, he cant take risks with team selection as we're fighting for survival and that if he is as good as Gekas says he is why didnt his team keep him!
New kit will be red, white and blue.
Training ground, work to start in the next month, the contracts have been awarded and all plans etc have gone through.
Reserve team, its felt that the reserves need to play more matches and there is supposed to be a proposal that the reserve league becomes an under 21 league.
New Owner, apparently a few people are interested, but until they show the colour of their money, nothing is concrete. Sasha is skint and will not put any more money into the club and if the club isnt sold by the new season, we are going to have a difficult summer, although not as bad as the last transfer window. We are running on a break even basis just now, but with new sky money etc we will be okay.
Afterwards someone asked about Diop, he has started running again today and is about a month away from a return, so good news on that front.
All in all, I thought Paul Hart was a very straightforward down to earth guy who seemed very honest.
There was a bit of joking at the start regarding winning the cup etc, players wanting to go clubbing after the win and take the cup with them, herman being held onto the side of the bus by Sasha when he tried to climb off to go to the loo....
I enjoyed it, my only complaint was how cold it was in there and that maybe it shouldve been held in one of the function rooms.
oops forgot to say about the games being shifted about. Peter Storrie said that we have no control over it, its to do with so many european fixtures etc and not just down to sky and setanta.
He did however say, that without the sky money we and probably every club in the premiership (including man utd) would be bankrupt. The sky money pays the wages and if we dont offer the wages then the best players would all go abroad, so as much as people dislike their games being disrupted theres not much anyone can do about it.
Back To Plan One.
Pompey have announced it will freeze any plans to move to Horsea Island and instead redevelop Fratton Park.
The football club's new plan will see the club's current home increase in capacity to 30,000.
The decision was made to put on ice the Horsea Island scheme following a number of planning and financial issues.
These include:
- New exits to the Horsea Island site from the M27
- A new bridge from Tipner to Horsea Island to link the two developments
- A change to the city plan proposed by the council to accommodate the stadium will still need to be subject to an inquiry by an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State
- The issue of the 'credit crunch', which has affected housing and almost all other developments, as well as lenders' attitudes to large projects
In a statement Pompey said: 'The club's ultimate aim remains a 40-45,000-seater stadium at Horsea Island near Port Solent, along with a multi purpose arena and residential and retail development to help fund and support the project.'
Initial work on Fratton Park would see the pitch turned 90 degrees and see two new stands, an extension to the Fratton End and refurbishments made to the south stand.
This work would be paid for by selling off part of the site to a major supermarket.
The club would also build a new club shop, ticket office and club offices.
Pompey say work could start before the end of the year, subject to planning permission.
The capacity would initially grow to 25,000 for the start of the 2010/2011 season and 30,000 once the work is completed by the beginning of the 2011/2012 season.
A planning application for the work at Fratton Park would be submitted 'as soon as possible', the club said.
So Pompeygary says "I hope this is true, but haven't we heard this one before?"
The decision was made to put on ice the Horsea Island scheme following a number of planning and financial issues.
These include:
- New exits to the Horsea Island site from the M27
- A new bridge from Tipner to Horsea Island to link the two developments
- A change to the city plan proposed by the council to accommodate the stadium will still need to be subject to an inquiry by an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State
- The issue of the 'credit crunch', which has affected housing and almost all other developments, as well as lenders' attitudes to large projects
In a statement Pompey said: 'The club's ultimate aim remains a 40-45,000-seater stadium at Horsea Island near Port Solent, along with a multi purpose arena and residential and retail development to help fund and support the project.'
Initial work on Fratton Park would see the pitch turned 90 degrees and see two new stands, an extension to the Fratton End and refurbishments made to the south stand.
This work would be paid for by selling off part of the site to a major supermarket.
The club would also build a new club shop, ticket office and club offices.
Pompey say work could start before the end of the year, subject to planning permission.
The capacity would initially grow to 25,000 for the start of the 2010/2011 season and 30,000 once the work is completed by the beginning of the 2011/2012 season.
A planning application for the work at Fratton Park would be submitted 'as soon as possible', the club said.
So Pompeygary says "I hope this is true, but haven't we heard this one before?"
Gekas get to work!
So Theofanis Gekas will not play a reserve game for Paul Hart to see him play in the flesh, well in my mind Hart is right not to play him. Reputation means nothing in practice, so Pompeygary says send him home.
Boro1-1 Pompey
Having to sit listen to this match was in the most not good for one's heart. I said I would be happy with a draw before the match, but to go one nil up and then see the opposition go down to ten men, and then concede a very late goal at the end I would have to say I am a bit disappointed. Well the one good thing at the moment is our form has improved of late but we must keep it up, so it's Everton at home for an early kick off on Saturday so Play Up Pompey!!!!!!
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on Martin Atkinson dismissing Matthew Bates for diving:
"He is an excellent referee but it was a strange decision.
"But it changed the course of the game because the crowd then came back behind us.
"It could be a crucial point and we are still in there fighting."
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart:
"It is very, very disappointing because going into the last minute in front you think you've cracked it. But if you had asked me before if I would have settled for a point I would have said yes.
"We are not shipping goals like we were, and goal difference could turn out to be important in the final reckoning."
Middlesbrough: Jones, McMahon, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz (Taylor 46), Aliadiere (Adam Johnson 58), Arca (Alves 71), Bates, Downing, Sanli, King. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Emnes, Shawky, Walker.
Sent Off: Bates (77).
Booked: Bates.
Goals: King 90.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant (Belhadj 36), Davis, Mullins, Kranjcar (Pamarot 90), Crouch, Nugent (Hughes 70). Subs Not Used: Begovic, Kaboul, Utaka, Kanu.
Booked: Belhadj, Nugent, Johnson.
Goals: Crouch 30.
Att: 24,281
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Pompey 0-1 Chelsea
I don't know why I bother going to see us play Chelsea, we never win. But it is always fun and this was a good game and with a bit of luck and a good ref ( yeah right) we might of got a draw. With results going against us at the mo it all looks a bit grim. But I and the few others that have seen all this before just wish JKL's would stop moaning and get behind the team, I know that the players got us into this mess by not playing for Adams. I blame them not completely but we lost to many games we should have won. The day that Paul Hart and co took over I said that we would see a change in the team and we did even when we lost, but is it to late I hope not.
I have to say that the meal that my Mum got me for my Birthday (21 again) was lovely thanks Mum. The pub is a busy one on match days, with home and away fans all getting on, I like that , don't get me wrong I like a good Pompey only pub, but it is good to see everyone getting along ( I can hear the 657 turning in their graves).
The bloody rain was well bad, we woz soaked by the time we got to the ground, as were our seats, we are only four rows from the pitch lovley, we pay money to sit in the cold and rain to watch mega rich stars fall over on the pitch we must be mad, but I love it.
Didier Drogba struck late on to earn title-chasing Chelsea a vital win against Portsmouth in horrendous weather conditions.
Drogba had earlier narrowly failed to connect with an Ashley Cole driven cross as Chelsea dominated possession.
Relegation-threatened Pompey were kept at bay by Blues keeper Petr Cech, who saved from Sean Davis and David Nugent.Both clubs had shown their ruthless side in sacking their respective managers within 24 hours of each other back in early February.
The visitors endured a nervy final 10 minutes but held on to preserve Hiddink's 100% record as temporary boss and consign Portsmouth manager Paul Hart to the first defeat of his tenure.On the way home in the car we allways have the local radio station on, and they confirmed the Paul Hart was to be manager with Kidd till the end of the season, I think they could of announced this before the game but hay ho thts Pompey for you, so it's now time to get behind Pompey in the old way and raise the roof and snatch the sky. Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!
Monday 2 March 2009
Pub for Chelsea Match
2 Eastern Road, Milton, PO3 6ES
Opened in 1938, this large road house was built for the Brickwoods Brewery and is now a prominent feature on one of the city's main roads. Popular with a mainly local clientele, the pub is always packed when Portsmouth FC are playing home matches at nearby Fratton Park.
The pub serves food daily and also features a large TV screen on which to view sporting fixtures. There is ample car parking at the front of the pub.
I will be there at about 5.
Stoke 2-2 Pompey
Bloody ref how on earth did he get that pen so wrong? I tell you it's not because it went against Pompey it's a bad decision all round (it could of happened to Stoke and I would be just as annoyed). This is starting to get bloody annoying the quality of the reffs is getting wors not better.
It was good to see Pompey fight back from going 2-1 down, we would of lost that one with Tony Adams I'm afraid. Listening to the radio I was overjoyed to be one up in what sounded like a poore game, but then Stoke got that pen and we just fell apart when they scored another, but we got a bit of what we deserved when it went 2 all with a Stoke own goal. In my living room I scared to cat as I shouted at our 90 minute leveller sorry Bobby.
Portsmouth earned a dramatic point against Stoke City thanks to an injury-time own goal by Ryan Shawcross.
"It was two points dropped. When you go into injury-time leading 2-1 you hope to win but we have switched off and they have caught us.
"When they went 1-0 up I thought it would be difficult for us but we came back with the two goals and we were looking to see it out."
Portsmouth caretaker boss Paul Hart:
"We were unfortunate not to win. We scored a very good goal, had weathered the storm and defended like Trojans.
"But we didn't have time to get into a defensive shape to defend before the penalty, which wasn't a penalty, simple as that.
"Johnson leant towards the ball but his hands are nowhere near it.
"When you are faced with a decision that you feel isn't right it knocks you back. We were still reeling from it when Stoke scored again."
Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence (Tonge 66), Diao, Amdy Faye, Pugh, Sidibe (Cresswell 84), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Whelan, Kitson, Camara, Sonko.
Booked: Lawrence.
Goals: Beattie 78 pen, 80.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Basinas (Mullins 71), Davis, Kranjcar (Kanu 89), Crouch, Nugent (Belhadj 89).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Kaboul, Pamarot, Utaka.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis.
Goals: Kranjcar 75, Shawcross 90 og.
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).
A drab game came alive after 75 minutes when David Nugent set up Niko Kranjcar to slide Pompey in front.
James Beattie quickly levelled from the spot after Glen Johnson was adjudged to have handled then, seconds later, he put Stoke ahead from close range.
Pompey poured forward and got their reward when Shawcross deflected Hermann Hreidarsson's cross into his own net.
Given the lack of quality that had been on display for most of the game at the Britannia Stadium, it was an unexpectedly exciting finish.Saturday 21 February 2009
James makes record appearance and slags off Adams
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James was quick to look ahead to playing more games as he celebrated breaking the record for Premier League appearances.
The 38-year-old James made his 536th Premier League appearance in Pompey's 2-0 win against Manchester City to surpass the record set by Gary Speed.
"I'd like to extend the record," said James. "It's about playing in the best league in the world and enjoying it."
"To have a longevity record in the best league in the world is a big plus."
James was equally o quick to urge his team-mates to keep their feet on the ground after Portsmouth recorded their first league win since November under caretaker boss Paul following the sacking of Tony Adams last week.
"We cannot get carried away, we have not done anything today that has surpassed anything we have done in the past," said the Portsmouth keeper.
"We have just got back to being a boring 2-0 winning side and we are happy with that."
James believes Portsmouth lost their way during Tony Adams's reign, which lasted just 16 games.
"We seemed to lack a lot of the basic stuff," said James.
It is not for me to to choose who the manager is but I have a hell of a lot of respect for Kiddo
James on Brian Kidd
"We were a side last season that did not expect to score a lot of goals so we knew we had to keep clean sheets - and when we did score we knew we had to hold on to it. But we lost that earlier in the season and it is difficult to get back into things."
James also praised the work of Hart's assistant Brian Kidd.
"Kidd just constantly talks about football, about how to improve," said James.
"He was talking about striker Andy Cole this morning and how he improved at Manchester United and you just think 'this guy loves it'. When someone is like that they can only help other people.
It was important we had that because the belief had gone somewhere down the line.
"It is not for me to to choose who the manager is but I have a hell of a lot of respect for Kiddo from the time I worked with him at England and I've known Harty through the Portsmouth Academy.
"If it takes a little time to appoint a decent manager, I think the club are in decent hands in the meantime."
But James reiterated his desire to see former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson take over at Fratton Park.
"I have a lot of respect for Sven. As good as Sven is he knows his limitations and that why he appoints people to help him out who have the qualities that are needed."
Pompey 2-0 Man City
Well the sacking of Adams has given us 3 points at last, I was sad to see Adams lose his job but so far it looks like a good move for Pompey. I have not seen so much movement in the dug out at Fratton Park for a long time, every time something needed to be said to the players it was done, unlike Adams who was the compete opposite.
This was our second trip to this pub (only a few years ago I think). It is a good pub full of Pompey before the game, but the music was a bit loud I may sound a bit old but I do like a pre match chat before the game.
At the match I noticed that the place had a bit of a nervous atmosphere, if we were to lose this one we would be in the shit for sure. But from the start I noticed the team seemed more like the Pompey of old we deafened all over the pitch and we started doing the simple things again. Our defence was back to it's best again.
Many pundits said Man City were rubbish! but I would say that we made them seem rubbish.
Glen Johnson opened the scoring in the second half, drilling the ball into the top corner after Shay Given had parried his first effort.
Hermann Hreidarsson doubled their advantage with a brilliant header.
David James amazingly denied Ched Evans as he made a record-breaking 536th Premier League appearance.City only showed occasional glimpses of the type of football they can produce and manager Mark Hughes cut a frustrated figure as he watched from the touchline.
Portsmouth caretaker boss Paul Hart:
"At the moment clean sheets are the order of the day.
"I am really pleased for the club and the players, who worked their socks off and kept to the game plan. They were very disciplined.
"There are good players here and on the back of results confidence grows and you see a lot more from the team."
Man City manager Mark Hughes:
"It is a missed opportunity. We were looking to get positive points, ideally three.
"But you cannot win if you do not have the majority of your team playing well.
"We did not really deserve anything from the match. We did not have a determination and a willingness to chase lost causes."
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant (Belhadj 86), Basinas (Mullins 67), Davis, Kranjcar, Crouch, Nugent. Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Kanu, Gekas.
Booked: Hreidarsson.
Goals: Johnson 70, Hreidarsson 75.
Man City: Given, Logan, Kompany, Onuoha, Bridge, Zabaleta (Evans 78), De Jong, Ireland, Elano, Bellamy, Robinho (Caicedo 66). Subs Not Used: Hart, Garrido, Fernandes, Berti, Weiss.
Booked: De Jong, Ireland, Bellamy.
Att: 20,018
Ref: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
Friday 13 February 2009
The White House
This prominent Victorian tavern sited at a busy road junction has retained its name for around 150 years. The pub once stood on the abandoned Portsmouth and Arundel Canal. This two bar pub is frequented mostly by locals, though its car park ensures that it also takes advantage of passing trade.
Maybe we will see Barack Obama and George Bush at the bar before the game!
Kidd ing
Portsmouth have appointed former Manchester United assistant Brian Kidd to assist caretaker manager Paul Hart.
The 59-year-old will work alongside Hart while Pompey continue their search for a new manager after Tony Adams was sacked on Monday.
"Brian is a fantastic coach with a great track record," Hart told the club's website.
"We have known each other for an awfully long time and I'm delighted he's coming here to assist me."
Adams was dismissed along with first-team coach John Metgod after winning just two of 16 Premier League games since taking over on 28 October.
606: DEBATE
He worked with Sven for over a year so perhaps this is the first step
Pompeyskipper
Dutchman Metgod has accused the club of not giving the coaching staff a chance to show what they are capable of at Fratton Park and believes they weren't helped by the departures of key players in January.
"For three months I worked well at Portsmouth," he said. "We often put on good performances
"The personal situation of club owner Alexandre Gaydamak played an important role. The financial crisis meant he was having problems and therefore sold players for millions.
"In the Premier League no other club has given up as much quality as Portsmouth. We were a ticking time bomb."
He added: "Adams is an excellent coach, I got on really well with him and as a craftsman I have him high in my mind.
"If there is a chance, I want to work with him again - in England or Holland."
Kidd started his managerial career at Preston before moving to United as youth team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson.
In 1991 he became Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford, helping the club win four Premier League titles and two FA Cup's, before a brief spell in charge of Blackburn Rovers.
He later spent over a year as Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant with England and also worked under Neil Warnock and Bryan Robson at Sheffield United.
Any reunion with Eriksson, however, is unlikely after the Swede played down reports linking him with the vacant position, insisting he is happy with his role in charge of the Mexican national team.
Portsmouth have said that Kidd's position will be reviewed when a new manager is appointed.
The 59-year-old will work alongside Hart while Pompey continue their search for a new manager after Tony Adams was sacked on Monday.
"Brian is a fantastic coach with a great track record," Hart told the club's website.
"We have known each other for an awfully long time and I'm delighted he's coming here to assist me."
Adams was dismissed along with first-team coach John Metgod after winning just two of 16 Premier League games since taking over on 28 October.
606: DEBATE
He worked with Sven for over a year so perhaps this is the first step
Pompeyskipper
Dutchman Metgod has accused the club of not giving the coaching staff a chance to show what they are capable of at Fratton Park and believes they weren't helped by the departures of key players in January.
"For three months I worked well at Portsmouth," he said. "We often put on good performances
"The personal situation of club owner Alexandre Gaydamak played an important role. The financial crisis meant he was having problems and therefore sold players for millions.
"In the Premier League no other club has given up as much quality as Portsmouth. We were a ticking time bomb."
He added: "Adams is an excellent coach, I got on really well with him and as a craftsman I have him high in my mind.
"If there is a chance, I want to work with him again - in England or Holland."
Kidd started his managerial career at Preston before moving to United as youth team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson.
In 1991 he became Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford, helping the club win four Premier League titles and two FA Cup's, before a brief spell in charge of Blackburn Rovers.
He later spent over a year as Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant with England and also worked under Neil Warnock and Bryan Robson at Sheffield United.
Any reunion with Eriksson, however, is unlikely after the Swede played down reports linking him with the vacant position, insisting he is happy with his role in charge of the Mexican national team.
Portsmouth have said that Kidd's position will be reviewed when a new manager is appointed.
Pompey begin new manager search
Portsmouth have begun the search for a new manager following the sacking of Tony Adams - but an appointment is unlikely to be made before Saturday.
Several names are thought to be in the running, including Sven Goran Eriksson, Avram Grant and Alan Curbishley.
Other people in the frame include Terry Venables, Slaven Bilic, Roy Keane, Glenn Hoddle and Graeme Souness.
Paul Hart has been placed in charge of first-team affairs at Pompey, who host Manchester City on Saturday.
Adams, 42, left the club after winning just two of 16 Premier League games since taking over on 28 October.
The club are only one point above the relegation zone and were dumped out of the FA Cup last month, losing to Championship side Swansea City.
With the club facing an uncertain future on and off the pitch, securing a new manager may be harder than Portsmouth think.
ODDS FOR NEXT POMPEY MANAGER
Avram Grant
Avram Grant - 6/4
Sven Goran Eriksson - 9/4
Alan Curbishley - 11/4
Slaven Bilic - 5/1
Terry Venables - 16/1
Odds supplied by William Hill and correct on 10 February
The south-coast club is currently up for sale, which means plans for a new stadium and training complex have been put on hold.
They were also forced to sell key players in January, losing striker Jermain Defoe and midfielder Lassana Diarra.
Of the leading candidates for the post, Grant has close links with owner Alexandre Gaydamak, having previously served at the club as a director of football.
He is currently out of job after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season following the defeat to Manchester United in the final of the Champions League.
Eriksson, the former England coach, is currently coach of Mexico's national team but is facing an uncertain future if they fail to beat USA in a vital World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
Several names are thought to be in the running, including Sven Goran Eriksson, Avram Grant and Alan Curbishley.
Other people in the frame include Terry Venables, Slaven Bilic, Roy Keane, Glenn Hoddle and Graeme Souness.
Paul Hart has been placed in charge of first-team affairs at Pompey, who host Manchester City on Saturday.
Adams, 42, left the club after winning just two of 16 Premier League games since taking over on 28 October.
The club are only one point above the relegation zone and were dumped out of the FA Cup last month, losing to Championship side Swansea City.
With the club facing an uncertain future on and off the pitch, securing a new manager may be harder than Portsmouth think.
ODDS FOR NEXT POMPEY MANAGER
Avram Grant
Avram Grant - 6/4
Sven Goran Eriksson - 9/4
Alan Curbishley - 11/4
Slaven Bilic - 5/1
Terry Venables - 16/1
Odds supplied by William Hill and correct on 10 February
The south-coast club is currently up for sale, which means plans for a new stadium and training complex have been put on hold.
They were also forced to sell key players in January, losing striker Jermain Defoe and midfielder Lassana Diarra.
Of the leading candidates for the post, Grant has close links with owner Alexandre Gaydamak, having previously served at the club as a director of football.
He is currently out of job after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season following the defeat to Manchester United in the final of the Champions League.
Eriksson, the former England coach, is currently coach of Mexico's national team but is facing an uncertain future if they fail to beat USA in a vital World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
Pompey 2-3 Liverpool
I write this almost a week after the game so much on you know! As I woke in the morning I had that feeling that you get when you know your team are going to win. But it was not to be we were beaten at the end again, we just can not hold on, we had been in front twice, but I will have to say we played better than we have for a long time, but looking back now I just get the feeling that some of the player did not want to play for Tony. That is a shame as to me that means they are not playing for me or the rest of the fans, but Tony will have to take his blame for the defeat as well , his tactics were naive and to go 2-1 up and lose 3-2 is not good enough. I know it was Liverpool but we have beaten them before. As it would have it Adams was sacked on Sunday night, I had hoped that Adams would get much more time. but as we must survive he had to go.
It has to be said that the strangest thing to happened on the way to the ground after the pub was this weird couple that came up to Mum and me and said " I hope Pompey do it tonight! I said "I hope so to" as I looked at him he was wearing a Pompey hat and a Southampton away shirt strange but there you go.
The pub in Guild Hall Walk was shut or closed down I think, so we ended up at a student bar and watched some Rugby on the box with some cheap beer lovely.
So with the match against Manchester City at home coming up with Paul Hart in temp charge with Brian Kidd we I hope we will get something from this game, we need it.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Basinas, Davis, Mullins (Kranjcar 46), Belhadj, Crouch, Nugent.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Mvuemba, Pamarot, Kanu, Gekas.
Booked: Hreidarsson.
Goals: Nugent 62, Hreidarsson 78.
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Dossena (Alonso 67), Arbeloa, Mascherano, Aurelio, Babel (Torres 76), Ngog (Kuyt 56), Benayoun.
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Riera, El Zhar.
Goals: Aurelio 69, Kuyt 85, Torres 90.
Att: 20,524
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
Friday 6 February 2009
Boozer
26 Guildhall WalkSo it's time for another drink before the match and I have chosen The White Swan.This ornate Edwardian pub, designed by A H Bone in 1906, includes six ornately carved caryatids flanking the entrance doors and is of similar design to the former Air Balloon at Mile End. Being located on Guildhall Walk, the pub caters for clubbers most nights, with high volume music being the general rule.
After a short spell as a pseudo-American-style sports bar called Pitchers around the late 1990s it has since thankfully regained its old identity. As of January 2009 the pub is presently closed - however, the lease has recently been taken over by J D Wetherspoon, which should result in a significant improvement to the premises once refurbished and reopened.
So we get another two in
Portsmouth have signed Bayer Leverkusen striker Theofanis Gekas on loan until the end of the season.
The loan deal includes an option for Portsmouth to sign the 28-year-old Greek international permanently.
Portsmouth have also signed Greece's Euro 2004-winning midfielder Angelos Basinas from AEK Athens on an 18-month deal.
The 33-year-old, who has made 97 appearances for his country, joins the club for an undisclosed fee.
Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie told the club's website: "He's exactly what we need in the situation that we're in.
The loan deal includes an option for Portsmouth to sign the 28-year-old Greek international permanently.
Portsmouth have also signed Greece's Euro 2004-winning midfielder Angelos Basinas from AEK Athens on an 18-month deal.
The 33-year-old, who has made 97 appearances for his country, joins the club for an undisclosed fee.
Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie told the club's website: "He's exactly what we need in the situation that we're in.
Fulham 3-1 Pompey
Well this has to be the last big defeat for Pompey, not that it will be our last . But we must start scoring goals it's ok playing well and having lots of possession, but our defence and strike force are letting us down. This loss was not expected a point for me was on the cards, this is not good enough. So I hope with the new recruits on board we can just get out of this mess. I hope for a bwtter result against Liverpool.
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams:
"I do my job to the best of my ability. It has been a tough period. The last two months have been difficult both on and off the pitch.
"I'll be delighted when the transfer window closes. Heads have been turned up and down the country. Once it is closed we can get on with business.
"We made mistakes. We gambled on offsides. It is disappointing because we worked hard in training on that."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"They are a good team and playing quite well. I am sure if they continue to do that they won't be losing every match 3-1.
"There is no magic wand in this game. It is work in the end which brings its rewards and, of course, the quality of the players you have at your disposal.
"I was pleased by the solidity of our performance and delighted by the runs of our front players to get in behind their defenders."
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey (Gera 90), Etuhu, Murphy, Davies, Zamora (Nevland 63), Johnson.
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Teymourian, Gray, Stoor, Kallio.
Goals: Johnson 14, Nevland 71, 80.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Kaboul (Pamarot 76), Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Davis, Mullins, Armand Traore (Utaka 63), Kanu (Nugent 46), Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Mvuemba, Little.
Booked: Mullins.
Goals: Nugent 84.
Att: 23,722
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams:
"I do my job to the best of my ability. It has been a tough period. The last two months have been difficult both on and off the pitch.
"I'll be delighted when the transfer window closes. Heads have been turned up and down the country. Once it is closed we can get on with business.
"We made mistakes. We gambled on offsides. It is disappointing because we worked hard in training on that."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"They are a good team and playing quite well. I am sure if they continue to do that they won't be losing every match 3-1.
"There is no magic wand in this game. It is work in the end which brings its rewards and, of course, the quality of the players you have at your disposal.
"I was pleased by the solidity of our performance and delighted by the runs of our front players to get in behind their defenders."
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey (Gera 90), Etuhu, Murphy, Davies, Zamora (Nevland 63), Johnson.
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Teymourian, Gray, Stoor, Kallio.
Goals: Johnson 14, Nevland 71, 80.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Kaboul (Pamarot 76), Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Davis, Mullins, Armand Traore (Utaka 63), Kanu (Nugent 46), Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Mvuemba, Little.
Booked: Mullins.
Goals: Nugent 84.
Att: 23,722
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
Saturday 31 January 2009
Pompey 0-1 Villa
Well as I sit hear waiting for the Fulham game to come on the radio, I still feel confident we will turn things around starting at Fulham.
With the old main door to the pub closed with the a sign saying use the other door, I headed for the other one. Ordered the drinks and sat down. Mum tried to come in the main door too when she arrived, after a couple of drinks we headed for the park.
The game although we lost was a fantastic one, all in all we should of got a draw out of this one. We had more corners and shots on goal, and I think we played so well and if we play like that for the rest of the season we will be ok. Anyway Pompey are at our best when are backs are against the wall.
Emile Heskey scored on his debut as Aston Villa moved up to third in the Premier League table and heaped more pressure on Portsmouth boss Tony Adams. Heskey smashed the ball home with a first time right-foot strike after Gabriel Agbonlahor's flick-on.
Adams made four changes from the team that lost to the Swans as he sought to manufacture a change of fortune.
Mullins made his first appearance since his transfer from West Ham, while Kanu made a rare start alongside Peter Crouch up front.
Pompey's passionate home support really got behind their team and the players tried to respond, with Mullins' 20-yard shot deflecting off Carlos Cuellar but flying narrowly wide of Brad Friedel's goal. Crouch really should have levelled the scores but he failed to hit the target with an instinctive shot inside the six-yard box after Pennant drilled the ball towards him.Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell (Kaboul 46), Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Davis, Mullins, Belhadj, Crouch, Kanu (Utaka 74).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Nugent, Pamarot, Mvuemba, Armand Traore.
Sent Off: Belhadj (71).
Booked: Belhadj, Johnson.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Knight, Davies, Luke Young, Gardner (Sidwell 65), Petrov, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Heskey (Shorey 83).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Salifou, Osbourne.
Booked: Petrov, Milner.
Goals: Heskey 21.
Att: 19,073
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
Monday 26 January 2009
Pub for Villa
Well it seems like an age since we have been to Fratton Park or had a drink!. So for this game I think we should meet up at the The Froddington Arms 55 Fratton Road, Fratton, PO1 5AB a pub we have not been to for a few years.
Named after the old word for Fratton, the Froddington is very much a local's local on the main shopping street, close to Fratton railway station.
Former pubs on the same site include the Plough & Spade and the Swiss Gardens.
This former Brickwoods pub now attempts to draw in punters by offering drinks promotions to potential customers, but it will inevitably lose out to the Wetherspoon establishment located diagonally opposite. Many of the Fratton Road pubs owe their existance to their proximity to Portsmouth Football Club's Fratton Park ground, located within a fifteen minute walk of the Froddington.
Portsmouth sign Mullins and Pele ( Not That One!)
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has bolstered his midfield options with the double signing of Hayden Mullins from West Ham and Pele from Porto.
Mullins, 29, has agreed a three-and-half-year deal at Fratton Park and moves to Pompey for an undisclosed fee.
Portuguese attacking midfielder Pele, 21, joins on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent move.
"Hayden and Pele have been on our radar for some time," said Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie.
"They will add strength to our midfield. Central midfield is an area we have needed to strengthen - that's why we brought in two players."
Both players have been signed in time to play Aston Villa on Tuesday and they will add some much needed cover in Portsmouth's midfield.
Papa Bouba Diop, Richard Hughes and Niko Kranjcar are all out injured, while Lassana Diarra departed for Real Madrid earlier this month.
The signings continue a busy transfer window for Adams, who has already brought in Jermaine Pennant on loan from Liverpool, while Jermain Defoe left to rejoin Tottenham.
Mullins has spent the last five years at West Ham after joining from Crystal Palace and he has made 21 appearances for the Hammers this season.
"It was in a little bit of a shock," he told Portsmouth's website. "I trained on Sunday with West Ham and then it all happened very quickly, but I'm very pleased to have joined.
"It was a great experience to have worked under Gianfranco Zola but it's a great challenge here to come and work with some really talented players.
"I enjoyed my time at West Ham but I was there for five years and thought that maybe it was time for a change.
Adams happy with with new recruits
"Portsmouth are a club with a lot of history. They won the FA Cup last year, so I'm very excited to be here."
Portugal under-21 international Pele, whose full name is Vitor Hugo Gomes Passos, is an attacking midfielder and has previously played for Inter Milan.
"It's always been an ambition of mine to play in England, to play in the Premier League," he said. "I've always watched English football, and the crowds are always great here.
"England is the home of football, so it's fantastic to get this opportunity."
Mullins, 29, has agreed a three-and-half-year deal at Fratton Park and moves to Pompey for an undisclosed fee.
Portuguese attacking midfielder Pele, 21, joins on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent move.
"Hayden and Pele have been on our radar for some time," said Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie.
"They will add strength to our midfield. Central midfield is an area we have needed to strengthen - that's why we brought in two players."
Both players have been signed in time to play Aston Villa on Tuesday and they will add some much needed cover in Portsmouth's midfield.
Papa Bouba Diop, Richard Hughes and Niko Kranjcar are all out injured, while Lassana Diarra departed for Real Madrid earlier this month.
The signings continue a busy transfer window for Adams, who has already brought in Jermaine Pennant on loan from Liverpool, while Jermain Defoe left to rejoin Tottenham.
Mullins has spent the last five years at West Ham after joining from Crystal Palace and he has made 21 appearances for the Hammers this season.
"It was in a little bit of a shock," he told Portsmouth's website. "I trained on Sunday with West Ham and then it all happened very quickly, but I'm very pleased to have joined.
"It was a great experience to have worked under Gianfranco Zola but it's a great challenge here to come and work with some really talented players.
"I enjoyed my time at West Ham but I was there for five years and thought that maybe it was time for a change.
Adams happy with with new recruits
"Portsmouth are a club with a lot of history. They won the FA Cup last year, so I'm very excited to be here."
Portugal under-21 international Pele, whose full name is Vitor Hugo Gomes Passos, is an attacking midfielder and has previously played for Inter Milan.
"It's always been an ambition of mine to play in England, to play in the Premier League," he said. "I've always watched English football, and the crowds are always great here.
"England is the home of football, so it's fantastic to get this opportunity."
Pompey0-2 Swansea
I heard that Pompey had an F.A. Cup game on Saturday and I don't think the players new we were playing either. I think Swansea deserved the win by all accounts, I am so glad I did not pay to go to this game. Our F.A. Cup run had to come to an end at some time, but to play so bad and at home is not on. I think we seem to play poorly when Glen Johnson is out, which is a worry to me as we must not be a one man team roll on Villa Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!
Portsmouth: James, Cranie, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Nugent (Kanu 46), Hughes (Kaboul 84), Davis, Armand Traore (Hreidarsson 46), Pennant, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Mvuemba.
Booked: Distin, Belhadj.
Swansea: Konstantopoulos, Rangel, Williams, Monk, Tate, Britton, Pratley, Allen (Pintado 61), Gomez, Scotland, Dyer (Gower 79).
Subs Not Used: De Vries, Orlandi, Tudur-Jones, Bauza, Serran.
Booked: Pratley, Tate, Rangel, Britton.
Goals: Dyer 26, Scotland 45 pen.
Att: 17,357
Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
Pennant
So the man that turned us down by all accounts, has come to us on loan from Liverpool till the end of the season. I think he is doing the correct thing and I would do the same. and if we stay up he would be good to have on a permanent deal.
Spurs 1-1 Pompey
I had real trouble watching this game on the T.V. i'm sure my heart wont take much more of this. When we went one nil up with Nugent scoring his top flight goal ( take that one Redknapp you twitchy so and so) I then was wishing for a draw at least. And as you would expect Defoe got the equaliser. So all in all I was happy with this result, so lets put the Redknapp and Defoe thing to bed( till next time!)
Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King (Dawson 44), Bale (Bentley 68), Lennon, Zokora, O'Hara, Modric, Pavlyuchenko (Bent 28), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Alnwick, Huddlestone, Campbell, Taarabt.
Goals: Defoe 70.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Nugent (Utaka 73), Davis, Kaboul (Wilson 88), Kranjcar (Hreidarsson 90), Armand Traore, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Little, Kanu.
Booked: Davis, Kaboul.
Goals: Nugent 59.
Att: 36,011
Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).
Sunday 18 January 2009
Bristol City 0-2 Portsmouth
Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar got the goals that settled a pulsating replay and ensured FA Cup holders Portsmouth avoided a third-round exit. I noticed that we seem to play better without Defoe I wander why that is?! I'm very happy that we made it to the next round, as we are defending our Cup Play Up Pompey!!!!!
Bristol City: Basso, Orr, Carey, McCombe, Fontaine (Adebola 82), Skuse (McIndoe 71), Elliott, Johnson, Sproule, Styvar (John 68), Maynard.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, McAllister, Brian Wilson, Williams.
Booked: Johnson.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Kaboul, Wilson, Nugent (Utaka 66), Armand Traore (Hreidarsson 86), Belhadj, Kranjcar, Crouch (Kanu 90).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Mvuemba, Little.
Booked: Johnson, Kaboul.
Goals: Crouch 38, Kranjcar 88.
Att: 14,302
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).
Spurs
So when the game last week was postponed, I said to myself that we may not of had a better time to beat Man City. With big big offers for players like Kaka we could meet a very good City side, but that is for another day.
The Spurs game looks like it will be a good one. I just hope we get a result but I fear whatever happens on the pitch what happens off it will make the headlines we shall see. So it's time for Pompey to do what we do best and back the team Play Up Pompey!!!!
The Spurs game looks like it will be a good one. I just hope we get a result but I fear whatever happens on the pitch what happens off it will make the headlines we shall see. So it's time for Pompey to do what we do best and back the team Play Up Pompey!!!!
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"What happened last time with the treatment of Sol - there's no place in football for that.
"What kind of reception should I get and what reception will I get is two different things.
"What do I deserve? I had six fantastic years there and brought the club nothing but success."
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams:
"We have to stay focused and professional and look towards the next job and that job is our next opportunity to pick up points.
"I can't condone what went on with Sol Campbell at Fratton Park, but I got my share off the Spurs fans when I played for the other north London club.
"But the majority of fans from both Portsmouth and Spurs are fantastic."
Friday 9 January 2009
Pub for City
The Froddington Arms 55 Fratton Road, Fratton, PO1 5AB a pub we have not been to for a few years.
Named after the old word for Fratton, the Froddington is very much a local's local on the main shopping street, close to Fratton railway station.
Former pubs on the same site include the Plough & Spade and the Swiss Gardens.
This former Brickwoods pub now attempts to draw in punters by offering drinks promotions to potential customers, but it will inevitably lose out to the Wetherspoon establishment located diagonally opposite. Many of the Fratton Road pubs owe their existance to their proximity to Portsmouth Football Club's Fratton Park ground, located within a fifteen minute walk of the Froddington.
Owner Speaks
In this weekend’s matchday programme, Pompey owner Sacha Gaydamak and executive chairman Peter Storrie will address the fans regarding recent media speculation and player movements.
Below is the message in full:
“First of all may we wish you all a very happy new year.
“We want to take this opportunity to update you directly on our plans to continue the success we have achieved over the last three years.
“Since the January 2006 takeover we have spent substantial sums on both transfer fees and players’ wages.
“As a result we have built a high-value, quality squad which has brought success over that period and allowed us to build a club based on sound and sustainable business principles.
“Recently, with the approval of the board and Tony Adams, Peter Storrie has negotiated the sale of Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid and Jermain Defoe to Tottenham, for similar club-record fees.
“Both of these sales have deferred payment terms, in addition to outstanding fees payable to their previous clubs.
“As a result, we are on course to achieve a turnaround from a loss-making business to a break-even position, which gives us a solid platform to recruit new players to the squad and move the business forward.
“We are now operating in a more volatile economic environment in the UK. This, together with the international nature of our player trading leaves us susceptible to adverse movements in exchange rates.
“To counteract this we have reviewed all areas of the business, including salaries and overheads, with a view to making reductions where possible.
“Forefront in our minds will always be our Premier League status.
“The resultant changes will ensure that as a club we come through these difficult times for businesses and football clubs in a stronger position for the future.
“We have no further need to sell any players from our squad. Indeed, we are looking to offer new contracts to players that Tony sees as part of the future beyond the end of this season.
“In addition we are currently working on the permanent acquisition of three players along with two loan deals to the end of the season, one from the UK and one from abroad.
“These acquisitions will increase the size of the squad that Tony has by five players. We are confident that a couple will be concluded shortly, but that all five players will be here well before the transfer window closes.
“Over the last three years we have all worked closely together and have always updated our supporters on club matters, as we are now.
“We are not in a financial crisis as sections of the media would have you believe. We have simply adjusted the business to deal with the current climate until we move into the new stadium when our revenue streams will be increased.
“The sales of Sulley Muntari and Pedro Mendes in the summer allowed us to purchase Peter Crouch and Younes Kaboul and pay loan fees for both Armand Traoré and Nadir Belhadj, the latter of whom we have now purchased.
“During this window the players that have left us are one who wanted to go and another who openly stated, on joining us, that one day he would leave for a bigger club. We have helped both achieve their ambitions.
“The strength of this club has always been derived from the support that you, the fans, give the team and the club. Working together as one, we can continue that success.
“We hope we have given you all a clearer picture of the positive way forward for the club. We will always keep you updated directly via our website and the programme.
“On a final note, we want to reassure our faithful supporters of our commitment to the sustainable longevity of Portsmouth Football Club.”
Below is the message in full:
“First of all may we wish you all a very happy new year.
“We want to take this opportunity to update you directly on our plans to continue the success we have achieved over the last three years.
“Since the January 2006 takeover we have spent substantial sums on both transfer fees and players’ wages.
“As a result we have built a high-value, quality squad which has brought success over that period and allowed us to build a club based on sound and sustainable business principles.
“Recently, with the approval of the board and Tony Adams, Peter Storrie has negotiated the sale of Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid and Jermain Defoe to Tottenham, for similar club-record fees.
“Both of these sales have deferred payment terms, in addition to outstanding fees payable to their previous clubs.
“As a result, we are on course to achieve a turnaround from a loss-making business to a break-even position, which gives us a solid platform to recruit new players to the squad and move the business forward.
“We are now operating in a more volatile economic environment in the UK. This, together with the international nature of our player trading leaves us susceptible to adverse movements in exchange rates.
“To counteract this we have reviewed all areas of the business, including salaries and overheads, with a view to making reductions where possible.
“Forefront in our minds will always be our Premier League status.
“The resultant changes will ensure that as a club we come through these difficult times for businesses and football clubs in a stronger position for the future.
“We have no further need to sell any players from our squad. Indeed, we are looking to offer new contracts to players that Tony sees as part of the future beyond the end of this season.
“In addition we are currently working on the permanent acquisition of three players along with two loan deals to the end of the season, one from the UK and one from abroad.
“These acquisitions will increase the size of the squad that Tony has by five players. We are confident that a couple will be concluded shortly, but that all five players will be here well before the transfer window closes.
“Over the last three years we have all worked closely together and have always updated our supporters on club matters, as we are now.
“We are not in a financial crisis as sections of the media would have you believe. We have simply adjusted the business to deal with the current climate until we move into the new stadium when our revenue streams will be increased.
“The sales of Sulley Muntari and Pedro Mendes in the summer allowed us to purchase Peter Crouch and Younes Kaboul and pay loan fees for both Armand Traoré and Nadir Belhadj, the latter of whom we have now purchased.
“During this window the players that have left us are one who wanted to go and another who openly stated, on joining us, that one day he would leave for a bigger club. We have helped both achieve their ambitions.
“The strength of this club has always been derived from the support that you, the fans, give the team and the club. Working together as one, we can continue that success.
“We hope we have given you all a clearer picture of the positive way forward for the club. We will always keep you updated directly via our website and the programme.
“On a final note, we want to reassure our faithful supporters of our commitment to the sustainable longevity of Portsmouth Football Club.”
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