O'NEIL TO BORO
Friday, 31 August, 2007

Gary O'Neil looks set to join Middlesbore for £5 million. He is on Teesside having a medical. Boro have been tracking O'Neil all summer and were thought to be offering Yakubu as part of the deal, but since 'The Yak' has gone and joined the Toffees, Boro have had to stump up the cash.

Fulham were also interested in signing the former England U21 captain, using one of Redknapp's former targets Papa Bouba Diop in an exchange deal but it collapsed over personal terms - whether that was O'Neil's or Diop's terms isn't made clear.
Pompey have accepted the offer and O'Neil will be a Boro player tonight, subject to the reults of the medical.

JAMES AND CAMPBELL IN ENGLAND SQUAD
Friday, 31 August, 2007

David James and Sol Campbell have both been named in the 26 players of Steve McClaren's England squad who take on Israel and then Russia in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. James will be hoping to oust Paul Robinson from the number one spot after his [Robinson's] comedy of errors in the defeat at the hands of Germany earlier this month.
Campbell was also in the squad that faced Germany but didn't make the team due to a groin injury.

JOHNSON IN. STEFANOVIC OUT
Friday, 31 August, 2007

It's only just gone 11:00am and already there has been some movement of players at Fratton Park as transfer deadline day winds down.

Dejan Stefanovic has made the switch to Fulham. He has signed a two year deal with the Premier League club for a fee of £1 million. All of that is subject to him getting his work permit re-newed. Stefanovic had been captain of the Pompey team until that honour was passed to Sol Campbell.
Stefanovic joined Pompey for their first Premier League season for a then club record fee of £1.85 million from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem. Injury saw him sidelined for much of last season and he has struggled to break into the first team this season.

Glen Johnson has made a return to Fratton Park after his season-long loan from Chelsea last season. The 23 year-old defender has signed a four year contract for a fee of £3 million. He has been handed the number 5 shirt after the departure of Andy O'Brien to Bolton Wanderers earlier this month. Johnson said, "It's a good move for me. Portsmouth's a fantastic club with a lot of nice people. I learnt that when I was here last season. So it was an easy decision to make. It feels like I've never been away."

CRANIE IN ENGLAND U21 SQUAD
Friday, 31 August, 2007

Martin Cranie has been called into the England U21 squad for their forthcoming European Championship Group 3 qualifying game against Montenegro on 7 Sepetember. He made his U21 debut when England drew 1 - 1 with Romania earlier this month. He could also be called upon 4 days later when England face Bulgaria.

PRIMUS BACK IN ACTION
Thursday, 30 August, 2007

Linvoy Primus returned to action last night for Pompey's reserves as they hosted Chelsea reserves at West Leigh Park. This was his first game since the end of last season. He has been recovering from knee surgery which was carried out after the goalless draw with Arsenal at Fratton Park on the last day of the season.

Pompey's reserves lost 4 - 0 to a youthful Chelsea side.

Primus played the first 45 minutes of the game but warned that it could still be some time before he makes his return to the first team. He said, "It was always planned that I would be playing the first 45 minutes, and there seems no reaction from my knee. So I'll keep my fingers crossed."

Arnold Mvuemba, Franck Songo'o and Richard Duffy (remember him?) featured. Nick Jordan in the Pompey goal was forced into action but goals from Hutchinson and Sinclair saw the visitors go in 2 - 0 leaders at half-time. Nielsen extended the lead just after half-time and Stoch completed Pompey's misery when he hit the fourth goal in time added on by the referee.

Pompey: Jordan, Duffy, Primus (Ward 46), Reynolds, Van Der Korput (Udoji 61), Songo'o (Oastler 69), Mvuemba, Wilson, Ritchie, Castles, Cowan-Hall
Subs not used: Pack, Govas
Booked: Mvuemba, Wilson

BLUES CRUISE
Wednesday, 29 August, 2007

Pompey eased somewhat sluggishly through to the third round of the Carling Cup with a 3 - 0 defeat of Leeds United at Fratton Park. The first two goals came from a somewhat unexpected source; Noe Pamarot. His first came when he deflected Mendes' shot past Ankergren in the Leeds goal. The second was a near-post header from a Gary O'Neil corner. David Nugent scored his first competitive goal to complete the victory. He could have had a second as he was through with a one-on-one but his lob over the advancing Ankergen also went over the bar. Of his goal, he said, "John Utaka played a great ball in and I made a good connection. I was just relieved to be on the end of it."

In an interview after the match Harry Redknapp was asked about Nugent's future. He said that Nugent could leave Pompey if he wanted to. Derby County have made an offer for the striker Pompey paid £6 million for in the summer. When asked if he wanted to sell him Redknapp said that it depends on whether another striker becomes available. He rationalised this by saying that if he needed to sell someone to get another player then it would be a case of whoever he could sell.

COULD THIS BE THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD?
Tuesday, 28 August, 2007

Pompey are likely to give some of those players on the fringe of the first team a chance to shine tonight when they take on League One side (who'd have thought that a few years ago?) Leeds UNited in the Carling Cup at Fratton Park.

Redknapp is, or so he says, taking the Carling Cup competition seriously as he sees it as [another] possible route into European football for Pompey.

We're likely to see David Nugent, the subject of much speculation about whether he'd stay or go, get a start. Jamie Ashdown is likely to make his first start of the season in goal.

Denis Wise will be hoping to take a prize scalp as they look to continue their four match unbeaten run. He will missing former Pompey player Shaun Derry, who's out with a long-term injury. Jermaine Beckford will be looking to add to his two goal tally for Leeds.

JOSE'S MOB GO TOP
Sunday, 26 August, 2007

Pompey made their annual trip to Stamford Bridge and came away with their usual haul of points, ie, none. This time, however, Pompey can feel just a little bit aggrieved at not getting anything from this game as they gave Chelsea a 'real good go'.

They fell behind in the first half to Harry Redknapp's nephew 'Fat' Frank Lampard goal; a goal which was slightly fortuitous as it took a slight deflection on its way in, deceiving David James in the Pompey goal.

Both sides created chances with Taylor going closest for Pompey in the first half.

At the end, a Herman Hreidarsson goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Ashley Cole to preserve Chelsea's lead, but Mourinho knew that they had been let off the hook, praising Pompey in his post-match interview.

JOSE'S LOOKING FOR 100
Friday, 24 August, 2007

Pompey make their annual trip to Stamford Bridge knowing that a win or a draw for Mourinho's men will mean that the Portugeezer has presided over his 100th home game without defeat. Wouldn't it be nice if Pompey could make him wait a little longer for that particular milestone. Somehow though I don't foresee that happening. As sure as eggs is eggs, Pompey will go to Stamford Bridge for their annual beating at the hands of Chelsea.

Last season Pompey scored their first goal against Chelsea since their return to the Premier League in 2003, courtesy of Benjani. Chelsea have not scored less than 2 goals against us in that same period.

Harry Redknapp will go for a defensive formation warning that Pompey can't play an over-attacking game against Chelsea.

Sulley Muntari is back in contention for a starting place following his one-match ban for the sending off against Merchandise United. But Redknapp has warned that he won't necessarily walk straight back into the team after the performance Richard Hughes put in against Bolton.

Also back in contention are Sol Campbell, Sylvain Distin and Noe Pamarot; all coming back after injuries.

CARLING CUP TICKET DETAILS
Monday, 20 August, 2007

Tickets for Pompey's Carling Cup match with Leeds United at Fratton Park go on sale to Season Ticket Holders from Tuesday, 21st August. They will have until 2:00pm on Friday, 24th August to guaruntee they book their own seat.

The second round tie will kick off at 7:45pm on Tuesday, 28th August.

Ticket prices for all areas are:

Adults: £25
Seniors: £15
Juniors: £5

Season Ticket Holders who purchase their own seat for this game will have their Season Ticket Card activated so they may use it at the turnstiles in the usual way.

Supporters should be aware that there are revised opening hours for the ticket office over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Saturday, 25th August: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday, 26th August: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Monday, 27th August: Closed

KANU HAILS UTAKA
Monday, 20 August, 2007

BENJANI'S DOUBLE-FIGURES AIM
Friday, 17 August, 2007

POMPEY HOST LEEDS IN CARLING CUP
Friday, 17 August, 2007

Pompey have been drawn at home to Leeds United in the second round of the Carling Cup. The tie will be played in the week commencing 27th August, 2007 with the most likely date being Tuesday, 28th August. The last time Pompey played Leeds was in the third round of the same competition back in November 2004, a game which Pompey won 2 - 1.

They also beat Leeds 6 - 1 at Fratton Park and 2 - 1 at Elland Road; a result which helped Leeds slip out of the Premier League at the end of the 2003/2004 season.

The League One side progressed to the second round of the Carling Cup after beating Macclesfield Town with a late goal at The Moss Rose (Macclesfield's ground, in case you're wondering). As a point of interest (or maybe not), scumpton got dumped out of the Carling Cup in the first round by the mighty Posh of Peatyboghorror *snigger*.

Leeds are currently languishing at the foot of League One with -12 points after being deducted 15 points at the start of the season for going into administration.

'ARRY'S 'APPY
Thursday, 16 August, 2007

Harry Redknapp was happy with the way Pompey battled back to earn a draw against the current Premier League champions. He said, "You go into the game thinking that anything you get is a bonus, but there's always a chance you can pull off a big result. We've got a good record against Madchester United at Fratton Park - we always try and get in their faces and have a go, that's always been the way we've played."

Two players were sent off in the match; Pompey's Sulley Muntari for a second bookable offence (curb your enthusiasm, Sulley) and 'Boo Hoo' Ronaldo after a vicious head-butt on the brave Richard Hughes.

CRANIE GETS A CALL
Thursday, 16 August, 2007

Martin Cranie has been called up to serve his country in the England U21 team. He's already represented his country at other age levels but this will be his first U21 call up. It just goes to show that playing for Pompey enhances your career prospects better than playing for the scumpties.

He's in the squad to play against Romania U21s at Bristol City's Ashton Gate on Tuesday.

SLOPPY DEFENCE DENIES POMPEY
Saturday, 11 August, 2007

Not the start Pompey were hoping for as they were denied the full allocation of points when Derby capitalized on some sloppy Pompey defending. Matt Taylor went over far too easily, allowing Gary Teale an easy pass and allowed to cross for Todd to gift Derby a point they probably deserved.

The new season started badly for Pompey as they fell behind as early as 5 minutes when scummer Matt Oakley fired home from a long punt forward. Benjani scored just before the half hour mark, poking the ball past Bywater.

With so many new faces there was little cohesion for both sides, especially for Pompey. David Nugent, making his premiership debut, wasted a number of chances. Derby were the better side in the first half but Pompey started the second half better.

The game seemed to be heading into the doldrums until the increasingly influential Utaka swept in Hreidarsson's knock-down from Distin's cross to put Pompey in front. But least you forget, this is Pompey, and Derby were not to be knocked down on their first day back with the big boys as Andy Todd rifled home.

LUALUA JOINS OLYMPIAKOS
Friday, 10 August, 2007

Lomano Tresor LuaLua has left Fratton Park to join Greek side Olympiakos. Although this is, as yet, to be officially confirmed he will not be in the squad to face Derby County in the opening fixture of the new season.

John Utaka will be looking to make his Premier League debut against The Rams at Pride Park tomorrow after recovering from an ankle injury. David Nugent is also looking for his first Premier League appearance after a slow start in the pre-season warm up. Preston manager Billy Davies is well aware of Nugent's talent as it was him and his staff at Preston Both Ends who nurtured the talent. Talking to Derby's official website asssistant manager David Kelly said with a smile,"Nuge is a super talent and I wish him well... after Saturday. If selected I hope he has an absolute disaster against us!"

Redknapp is playing down Pompey's chances against one of the Premier League's new arrivals, saying, "Derby are a really good club - Billy Davies has done a really good job with them. He got them up last year (after beating the scumpties in the play-off semi-final*) carrying on the good work he did at Preston. It's their first game in the Premier League for a few years, so they'll be up for it. It will be a good atmosphere in a good stadium and should be a tough game"

The last time Pompey played Derby at Pride Park was in the promotion season (2002/2003) where they were 2 - 1 winners with goals from Todorov and Burchill (remember him?) after Higginbottom had put the home side in front with a penalty.

I'm predicting the same scoreline this time but with different scorers, obviously.

KRANJČAR OUT OF ACTION
Wednesday, 8 August, 2007

Niko Kranjčar will definitely miss the start of the new season and could be out for as long as two months. A scan revealed he suffered a stress fracture and has a compound fracture on one of the small bones in his foot (the Pompey physio Gary Sadler didn't say which foot).

Kranjčar will visit a specialist within the next couple of days to assess the extent of the injury and determine the length of time for recovery.

KANU SIGNS NEW DEAL
Wednesday, 8 August, 2007

After much speculation about whether or not he would sign a new deal it has finally happened. The NIgerian international signed a new deal which will see him at the club for a year with the possibilty of a further year should he play a certain number of games this season.

Harry Redknapp said about last season's top scorer, "We're really plaesed to get the Kanu deal sorted. Hopefully he'll do what he did last year and score goals for us. People doubted what he could do when we signed him last year but he did a great job for me.He holds the ball up well and he's a great player to have in our side."

FOXES FOXED BY POMPEY
Monday, 6 August, 2007

Pompey came from behind with goals from Nugent, LuaLua and Songo'o to complete their pre-season and make it a clean sweep of victories. David James, Sulley Muntari, Sylvain Distin and Sol Cambell all returned to action after being rested in mid-week.

Harry Redknapp said that he was happy with the 100% record in the warm up but went on to add that the real test comes in the league. He reckons it will be Pompey's toughest season yet in the Premier League. Even though the Blues have spent a lot of money on new players he argued that other clubs had been spending big too.

RETURN OF THE FOUR
Friday, 3 August, 2007

David James, Sulley Muntari, Sylvain Distin and Sol Cambell are all set to return to hot Pompey action when they take on the Leicester Hoofers at the Walkers 'Crisp Bowl' Stadium tomorrow. They were all rested for the mid-week friendlies after their victorious return from Hong Kong. Missing, though, will be Niko Kranjčar and John Utaka after they both twisted their ankle in the 4 - 1 voctory over Bournemouth.

Other injury concerns are: Lauren (sore shin), Stefanovic (groin strain), Hughes (hamstring), Davis (knee) and Duffy (thigh). Linvoy Primus, who this week signed a new contract, continues to recover from knee surgery and is hopeful of being in contention for the start of the new season.

Meanwhile, Kanu is holding out on signing a new deal. The 107 year-old Nigerian international striker has yet to agree terms. He has been offered a year-long contract with the 'carrot' of an extra year if he plays a certain number of games. Pompey's chielf executive Peter Storrie said, "It's close to a conclusion, but there are technical issues still to be resolved."

SEVEN UP
Thursday, 2 August, 2007

David Nugent opened his Pompey account by scoring twice against Southern League side Newport IOW in a friendly at St Georges Park last night. Pompey were rampant, scoring seven times, with other goals from Hreidarsson, Cranie and Songo'o and a brace for Gary O'Neil.

Many players were missing from the game but it was still a strong Pompey side that Redknapp put out with all of the players having featured in the previous day's game against Bournemouth.

LUALUA RIPS APART CHERRIES
Wednesday, 1 August, 2007

Lomana Tresor LuaLua scored a hat-trick against south-coast near neighbours Bournemouth at the Fitness First Stadium last night. He came on as a second half replacement for David Nugent and put in a storming display to give Pompey their biggest pre-season victory.

Harry Redknapp said that LuaLua needs to show the same sort of ruthlessness in the Premier League. He said, "Lua can do anything if he puts his mind to it, he's a fantastic talent when he wants to play. We all know what he can do."

Redknapp continued, "He's got to play this year - he hasn't really done himself justice in the last couple of years. We're looking for a big year from him this year."

Of the match itself Redknapp said, "We were much better in the second half after we made a couple of changes. I thought Benji and Lua looked sharp - they both looked nice and bright. The first half was disappointing but in the second half Niko got in the game and scored a great goal. We changed it around and looked a lot livlier, we changed the shape of the team a bit. One or two of them didn't seem to be grasping it too well, so in the second half we went back to a basic 4-4-2. We had a bit of width and a bit of pace up front and we looked sharper."