WEST HAM DATE CHANGE
Wednesday, 28 February, 2008

Pompey's game against West Ham at the Boleyn Ground (I always thought it was Upton park; maybe they've gone all poncey on us) will now take place on Monday, 7 April, kick-off at 8:00pm. This game will be shown live on Setanta Sports.
The game was originally due to played on Saturday, 5 April was, apparently, rescheduled because of engineering work on the London underground.

EUROPE POSSIBLE...
Wednesday, 28 February, 2008

So says Harry Redknapp.
With Tottenham winning the Carling Cup it means that there will only be one league place - fifth - available for UEFA qualification unless, that is, Manchester United play Chelsea in the FA Cup final and free up another league placing.
Pompey's push for Europe will see them battle in a 'six-pointer' against Everton on Sunday.
Everton lie in fourth place and just six points ahead of Pompey.
Pompey's away form so far this season is second only to Chelsea's but Everton are on form at the moment having beaten Manchester City at Eastlands on Monday night.
Redknapp believes that Pompey have the quality to make that fifth spot.
"If I’d said we were going to finish fifth in the Premier League a couple of years ago you’d all have thought I’d end up in the nuthouse, wouldn’t you?
"But there’s a chance. It would be great if we can do it, but let’s see how we go.
"At the moment it looks as though there’s only going to be one UEFA Cup spot in the league for the team who finish fifth. That’s the way it could pan out, so it’s going to be very tight.
"You’d have to fancy Liverpool or Everton for the Champions League spot. We’ve got a chance for the UEFA spot, and so have Villa, Blackburn, Man City and West Ham.
"There’s a whole group of us in there scrapping – we’ve all done well and we’re all in there in that top group.
"We’ve just got to finish where we finish and if we qualify for Europe, great.
"As Martin O’Neil said at Aston Villa, they’ve had a great season whatever happens. We’re the same, we’ve had a great season and whatever happens at the end of the year it’s been a great season again.
"Every year you finish in the top half of the Premier League table you're doing absolute miracles.
So let’s hope we can have two years running of finishing in the top half. It would be a great achievement. We’re a good team and I think people give us respect."
" You just need to have someone put together a good run and take 20 points out of their last ten games, like we did the year we stayed up, and it all turns.
"That’s what we’ve got to be aiming for, having a really good run between now and the end of the season."

Of course, we could make certain of European qualification by winning the FA Cup.

NUGENT OFF TO THE TRACTOR BOYS
Tuesday, 27 February, 2008

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp says he expects David Nugent to complete his loan move to Ipswich this week.
The two clubs have come to a financial agreement with Ipswich set to pay Pompey a loan fee for the 22-year-old.
Redknapp told BBC Radio Solent: "It should be tied up in the next few days. It's a good deal for us financially too which is important."
The striker has started just four games in the Premier League, since his £6m move from Preston in the summer.
Redknapp added: "Peter Storrie has been dealing with their chairman, and they've made a good offer. Lots of club have asked about taking David, but Ipswich are the only ones to come forward with a decent
offer. David is interested in going, so we're just waiting for his injury to clear up, which should be in the next few days."

DEFOE PENALTY SEALS VICTORY
Monday, 25 February, 2008

Jermain Defoe’s second-half penalty saw Pompey overcome Premier League strugglers Sunderland in a game of few chances at Fratton Park.
There were two changes from the side that won at Preston in the FA Cup last week, with Milan Baros and Defoe replacing John Utaka and Kanu in a 4-3-1-2 formation.
Before the game, Harry Redknapp presented David James with silver salver to mark the 37-year-old’s 500th Premier League appearance. The keeper reached that historic landmark in the defeat at Manchester United last month.
Pompey created a decent opening on 14 minutes but Glen Johnson’s low cross from the right just evaded the touch of the advancing Jermain Defoe at the far post.
That chance aside, it was a scrappy opening to the game with plenty of free-kicks awarded by referee Phil Dowd for niggling challenges.
One of those fouls presented Sulley Muntari with a chance on 23 minutes. The Ghana midfielder flashed a 30-yard free-kick narrowly over after Defoe had been upended by Sunderland skipper Dean Whitehead.
Hermann Hreidarsson then connected with Niko Kranjcar’s corner from the left but sent his header just past the post.
Glen Johnson was the first name in Dowd’s book on 38 minutes for complaining about an awful decision by the linesman, who flagged for a Sunderland free-kick when it was clear that the right-back had been held back by Andy Reid.
Hreidarsson thought he should have had a penalty within two minutes of the restart and replays showed that his shirt was tugged by Johnny Evans as he tried to reach Kranjcar’s corner.
Defoe then did well to connect with Baros’ cross from the right but, under pressure from Phil Bardsley, he was only able to volley the ball straight into Craig Gordon’s arms.
Then, after Grant Leadbitter fired a free-kick inches wide of the post for Sunderland, Defoe turned and fired a 20-yard effort straight at Gordon.
Pompey were starting to put some passing moves together and on 66 minutes Kranjcar found Johnson with a fine through ball but the defender’s left-foot strike was comfortably saved by Gordon.
Lassana Diarra made a superb tackle to dispossess Leadbitter with the Sunderland midfielder running through on goal after stealing the ball from Muntari.
And Pompey went straight up the other end to open the scoring from the penalty spot. Kranjcar’s jinking run was ended by Bardsley’s clumsy challenge in the area and DEFOE stepped up to slam home the spot-kick on 69 minutes.
Some sublime skill in the area by Kranjcar created an opening for Defoe on 81 minutes and Pompey may feel aggrieved not have won another penalty as his shot appeared to be handled by Bardsley.
Defoe then saw his angled shot deflected inches wide on 90 minutes as Pompey looked to secure the three points.
But it did not matter as the Blues dominated the final stages with Sunderland failing to even come close to threatening David James’ goal.

GAME DATE CHANGES
Monday, 25 February, 2008

Pompey's home game against Birmingham City at Fratton Park scheduled for Saturday 8, March 2008 has been postponed because that day they face Manchester at Old Trafford in the sixth round of the FA Cup.
The fixture has been moved to Wednesday 12, March with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Anyone with tickets from the original date who cannot make the rescheduled date can return their tickets upto 48 hours in advance to claim a refund. You can either claim in person at the ticket office in Rodney Road or by post.

The away fixture against Manchester City at Eastlands has also been moved to accommodate those wonderful people who enjoy a bit of armchair supporting. The game scheduled to be played on Saturday 19, April will now be played on Sunday 20th, April. Kick-of will be at 4:00pm.
The home fixture against Blackburn Rovers has also fallen victim to the all-intrusive Sky cameras. The match was due to be played on Saturday 26th, April but will now be played on Sunday 27, April with kick-off at 1:30pm.
I guess it's nice to know that Sky think we're worth visiting so often with our 'pusch for Europe' but it don't half mess up my Sundays.

FA CUP TICKET DETAILS
Wednesday, 20 February, 2008

Pompey have taken an initial allocation of 3,800 tickets for their FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Saturday, March 8, kick-off 12.45pm. That figure could rise to 6,000 seats if demand is exceptional. But Pompey have to let Manchester United know by Thursday whether the extra 2,200 seats will be needed.
Therefore the club urges all fans to book and pay for their tickets as soon as possible so demand can be gauged.
Whatever the final allocation, Pompey will have to pay for any unsold tickets. Seats can be booked and paid for by all Blues fans from 4pm on Tuesday, February 19, from the club’s ticket office in Rodney Road or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 847 1898. The ticket hotline is open 24 hours. Tickets will then be posted out once they arrive at Fratton Park.
The tickets are available to all supporters, not just season ticket holders and members. But fans must already be on the club’s database.
Seats are £38 for adults, £19 for those aged 65 and over and £12.50 for under-16s.
In the event of a draw a replay at Fratton Park has been pencilled in for Tuesday, March 18, with a 7.45pm kick-off, subject to TV requirements.
Pompey’s Premier League home clash against Birmingham, scheduled for Saturday, March 8, has been postponed until a date to be fixed.

WEST HAM DATE CHANGE
Wednesday, 20 February, 2008

Pompey's game against West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday 5, April 2008 has been postponed.
The fixture will be moved because major London Underground engineering works are taking place on that weekend. A new date has yet to be confirmed although it is likely to be held on the week commencing Monday 7 April. PompeyWeb will have full information of the rearranged fixture when confirmed.

BUGGER!
Monday, 18 February, 2008

It looks as though Pompey's dream of getting through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup have been dashed even before the game is played as they have been drawn against an in-form Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Pompey have ridden their luck a little in getting this far with far from convincing wins against lower lower league opposition, the latest being Sunday's 1 - 0 victory over Preston North End.
Pompey were drawn against Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup last season when they were beaten by two Wayne Rooney goals with a late consolation from Kanu. Prior to that the two clubs met in the third round in Pompey's promotion season when they went down 4 - 1. It is interesting to note that on both those occasions the referee was a certain Mr M A Riley, an alleged Manchester United sympathiser. What's the betting he gets put in charge again?
This was the one tie that Pompey did not want if they were to have any realistic chance of progressing in the competition. It also means that Pompey's home game against Birmingham will have to be played at a later date.
The last time these two played at Old Trafford was in the league on 30th January when two Christiano Ronaldo goals, one a superb free-kick, saw Pompey undone.
However, this is the FA Cup and it is the competition of dreams; so dream the dream and maybe, just maybe, it will come true. We are, after all, a Premier League side so I guess Manchester United won't exactly be pleased with the draw, especially with our away record this season.
The full draw for the sixth round of the FA Cup is:

Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Bristol Rovers v West Brom
Barnsley v Chelsea

Matches to be played on the weekend of 8 and 9 March.

DISTIN READY TO RUMBLE
Wednesday, 13 February, 2008

Sylvain Distin is set to make his first-team comeback in Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round tie at Preston.
The 30-year-old French defender limped off halfway through Pompey’s Premier League defeat against Manchester United with a hamstring injury.
But Distin has returned to training and head physio Gary Sadler says he is in line to feature at Deepdale.
"Sylvain’s progressing quite well," said Sadler. "We started running last week and we’ve started him in training to see how he goes. He’s done everything that we’ve asked of him with no reaction which is good news – everything seems to be going according to plan. If he can come through some more training sessions then there’s no reason why he won’t be available on Sunday."
David Nugent is another player looking to be fit for Sunday’s match, especially as it sees Pompey come up his former side. The striker has missed the last three games after undergoing a hernia operation.
"David’s been doing some running and he’s started to join in with some of the training sessions,” said Sadler. "He’s been out with the lads and there’s been no reaction to the hernia. We’ll just have to see if there’s a reaction in any other part of his body because that happens sometimes when you go from straight line running to playing football."
But Noe Pamarot will miss the next few games after getting injured in last week’s victory at Bolton.
"Noe’s had a scan and he’s done his medial ligaments," said Sadler. "But it’s too early to tell how long he’s going to be out for."

POMPEY SIGN NEW KEEPER
Friday, 8 February, 2008

It looks as though Pompey have come out winners after they have [reportedly] signed QPR's youth goalkeeping sensation Liam O'Brien.
A number of Premier Lleague clubs, most notably Arsenal and Manchester United, were said to be interested in signing the 16 year-old. He had been having trials with Arsenal over the last couple of weeks with the possibilty of signing.
But it looks as though Pompey have 'snuck' in and signed him. He will sign a three year contract when he turns 17.
O'Brien, still on schoolboy terms at Loftus Road after rejecting to sign a full scholarship, is said to be tall for his age with excellent reflexes. He's also a good leader and takes time to organise his defence for set-pieces as well as marshalling them in open play. He also has a huge kick for launching the ball into the opposition's half.

THE WANDERERS RETURN
Friday, 8 February, 2008

Kanu is in the frame for tomorrow's clash with Bolton. He is poised to make a return to Pompey duty for tomorrow's trip to Bolton. The experienced striker was expected to be out for a number of weeks after a knee injury curtailed his African Cup of Nations involvement.
But the Blues' medical team have given him the go-ahead to play after examining him on his return yesterday.
And Kanu is now expected to feature on the bench for the journey to the Reebok Stadium.
The Nigerian skipper's injury has not been as severe as first thought after being stretchered off against the Ivory Coast 18 days ago.
He failed to feature during the remainder of the tournament but continued training with Nigeria in the meantime.
Kanu didn't train with Pompey yesterday but has been given the green light to push for selection at the Reebok Stadium.
And he will serve as back-up to Milan Baros and Jermain Defoe and bolster an attack already missing hernia-victim David Nugent.
John Utaka and Papa Bouba Diop are also back after representing their respective countries in Ghana.
The duo will be pushing for places in the Pompey midfield with Richard Hughes and Sean Davis the players whose places are under threat.
However, Sylvain Distin is set to once again miss out with a hamstring problem.
The French star picked up the injury against Manchester United and was ruled out of last weekend's draw with Chelsea.
Hermann Hreidarsson will continue to deputise after impressing against Avram Grant's side, with Noe Pamarot retaining his left-back slot.

BENJANI DEAL EXPLAINED
Friday, 8 February, 2008

Portsmouth Chief Executive Peter Storrie has explained the detail behind Benjani Mwaruwari’s move to Manchester City.
He said: “The deal has been structured to enable Benji to join Manchester City without any more delay.
"We were asked by the Premier League if we could work with City on restructuring the original deal. We were under no obligation to do so as the Premier League had received all of the necessary documents before the transfer deadline. However, Benji has been a tremendous servant to Pompey so we have agreed that City can pay half the £7.75m fee up front with the other half being split equally over 25, 50 and 75 appearances. City expressed some concern over a knee operation 18 months ago but as Benji has never shown any sign of trouble since the operation and rarely misses a game or training, we were happy to come to this arrangement. We, of course, are confident of him playing the required amount of games otherwise we would not have agreed to the deal. Fees from transfers are always spread over a period of time so this is nothing new and we could well be paid the full fee quicker this way than in other circumstances. The Premier League has thanked us for adopting this sensible solution and Manchester City are also grateful that we have come to this agreement. Above all, Benji is no longer in limbo and everyone at Fratton Park wishes him continued success."

DEFOE CONFUSION
Monday, 4 February, 2008

Not only is there confusion about Benjani Mwaruwari's proposed move to Manchester City but it also looks as if there is some about the signing of Jermain Defoe from Spurs.
Pompey have admitted that Jermain Defoe's reported £7.5million move from Tottenham to Fratton Park is only a loan deal - but that a full transfer will be completed later this week.
Defoe grabbed Pompey's equaliser to earn a point on his debut against Chelsea on Saturday and has become an instant hero with the home fans.
But the revelation that he is, initially, only on loan is yet another twist in the saga that leaves Benjani Mwaruwari still in limbo, holed up in a Manchester hotel, after his move to Manchester City ran out of time on Thursday night.
But Pompey insist the two situations have no effect on each other - even though manager Harry Redknapp admitted the plan was always to sell Benjani to raise the cash to buy Defoe.
Pompey are confident both transfers will go through this week when the Premier League complete their investigation over why forms from City to register Benjani did not arrive in time to beat the January transfer deadline.
A Pompey spokesman explained, "The Defoe transfer was done as an initial loan because of time restraint. The full documents will be signed and registered this week and this is a standard method when you have little time."
Defoe and Redknapp seemed blissfully unaware of all this after the former Tottenham and West ham striker kept up his record of scoring on debuts for different clubs with a 64th minute leveller which prevented Chelsea setting a club record of 10 straight wins - and a 10th consecutive win over Pompey.

BENJANI CONFUSION
Friday, 1 February, 2008

Manchester City's bid to sign Benjani from Pompey failed at the eleventh hour after it emerged the striker missed two planes to Manchester leaving insufficient time to complete routine checks.
Despite rushing the 29-year-old Zimbabwe captain to Carrington at around 11.10pm there was not enough time to complete the formalities of an £8m switch from the south coast as the Blues quite rightly refused to be rushed while Pompey waited to complete their own deal to bring Jermain Defoe from Spurs which finally went through after midnight.
Sources in Portsmouth reported that Benjani had missed two late afternoon flights and that a third was believed to be cancelled before the one he finally boarded was then delayed.
He didn't arrive in the North West until less than two hours before the deadline was shut.
"Due to the late arrival of the player in Manchester we were unable to complete the transfer," confirmed head of communications Paul Tyrrell. When asked by the Manchester Evening News, he refused to confirm whether any flights had been missed.

DEFOE SIGNS
Friday, 1 February, 2008

Pompey have paid an undisclosed fee to land Jermain Defoe from Tottenham.
The striker passed a medical at Fratton Park on Thursday evening before signing a long-term deal.
The move sees the England striker reunite with Harry Redknapp, who was his boss at West Ham.
Defoe, who is in line to make his Pompey debut against Chelsea at Fratton Park on Saturday, said: “I can’t wait to get my boots on and get out there. I’m happy.
"I’m looking forward to playing football and scoring some goals. I want to score as many goals for Portsmouth as possible."
The 25-year-old began his career at Charlton Athletic, before Redknapp took him to Upton Park in 1999.
Defoe hit the headlines in the 2000/2001 season when he set a post-war record by scoring in 10 consecutive league games while on loan at Bournemouth.
He scored 41 goals in 105 appearances for the Hammers before joining Spurs for £7m in February 2004.
Defoe scored 64 goals in 110 starts and 67 substitute appearances for Spurs.
The Londoner won the first of his 26 England caps against Sweden in March 2004.
The first of his three international goals came in a World Cup qualifier against Poland in September of the same year.
Defoe’s arrival completes a busy transfer window for the Blues, including the capture of France international midfielder Lassana Diarra from Arsenal and the loan signings of Lens defender Lucien Aubey and Lyon striker Milan Baros.

PAPA'S COMING HOME
Friday, 1 February, 2008

Papa Bouba Diop will be heading home from the African Cup of Nations after his Senegal team were knocked out of the group stages of the competition.
They needed to win their group game against South Africa but had to settle for a 1 - 1 draw.

Glen Johnson and David James have been named in Fabio Capello's first England squad. Capello was Old Trafford on Wednesday night to see Pompey defeated by Christiano Ronaldo.
Johnson last played for England in the 4 - 1 defeat at the hands of Denmark in August 2005.
David James last played in the 2 - 1 defeat to Germany last summer.

David Nugent has returned from his hernia operation and hopes to start training again after the weekend.

Pompey physio Gary Sadler will be assessing the fitness of Sylvain Distin after he picked up a hamstring injury in Wednesday's defeat by Christiano Ronaldo.