CLUB NOT FOR SALE - OFFICIAL
Thursday, 31 January, 2008

In the light of reports in certain newspapers about Pompey owner Alexandre Gaydamak's willingness to sell the club, the club themselves have issued the following statement:

Portsmouth Football Club today denied newspaper speculation that the club is up for sale.
Alexandre Gaydamak and the board remain totally committed to the future of the club.
They remain excited by the club's plans for a new 36,000 state-of-the-art stadium at Horsea Island, which has met with a positive response from Portsmouth City Council and the Royal Navy.
Pompey supporters have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the plan and the architects are actively putting together a planning application for the summer of 2008.
The club has moved from the threat of almost certain relegation to become a permanent fixture in the top 10 in the Premier League over a period of just two years - and now also has Academy status.
During this time there has been substantial investment by the club in its facilities, infrastructure and top players such as the recent acquisition of French international Lassana Diarra.
This continued investment will inevitably lead to interest in the acquisition of the club, which is flattering.
However, neither Mr Gaydamak, or any members of the board, have met with a potential buyer or have any plans to do so.

BEATEN BY BRILLIANCE
Thursday, 31 January, 2008

A rampant Manchester United, led by the superb Cristiano Ronaldo, destroyed Pompey in a breathtaking first half at Old Trafford.
Harry Redknapp made three changes from the side that beat Plymouth in the FA Cup last week with debutant Milan Baros, fit-again skipper Sol Campbell and Sean Davis replacing David Nugent, Hermann Hreidarsson and Pedro Mendes.
David James made his 500th Premier League appearance – with Gary Speed the only other player to reach that impressive milestone.
Sylvain Distin made a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Ji-sung Park on six minutes, after the South Korea midfielder found himself through on goal.
But the hosts were ahead just four minutes later when Ronaldo played a delightful one-two with Nani, before sliding the ball past David James.
The Portugal international scored an even better goal soon after, hitting an unstoppable 25-yard free-kick into the top corner after being fouled by Campbell.
Ronaldo fancied a hat-trick on 24 minutes after Paul Scholes had been felled by Davis 30-yards out, but this time his free-kick was smartly stopped by James.
The Blues keeper then kept out Patrice Evra’s deflected drive as the Pompey back-line continued to come under pressure from a relentless Manchester United attack.
Nani curled a shot narrowly wide on 42 minutes after Noe Pamarot gave away possession to Ronaldo in the centre of the pitch.
Pompey made a double substitution at the start of the second half with Hreidarsson and Arnold Mvuemba replacing Sylvain Distin and Lauren.
The hosts were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half and James was forced to make a decent save to keep out Rio Ferdinand’s header.
Edwin Van der Sar made his first contribution to the game on 54 minutes but Diarra’s long-range drive was easily held by the Dutch keeper.
Ronaldo proved that he is a mere mortal after all when he scuffed a shot wide after being out through by Wayne Rooney.
Rooney then shot straight at James as Manchester United launched a quick counter-attack from inside the Pompey area.
James made a brilliant double save to deny Park and Nani on 73 minutes, before Pamarot did well to clear the latter’s dangerous low cross into the area.
The hosts were in cruise control as the game drifted towards its conclusion but Park almost livened things up with a dipping shot that flew narrowly over the bar.
Anderson then saw his shot roll agonisingly wide of the post after James had saved Carlos Tevez’s powerful strike.

AWAY GAMES DATE SWITCH
Wednesday, 30 January, 2008

Sky have claimed another two of Pompey's games for a televisual extravaganza. They are the away games to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Everton game at Goodison Park has been put back to Sunday, 2 March with kick-off at 4:00pm You'll have to get the Mothering Sunday lunch over and done with by then if you plan to watch the game on a telly box.
The game against Spurs will still take place on Saturday, 22 March but the kick-off will be of the 12:45pm variety so you should still have time to dash out to Woolworths after the game and buy your Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies.

TICKETS FOR PRESTON
Wednesday, 30 January, 2008

Pompey have been allocated 3,500 tickets in the Bill Shankly Kop for their FA Cup fifth round tie against Preston North End. The game will be played on Sunday, 17 March 2008 and the kick-off will be at 4:00pm to accomodate the great British television-viewing public. It will be shown live on SkySports.

NUGENT UNDER THE KNIFE
Wednesday, 30 January, 2008

Pompey's £6 million striker David Nugent is to see a specialist in Germany over his hernia injury. He will have an operation later this week if the specialist deems it necessary. He'll be seeing the same specialist that treated that Newcastle goal-scoring machine (snigger) Michael Owen for a similar complaint.
Nugent was hurt (bless him) in the first half of Pompey's famous victory over Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Fratton Park at the weekend.
Sol Campbell trained on Monday is hoping to be fit for tonight's game against manchester United at Old Trafford.

PRESTON AWAY IN FA CUP
Monday, 28 January, 2008

The FA Cup may not be the priority for some managers.
But Harry Redknapp reckons Pompey have got a great chance of going far in this year’s competition.
He feels the Blues needed a bit of luck if they were to avoid the big four of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. He got that piece of luck with the FA Cup fifth round draw pitching them away at Preston. The tie will be played over the weekend of 16th and 17th of February.
But once Sulley Muntari, Papa Bouba Diop, John Utaka and Kanu return from the Africa Nations Cup in Ghana, he believes that Pompey can take on anyone.
He said, "I’ve never really got anywhere close in the FA Cup before. I think the quarter-finals is my best. The big four are all still there and that’s the problem. When I’ve got everyone back here, I believe we can give anyone a game. We’ve got players like Diarra who will make a massive difference to this football team – he’s showed that already. In two games he’s been outstanding for us."
Redknapp can understand why some of his peers have more pressing things on their minds than the road to Wembley.
But he feels Pompey’s position in the Premier League means they can afford to take it seriously.
"We’re in a good position in the league but if we were sitting fourth from bottom then it might be different. Steve Coppell rested a few player for Reading’s third round game a few weeks ago and said he was concentrating on the league but they’re looking over their shoulders a bit. To be in the Premier League at the end of the season is all important but we’re in a position where we’re not going to get relegated. We’ve got 37 points, so we’ve got to give the cup a real go. It would be lovely to see a side outside the top four go all the way, it can get a bit monotonous. The record tells you that they’ll be the teams to beat but all we can do is keep going."

The full draw for the 5th Round of the FA Cup is:

Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston North End v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Huddersfield

POMPEY SCRAPE THROUGH
Monday, 28 January, 2008

Pompey were made to work hard for their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup but goals from Lassana Diarra and Niko Kranjcar saw them come from behind to beat Champiosnhip side Plymouth at Fratton Park.
The Blues were unchanged from the side that beat Derby in the Premier League last week, although Sean Davis recovered from a foot injury to take his place on the bench.
Plymouth took a shock lead after only four minutes when Sylvain Distin challenged David Norris and the ball spun out wide to Chris Clark, whose fierce shot was deflected in off Hermann Hriedarsson.
The visitors could have doubled their lead moments later but Rory Fallon’s shot was well saved low down by James.
The Blues keeper rescued Pompey again from the resulting corner by keeping out Jermaine Easter’s close-range effort.
Pompey were struggling to find any momentum against a committed Plymouth side who were prepared to chase every ball.
They finally created a goalscoring opportunity on 21 minutes when David Nugent was inches away from connecting with Glen Johnson’s cross, after the full-back went on a surging run down the right.
And Pompey were level on 33 minutes when Pedro Mendes played a short corner to Niko Kranjcar, then collected the ball again and laid it off to the waiting Diarra, whose 25-yard strike was deflected into the net.
Fallon could have restored Plymouth’s lead almost immediately but his volleyed shot flew straight into the arms of James.
Jermaine Easter hit the post just before half-time but Pompey then went straight up the other end to take the lead.
The Pilgrims defence failed to deal with Johnson’s dangerous cross from the right and Kranjcar coolly slide the ball home from six yards out.
Arnold Mvuemba replaced David Nugent at the start of the second half with the Blues striker suffering from a groin injury.
It was the visitors who started the brightest and James had to be alert to keep out shots from David Norris and Peter Halmosi.
Then Fallon and Norris combined to set up Easter, whose powerful strike was parried wide by James as the Championship side continued to put pressure on the Pompey defence.
Diarra was producing another impressive display in the centre of midfield and set off on a 40-yard run on 56 minutes, that ended with Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick claiming his chipped effort.
Benjani Mwaruwari’s shot whistled just past the post on 66 minutes after Mvuemba stole the ball off Gary Sawyer and threaded a pass through to the Zimbabwe striker.
Plymouth supporters were screaming for a penalty when Fallon’s shot bounced up and hit Distin on the arm but referee Andre Marriner waved play on.
Mendes should have sealed Pompey’s progress when sub Sean Davis found him unmarked in the area but the Portugal midfielder fired his shot straight at McCormick.
Then on 90 minutes, Halmosi’s angled drive flew narrowly wide of the post and Pompey held on to book their place in Monday’s fifth round draw.

THERE'S ONLY ONE MILAN
Monday, 28 January, 2008

Pompey have completed the capture of Milan Baros.
The 26-year-old Czech Republic international arrives at Fratton Park on loan from Lyon for the rest of the season.
Pompey have an option to buy the striker, who passed a medical on Sunday.
Baros will train with his new-team mates for the first time on Monday.
The striker signed for Lyon from Aston Villa last January but has struggled to break into the French League One club’s side this season.
Baros scored 19 Premier League goals in 68 appearances for Liverpool after a £3.6m switch from Banik Ostrava in 2001.
A £6.5m move to Aston Villa in the summer of 2005 yielded nine goals in 34 top-flight starts.
Harry Redknapp said, "It’s a terrific opportunity to have a look at him. It’s a loan deal until the end of the season and then we’ll see how it goes from there. He’s a good player who’s played at Liverpool and Aston Villa - and he’s been the golden boot winner at a European Championships. He’s got pace and he makes good runs."

578 MINUTES LATER...
Monday, 21 January, 2008

Just when you were beginning to give up hope of ever seeing Pompey score a Premier League goal at Fratton Park ever again along come Derby with their defensive frailties. Benjani ended a 578 minute Premier League goal-drought at Fratton Park with three well taken goals.
Initially though it looked as though Derby would be the seventh successive club to deny the Fratton faithful a glimpse of the ball bulging the opposition net. They took an early lead after some poor Pompey defending allowed Welsh international Lewin Nyatanga to stab the ball home from close range after Miller's header came back off the bar.
That seemed to galvanise Pompey, and the fans, out of their torpor as first Nugent and then Kranjčar went close.
Benjani settled Pompey down with a typical Benjani goal as he held off former Pompey favourite Darren Moore to blast the ball into the roof of the net.
From then on there was only ever going to be one winner and four minutes later Benjani duely obliged with a free header to put Pompey in front.
Victory was ensured as Benjani raced away from a static Derby defence to calmly slot the ball past the advancing Price.

DIARRA IMPRESSES AND IS IMPRESSED
Monday, 21 January, 2008

Lassana Diarra promised there was more to come despite a deeply impressive debut against Derby.
The midfielder’s power and technique provided the fulcrum for Pompey’s first home win in nearly four months.
But beyond Benjani’s goals the game will be chiefly remembered for Diarra’s first game in a Pompey shirt.
With the loss of four players to the African Nations Cup, Diarra freshened up Harry Redknapp’s side, excelling as part of a central-midfield pair as Pompey reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.
The France international, who signed from Arsenal on Thursday, said: "It was a very good game and we played well, even though we had four players missing. We started a bit slowly but fought back well after they scored. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. I know a lot of the players here and that’s one of the main reasons why I signed. I enjoyed the game but I can do better. I hadn’t played for a month and I only trained with my new team-mates for the first time on Friday. I need time to get into a rhythm. It will also be better for my mind to think I can play every week. That’s a good feeling. It was good to hear the fans sing my name, too."
The evidence of his debut convinced Diarra that Pompey are good enough to sustain their push for Europe – especially with Benjani around.
He said: "Benjani was on fire. I knew before I came here what a good player he was: quick and strong. It’s very good when you’ve got a player like that in your side. I thought his third goal was the most difficult, because he started the move in our half and then had to bend the ball around their keeper. I think a European challenge is realistic. If we play like this is every game we can do well this year."

DJIMI TRAORE OFF TO LENS
Monday, 21 January, 2008

Djimi Traore has joined French side Rennes on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal.
The 27-year-old Malian defender arrived at Pompey from Charlton last January.
He had been at Charlton for just five months after signing from Liverpool at the start of the 2006/07 season.
Despite failing to hold down a regular place at Anfield, Traore won a Champions League medal with the Reds – playing in the epic final against AC Milan in 2005.
He was a regular in the Blues side for the second half of last season, as Pompey finished ninth in the Premier League.
But Traore found his chances limited this term and only featured in five games.
His final appearance came as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Sunderland last Sunday.

LOAN SIGNING AUBEY
Friday, 18 January, 2008

Defender Lucien Aubey became Pompey’s third January transfer-window capture when he signed from French club Lens today.
The Frenchman has arrived on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal, subject to international clearance.
The 23-year-old can play at left back or in a more central role and has developed a reputation for not only being an excellent defender but a useful asset to the attack.
Blues boss Harry Redknapp said: "He's big, strong and quick. I watched him several times. He can play left-back, down the left side and centre-half. I thought he would be an interesting loan."
A quick player, Aubey often picks up intelligent positions from which to cross and will be a useful addition to Harry Redknapp’s side.
Before joining Lens, Aubey spent six years at Toulouse where he made 151 appearances.
He was an integral part of the team that sensationally clinched third place in Ligue One on the final day of last season, securing the club a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
But Aubey was not around to face the likes of Liverpool in the competition as he had already been snapped up by Lens, whom he joined at the start of the current season.
But after securing a UEFA Cup spot last term his new club have struggled and currently lie third from bottom in the table.
Lens took their dismal league form into Europe and were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by FC Copenhagen in the first round.
Manager Guy Roux, who brought Aubey to Lens, stood down earlier in the season and ex-Strasbourg manager Jean-Pierre Papin has failed to pull them away from the basement.
Aubey, who is a former French under-21 international, has played 19 matches for Lens this season.

ONE IN...
Thursday, 17 January, 2008

As reported yesterday, Lassana Diara has signed a three and a half year deal with Pompey for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £5.5 million.
The 22-year-old, who only joined The Gunners from Chelsea last summer, was desperate for a move away from Emirates Stadium following restricted opportunities in Arsene Wenger's starting XI. Diarra, though, is confident will he find regular first-team football under Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp. "My choice will shock and surprise people. Portsmouth is not Arsenal or Chelsea. But I know what the big clubs are," he said. "I know the trainer of Portsmouth and I know that he will play me. Everything has been very clear."
He added in L'Equipe,"I need to play. I am fed up of pleasing people. I am 22-years-old and the most important thing to me is football, my job, my passion. Portsmouth is a respectable club, which has achieved a very good start to the season. I have absolutely nothing against Arsene Wenger. Arsenal is achieving a great start to the season, so Arsene is right. I just hoped to make a name for myself. Some people say I made a mistake by joining Portsmouth considering Les Bleus. I don't think so. I thought a lot. I will play more often."
Diarra went on to admit that Lyon made an approach, however the French side failed to match his wage expectations. "About the interest from Lyon; I will be very clear. At first England was my priority. Then in France, they could not pay my wages," he concluded. Meanwhile, reports in France suggest that unsettled Lens defender Lucien Aubey could be heading to Portsmouth or Birmingham City.

ONE OUT...
Thursday, 17 January, 2008

Matt Taylor has has left the building and become Gary Megson's latest signing for Bolton Wanderers after the player penned a three-and-a- half year deal with the Club. Taylor, 26, becomes the Wanderers manager's third capture of the January transfer window following the recent arrivals of Israeli international Tamir Cohen and Icelandic defender Gretar Steinsson. Wanderers paid Pompey an undisclosed amount for the services of the former England under 21 international, who will team up with former Pompey team-mate Andy O'Brien.
A delighted Megson said: "Matt is a quality player who is very versatile on the left hand side. He is a proven Premier League performer who will bring additional quality to our squad. He has attracted interest from a number of clubs and I am delighted that we have managed to bring him to the Reebok Stadium."
Oxford-born Taylor began his career with Luton Town in 1999. After making over a century of appearances for the Kenilworth Road outfit, he attracted the interest of a number of Premier League clubs.
However, he opted to join the then First Division outfit Portsmouth in a £750,000 deal. Taylor has played as an orthodox full-back, a wing-back and a midfielder during his career at Fratton Park and is renowned as player with an eye for a spectacular goal.
So long, Matty, and thanks for all the wonderful goals.

DIARRA SIGNS
Wednesday, 16 January, 2008

Lassana Diarra has agreed his move to Portsmouth from Arsenal.
The French international has been locked in talks with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp this week after they agreed a fee in the region of £5million with Arsenal for the midfielder.
Diarra has agreed personal terms and passed a medical at Fratton Park and is set to be unveiled as Pompey's latest signing later this week.
The former Chelsea man has signed a three-and-a- half-year deal at Portsmouth and could make his debut this weekend against Derby.
Diarra, who only joined Arsenal during the summer transfer window, decided to move on after growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities at Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old opted for a transfer as he was concerned that his dearth of action for Arsenal could damage his chances of winning a place in France's Euro 2008 squad.
Diarra will be hoping to earn a regular place in Redknapp's starting XI as Pompey battle for a place in Europe.

TRAINING GROUND PLANS REJECTED
Tuesday, 15 January, 2008

Pompey have been refused permission to build their new training ground.
Fareham Borough council's nine person planning committee voted unanimously yesterday to reject the club's proposals for the site in Titchfield, near Fareham.
But the club says it will be appealing in a bid to get the decision over-turned.
Councillors felt the club's proposals for the 11-pitch facility at the former Abbey Golf and Fishing on Mill Lane site broke several of their policies and couldn't let the plans pass.
The plans included seven full-size, two three-quarter size and two mini pitches as well as an indoor astropitch on the 55 acre site. And they also included new changing room, fitness suite and media building.
The club's report detailed how the facilities would be available to school and local clubs when they weren't using them, and they were keen to work closely with the borough's 35 schools promoting sport.
However, the committee agreed with the officer's recommendation to refuse permission as it is in a conservation area and part of the local gap between the east and west of Fareham.
And they agreed with English Heritage's report about its negative impact on nearby historic buildings including Tithe Barn and Titchfield Abbey.

The club will appeal today’s decision by Fareham Borough Council to vote against plans to build a new training ground.
Peter Storrie, chief executive, said, "We are disappointed at the council’s decision but plan to lodge an appeal as soon as possible. There are a number of huge benefits to the council and the community as a whole. We are offering access to the indoor training facility to a number of schools, while youth teams will have access to the designated community pitches. We are enhancing the wildlife and habitat walks through the site, opening the Grade 1 listed Tithe Barn for the first time to the community and installing a viewing area so the inside of the barn can be seen at any time. Our plans will ensure the site remains green while the facilities and opportunities we are offering could not otherwise be provided by the council. We are very keen to set up a real working partnership with them."
The club plans to allow the council access to the training facilities for promotional purposes and will work with all of the 35 schools in the area to promote healthy living with children of all ages.
Pompey will also fund a sports liaison officer to ensure that commitments to the community are managed professionally.
The club has received letters of support from the Football Association, Premier League, local community groups and residents in the submission.
The club has enlisted the services of Nash and Partners and RMA Construction - the architectural firm responsible for Arsenal's state-of-the-art training facility - to design and execute the project.
The new facility will include 11 outdoor pitches - seven full size, two three-quarter size and two mini pitches - and an indoor pitch which will be used by the club's academy as well as local schools.

HARRY'S HAPPY ON SOUTH COAST
Monday, 14 January, 2008

Harry Redknapp reflected on a crazy week and insisted: "I made the right decision."
The Pompey manager turned down the chance to become the Newcastle boss on Saturday morning.
It followed days of speculation that Redknapp would be filling the hot-seat at St James’ Park.
But now he just wants to move on and get back to winning ways after a 2-0 defeat at Sunderland.
He said, "It’s taken a lot out of me – I’ve felt a bit drained over the last few days. It’s been a bit hectic and I’m looking forward to things quietening down now so I can get on with my life. I had an opportunity to go and manage a fantastic club but I’m happy where I am and I’m happy with my life. Having thought about it all it didn’t seem something that, at my time of life, I wanted to change. Of course you have to be tempted when a great club come in for you and it was a fantastic offer. But I made a decision and now I just want to get on with the job at Portsmouth. Some people will say I made the right choice and others will say it was the wrong one - everyone’s got their own opinion. People may say I don’t take challenges on. Well I was the only idiot who went up the road to Southampton and then came back to Portsmouth again. I enjoy going to work every day, I enjoy being at Portsmouth. Why should I have to change that? If I didn’t like the place, if I didn’t like the owner, if I didn’t like Peter Storrie or the players then I’d have been up there like a shot. But I don’t have a problem with anybody. I like the fans, I like everybody. We just want to get back on the training pitch and organise ourselves for the next match. We’ve got a difficult game against Derby. They’re bottom of the league and everyone will be expecting us to turn them over but it won’t be easy. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and get ready for that."

LINVOY'S ON THE MEND
Monday, 14 January, 2008

Linvoy Primus’ trademark smile has grown even wider after great news about his knee injury.
The defender has had a positive visit to world-famous knee surgeon Richard Steadman in America.
The defender has been sidelined since May and flew to Colorado earlier this season for what was potentially career-saving surgery at Steadman’s clinic.
He returned there on Monday for the surgeon to monitor his recovery - and left minus his crutches and knee brace.
Linvoy said: “It was good news.
"He was really pleased with the way my knee is healing and I no longer have to use my crutches, which is fantastic. It’s going to be a slow process as I will only be able to do light training and rehabilitation. But it’s all going in the right direction. We have to build up my leg to help support my knee, but it’s looking good. I’m very happy, naturally, as it has been a worry. But now I’m on the road to recovery."

IT'S ALL SPECULATION
Friday, 11 January, 2008

The speculation is mounting over whether or not Pompey manager Harry Redknapp will depart the South Coast club for that red-hot couldron - and some might say poisoned chalice - that is the manager's job at Newcastle United. The vacancy came up after 'Fat' Sam Allardyce was given the boot earlier this week. Redknapp has reportedly been offered £20 million over 4 years and the use of Mike Ashley's (Newcastle's owner) private jet to commute from the South Coast.
He missed the weekly press conference held at Pompey's training ground (NOT the new one, I hasten to add) today and was alegedely seen being whisked away from there in a car along with Pompey's chief executive Peter Storrie. They were supposedly off to finalise the signing of a player, though who that could be is anyone's guess.
There are reports on certain fan websites that an official move for Redknapp has been put forward by the North-East club but both Pompey's and Newcastle's official websites have, as yet, nothing on it.
The large majority of Newcastle fans see the appointment of Redknapp as no better than the one they've just got rid of.
Betting websites still have Redknapp as hot odds-on favourite for the job up there with Blackburn boss Mark Hughes a long-shot second favourite.
One thing is certain though; Harry Redknapp WILL be in the North-East this weekend as Pompey take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Whether he stays there or not remains to be seen.

REDKNAPP SAYING NO TO MAGPIES
Thursday, 10 January, 2008

Harry Redknapp claims he is in the dark over talk linking him with the manager's job at Newcastle and insists he is happy at Portsmouth.
The Fratton Park chief has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to replace Sam Allardyce at St James' Park following the former Bolton manager's exit on Wednesday.
A number of names including Alan Shearer, Martin Jol and Mark Hughes have been linked with a move to Newcastle, but Magpies owner Mike Ashley is believed to have made Redknapp his top target.
However, Redknapp insists he has had no contact with Newcastle and is content with life at Portsmouth.
"I really do not know anything about this. I have not spoken to anyone from Newcastle," Redknapp told The News.
"When I saw Sam had left my immediate thoughts were that Alan Shearer was a certainty to take over. There's nothing in my being linked with the job. I had an offer not so long ago to take over at what I consider a massive club but I didn't go. I am happy down on the south coast."
Pompey would be loath to lose Redknapp who has transformed our fortunes and established us as European contenders.

SPURS KNOCK BACK REDKNAPP
Wednesday, 9 January, 2008

Harry Redknapp has failed in a bid to sign a midfielder and a defender on loan from Tottenham.
Pompey have just 16 players available for selection for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.
Redknapp said, "I'm nowhere near getting anyone at the moment. I can't say I've got anybody lined up. I've tried clubs like Tottenham, who have lots of players, but they don't want to loan you players or help out like they used to. Maybe they see us as competition now. Two years back, Spurs let me sign Pedro Mendes, Sean Davis and Noe Pamarot but now, maybe, they see us as a side who are aiming for a UEFA Cup place just like they are."
Young defender Marc Wilson and French midfielder Franck Songo'o have returned to Pompey from loan spells at Luton and Crystal Palace, respectively, and both played in the reserves' goalless draw against Chelsea last night when new boy Subotic made his Pompey debut.
The Switzerland Under-19 international, who did not make a senior appearance for Basle, had few chances to shine as Portsmouth's second string produced a gritty defensive display and was substituted 10 minutes from time.

POMPEY IN FOR ARSENAL MIDFIELDER
Wednesday, 9 January, 2008

Harry Redknapp is reported to be interested in signing want-away Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra. He will have to better the £4 million offer that Spurs had turned down.
Diarra has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium after he spoke of his unhappiness at a lack of first-team opportunities since joining the Gunners in the summer.
Newcastle are also believed to be preparing a move for the France international, and Lyon revealed they are also tracking the player.
"He is a player that interests us," said Bernard Lacombe, a special advisor to Les Gones president Jean-Michel Aulas.
"As far as he (Diarra) is concerned, he does not seem to have a great desire to return to the French championship. If he leaves Arsenal, he will certainly stay in England."

ONE FOR THE FUTURE
Monday, 7 January, 2008

Pompey have made their first signing of the January transfer window with the capture of Swiss striker Danijel Subotic from Basle.
The Blues will pay the Swiss side an undisclosed compensation fee for the 18-year-old, who has penned a three-and-a-half year contract at Fratton Park.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said: “He was recommended to us so we brought him over for a few day’s training and he did well.
"We’ve taken a gamble on him and hopefully he’s one for the future. We’ll just have to see how he goes."
Redknapp is hoping to bring in more players in the coming weeks – especially now that John Utaka, Kanu, Sulley Muntari and Papa Bouba Diop are jetting off to the African Cup of Nations.
He said: "We need to get some people in but it’s hard. You look around and who is going to loan you anybody? The only place you might get a few loans is abroad. We need to strengthen out wide and up front in particular. Even if everyone is fit, we’re low on outfield players capable of playing in the Premier League. So we need to get three or four in really to help during the games that the African players will miss. But it’s not easy to find them."

POMPEY HOME TO PLYMOUTH
Monday, 7 January, 2008

Pompey have earned themselves a home tie against Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round f the FA Cup. The game will be played over the weekend of 26-27 January.
Pompey have never been drawn against Plymouth in the FA Cup but they have faced them in the League Cup over the years with the most recent encounter way back in August of the 1998/99 season. Pompey ran out 6 - 3 winners on aggregate on that time, winning 3 - 2 at Fratton Park in the first leg and 3 - 1 at Home Park in the second leg of what was then called the Worthington Cup.
Plymouth are currently just outside the play-off places in the Chamionship and eraned their place in the fourth round after beating Hull City 3 - 2 at Home Park.
Ticket details for the tie will be announced later.

The full draw for the 4th round is:

Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/Barnet v Fulham/Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford v Wolves
Peterborough v Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utd v West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff

Ties to be played on 26 & 27 January

POMPEY EDGE THROUGH TO FA CUP 4TH ROUND
Saturday, 5 January, 2008

Substitute David Nugent's second-half strike ensured Portsmouth progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Ipswich played most of the match with 10 men after midfielder Liam Trotter was sent off, somewhat harshly, in the 24th minute for a lunge on Pedro Mendes.
The home side responded positively but were undone by the long-ball tactic.
Nugent neatly controlled a 50m ball from defence and finished with aplomb to end the Championship side's unbeaten home record.
Ipswich boasted the best home record in the Football League - with 35 points from a possible 39 - but they were unable to get the better of a team with the best away record in the top flight.
Portsmouth started the game with the confidence of a side who have won seven of their last eight matches on the road.
Hermann Hreidarsson and Kanu both had chances to put Portsmouth ahead within 15 minutes of the start, but Hreidarsson was just wide with a close-range header and Neil Alexander was alert to Kanu's timid effort.
Pompey, defending high up the field, pegged Ipswich into their own half and the home side's frustration flared up with the sending off of Liam Trotter in the 24th minute.
The midfielder mis-timed his sliding tackle on the Portugal international and to the 19-year-old's astonishment - and the Portman Road faithful's - referee Mark Halsey showed a straight red when a yellow would have sufficed.
Ipswich rallied, with Billy Clarke and Denny Haynes impressing, but were unable to breach Portsmouth's defence as the score remained goalless at half-time.
The lively Haynes looked to have given the home side the lead within minutes of the re-start but David James dived low to his right to keep out Haynes' 25-yard effort.
Moments later, and against the run of play, substitute David Nugent gave the visitors the lead when he neatly controlled a Sol Campbell long ball to finish with aplomb from eight yards.
it was Nugent's first goal since the end of September in what has been a troubled season for the striker since his £6m arrival from Preston in the summer.
Nugent came close to doubling the lead on the hour but his volley hit the crossbar.
Ten minutes before the final whistle and John Utaka had the goal at his mercy to cement victory but the striker shot wide when is was easier to score.
Ipswich had a chance to make Utaka pay for his profligacy but James again acrobatically saved a menacing Haynes long-range effort.
The home side bombarded Portsmouth's penalty box to set up a grandstand finish but the Pompey defence remained imperious.

PAY ON THE DAY AT IPSWICH
Friday, 4 January, 2008

There will be 200 tickets available on the day for Pompey supporters for the FA Cup third round tie with Championship side Ipswich on Saturday, January 5, kick-off 3pm.
Blues fans will be able to buy their tickets at Portman Road.
Tickets cost £20 for adults, £10 for seniors and £5 for juniors.
Pompey have already sold around 1500 tickets for the clash.
In the event of a replay, the match will take place at Fratton Park on Wednesday, January 16, kick-off 7.45pm.
Season ticket holders will be able to apply from Sunday, January 6. Tickets will then go on general sale from Saturday, January 12.
Tickets will be priced at £25 for adults, £15 for seniors and just £5 for juniors.

Former Pompey and Ipswich player Ray Crawford said of the forthcoming game, "The way Ipswich are playing at home and Pompey are away makes it look a cracking contest. Both teams play great football and given their two records the one result I would not expect is a draw - although I would like to see another game at Fratton Park. Both sides have strengths. I've watched Ipswich in a few games this season and like Pompey they like to play it around and play good football. Pompey mustn't take Ipswich lightly. If they do they could be in some trouble. Ipswich's strengths lie in the way they move the ball. They pass it around all over the field. At home the strikers get the ball and hold it up and play it wide. They have a young lad called Jon Walters who has to be watched. Ipswich will be up for it because knowing Jim Magilton as I do he wants to win every game he's involved in. Pompey are a big name now, they're not small fish anymore, so it would be quite a feat for Ipswich to beat them. They have strengths with the lads up front who have some real pace and I'm impressed by Sulley Muntari this season. If Ipswich have any flaws the central defensive partnership is a bit slow and that might be where Pompey could capitalise. I think Pompey might just do it but this is the FA Cup, it's an intriguing match and anything could happen."

RUNNING ON EMPTY
Wednesday, 2 January, 2008

After Pompey's 2-0 win at Reading Redknapp hailed the season as the "best since Nelson left". The victory was their seventh Barclays Premier League success on the road, a record currently bettered by no-one.
Results at Fratton Park have been less impressive but Redknapp was convinced the supporters had much to look forward to.
"I would like to get into Europe. That would be a terrific achievement," he said. "It is going to be tight and it is going to be tough but if we could achieve it it would be lovely. And if we don't it is still the best time Portsmouth has had since (Vice-Admiral Horatio) Nelson left."
Redknapp will now turn his attention to the transfer market to plug the gaps left by the departures of Utaka, Papa Bouba Diop, Sulley Muntari, Lauren and Kanu for the African Nations Cup next week.
He said, "When they go away we will have exactly 14 outfield players. There are no spares about anywhere. We had 20 but Linvoy Primus and Martin Cranie are both long-term injured so when four go that leaves me with just 14 and we won't be able to get through that period with just that. I have to get a couple from somewhere. I am looking for a couple of loans or, if we can find them, a couple of frees. I know where there are one or two players who would do a good job for us if we could get them."

BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Wednesday, 2 January, 2008

The ten men of Reading were not going to go down without a fight.
Ibrahima Sonko's sending-off after only three minutes of the match left the hosts with a mountain to climb.
When Niko Kranjcar's spot-kick cannoned back off the post it made the job a bit easier.
But then Sol Campbell capitalised on Marcus Hahnemann's goalkeeping gaffe to put Pompey in front.
Anyone expecting the floodgates to open however, was in for a surprise.
It took Pompey until the 66th minute to seal their victory when John Utaka burst clear down the right and rounded the keeper before sliding the ball home.
They had to be patient but Harry Redknapp never expected an easy ride.
He said, “Once they went down to 10 men we had to make sure we kept hold of the ball and that we got plenty of width. We got some great crosses in from the right in the first half, especially from Glen Johnson. We had to be patient with the ball because they're dangerous - even with 10 men. They played with 10 men last week at West Ham and came from 1-0 down to draw 1-1. They had chances to win even. They never give up, they're that type of club. But I knew that if we kept moving the ball and made them chase, then surely they were going to run out of steam. We just had to be patient with the ball.”
It was a fine goal from Utaka and showcased the Nigerian's astonishing pace.
He got goalside of Royals defender Nicky Shorey and from then on there was no way the England international was going to catch up with him.
And that is something that Redknapp wants to see more often.
He said, "John Utaka is always dangerous on the break. He's a threat and he's got pace to burn. I told him to run beyond the full-back because when he does that you can't catch him. John was marking the full-back tightly before that - but there's no use doing that. He wouldn't have run after the ball for the goal if I hadn't been there on the touchline shouting at him. He can be frustrating at times but he's a great player and he's as quick as lightning."