Talk Pompey

Dos Santos Set to Sign

talkpompey — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:12:00 GMT

Dos Santos is set to complete a move from Tottenham to Portsmouth. The player has failed to impress at Tottenham following his summer arrival from Barcelona. Peter Storrie yesterday claimed there would only be one more signing today but reports suggest Dos Santos will follow the Greek captain Basinas into the club.Peter Storrie said;

'We are looking at Dos Santos but probably there will be just one more arriving today. He's here but there have to be more medical and fitness tests to assess his levels before anything is taken further.

'The lad has not played too much and it's no good him being ready in 3-4 weeks. We want him ready for action now. He had the first part of his medical yesterday, but you cannot do scans on a Sunday night so he was having the remainder today.You have to be thorough nowadays, we do not want to bring in anyone who is not going to be fit.'

Dos Santos is expected to sign for a fee in the region of four million pounds.

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Fringe players free to go

JenniP — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:41:17 GMT

Several of Pompey's fringe players have been told they can leave in the January window, Lauren and Richard Duffy have both asked to leave the club and with their contracts expiring in the summer with no prospect of renewal.

Ben Sahar will return to Chelsea after an uninspiring loan spell and Jean Francois Christophe is set to join Southend on a permanent deal after impressing on loan.

Talking to The News Peter Storrie said "Lauren and Duffy have asked if they can leave in January and we have said they can.

"They have to find new clubs, and their agents are currently circulating their names.

"With Christophe, we have agreed a nominal fee with Southend which includes a sell on clause. They are currently in the process of finalising that."

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Diarra bid the Real deal

JenniP — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:30:00 GMT

We always knew it would be hard to keep hold of midfielder Lassana Diarra, however it's been announced today that Portsmouth have accepted a "substantial" bid from Spanish side Real Madrid. The actual amount has not been specified, however bits of £15million were rejected in the summer window, and paper reports today have put the figure around £24million although a figure around £20 million is more realistic.

The player has now been given permission to talk to Madrid and agree personal terms.

"We have always said that we would only allow our players to leave if we received an exceptional bid," a Pompey spokesman told the club's website.

"We could not stand in the way of a move such as this for Lasanna,"

"It shows how far the club has come under the ownership of Alexandre Gayadamak when Real Madrid come in for one of our players.

"Should the deal be completed, we have already identified possible replacements."

From recent reports Diarra would certainly be interested in a move to Madrid, and that perhaps no other club would do, although Manchester City have also been linked with the player.

"When you talk about Real Madrid the other teams are no longer important, all the others take second place," Diarra told Marca.

"It would be a dream to be able to play for such a large club."

While it would certainly be a disappointment for Diarra to leave, he's not featured for Portsmouth since 15th November due to an ankle injury, however with the transfer window close to opening its looking unlikely we will see him in a Pompey shirt again.

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Redknapp to join Spurs

JenniP — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:53:40 GMT

After a dismal start to the season picking up only two points from their first eight matches, tonight Spurs have done what fans have been wanting and sacked coach Jaunde Ramos also shown the door is sporting director Damien Comolli who fans have blamed for the poor transfer dealings at the club for several years.

Also as part of the clear out Spurs have also parted company with first team coaches Gus Poyet and Marcos Alvarez.

The club confirmed the clear-out in a statement on their website.

Backroom staff-members Clive Allen and Alex Inglethorpe will step in to take charge of Sunday's Premier League match against Bolton.

However with all these things they had someone already lined up, someone the Spurs fans have wanted for years and this morning announced that Portsmouth Manager Harry Redknapp.

Spurs entered into talks with Portsmouth earlier in the week, with the clubs talking on Friday morning after both sides disastrous UFEA Cup defeats when it was decided that Harry could talk to the north London club.

"I've had a great time at Portsmouth and we've had an unbelievable, successful time over the six years I've been here," Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"But Tottenham made a fantastic offer to Portsmouth and it was difficult.

"It was a lot of money - I think £5m, crazy money really. Pompey couldn't sell a player in the [transfer] window so we sell the manager."

Its expected that an official announcement will be made by Spurs later this morning, and Harry plans to talk to his new squad before their crunch Bolton match.

"I am a big follower of the history of the game and Tottenham have been a great club over the years," Redknapp added on 5 Live.

"I followed Tottenham, I trained there as an 11-year-old, 12-year-old so I know the history of the club. It is a big, big, club.

"It is a club that has massively underachieved this year - to be sitting there with two points and, let's be honest, in a real desperate situation, a relegation battle.

"There's a lot of quality players there that obviously haven't done as well as they should have done. You don't end up with two points from eight games if you're doing what you should be doing.

"So they need to start performing as I know they can. Whether it's confidence or whatever, it's up to me to go in and try to get the best out of them players."

Joe Jordan and Tony Adams will take charge for Sunday's game against Fulham at Fratton Park, as Portsmouth start their search for a new manager, Pompey fans I've spoke to this morning are hoping for a big appointment, although they were also worried that players that had come to Pompey because of Harry may now decide to either follow him to Spurs or leave for other clubs.

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Capello finally calls on Crouch

JenniP — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:02:00 GMT

After missing the last few England squads Pompey striker Peter Crouch's performances recently have earned him a recall to the England squad for the Kazakhstan and Belarus.

One face that continues to miss out is Newcastle striker Michael Owen, who is still over looked by Capello.

"Is he in good form now?" said Capello. "He's scoring but it's not enough to score goals.

"Sometimes I see games where a player has not played for 89 minutes and then scores a goal. It's not enough.

"Goals are very important but not only goals."

Only Chelsea has as many players called up to this England squad as Portsmouth does, certainly a change from a few years ago when Pompey players never got called up.

Since joining Pompey Crouch has proved his worth and has created a great partnership with fellow England striker Jermain Defoe, could Capello actually use the strike pairing that has done so well?

England squad: James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham), Carson (West Brom); Brown (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Walcott (Arsenal), Barry (Aston Villa), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City); Heskey (Wigan), Crouch (Portsmouth), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth).

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Ok who went to bed at half time?

JenniP — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:20:00 GMT

Ok Pompey were dire last night in the first half but I wonder how many people went to bed at half time?

Of course most of us would stayed watching until the bitter (or as it actually turned out rather sweet) end, however just after the second Crouch goal went in my house mate decided to call her dad. A few grunts later it emerged that he thought Pompey were done for so decided to go to bed, although he is an OAP and needs his sleep. Although the Five coverage was showing a Pompey fan seemingly asleep at half time in the stadium, although he was later show to be wide awake.

Congrats to Pompey, and if you did go to bed early next time dont give up so early......

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What is Harry Thinking? 2-0

talkpompey — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:39:00 GMT

Harry Redknapp has to take responsibility for this first half score line. What a ridiculous team selection. He has decided to play Campbell, Distin and Kaboul with no right-sided midfielder. It's no surprise we find ourselves two nil down if he doesn't change it quick this will end up four nil City. With so many defenders on the pitch the defending has been very poor!

Pompey Team:

James

Kaboul

Campbell

Distin

Johnson

A.Traore

Davis

Diarra

Belhadj

Crouch

Defoe

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Does Sacha NEED to Sell?

talkpompey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:26:00 GMT

Can Pompey compete with Manchester City? Financially no we can't! Their owner is fifty times richer than Chelsea's owner. Granted it's going to take them a long time to build a team that will compete for a title but with that spending power may only be a year before they join the top four.

Newcastle are up for sale, what's the chances of the trend continuing with a foreign billionaire taking them over. My only concern is Portsmouth are left behind and all this hard work is un-done by quick fix takeovers.

Portsmouth are a well run club, I don't think we're in danger of being relegated in the near future but I do think we are in danger of standing still. Firstly I think it's unfair and I'd like to see a cap on the amount that can be invested. There is no rule preventing this though so if you can't compete with them why not join them?

Many fans would say that they wouldn't want to see a billionaire at our club. How many of those would say that if some of the world's greatest players were playing at Fratton Park? That would be interesting to see.

This article is by no means criticism to Sacha who has done wonders for this football club since he took over from Milan. Having said that why Man City went out and spent forty million on two players, Portsmouth had to balance their books with the sale of two top midfield players.

Would an investment from abroad be such a bad thing?

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Appiah Deal Moves Close

talkpompey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:10:00 GMT

Representatives of Appiah claim the players future will be settled after the international break. Portsmouth are one of the favourites to sign the midfielder after a break down in negotiations with Juventus.

He has recently been linked with Arsenal and West Ham, with two more clubs emerging today in Bayern Munich and Schalke.

The Ghana captain had a horrid season last year. Injury forced him to miss the majority of it. Having said that if he keeps himself fit and Portsmouth can get him signed, he could possible be one of Harry's best free transfer signings of all time.

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Defender joins Charlton on loan

JenniP — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:56:58 GMT

Although not the one we expected. Tonight England under 21 defender has joined Charlton on a season's loan.

Craine currently preparing for the Euro qualifier against Poland at Wembley on Friday night and then he will join up with his new club.

Comments from Charlton earlier today say that Linvoy Primus will also join Charlton on loan but this deal will be done next week when the loan window opens.

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Former Pompey midfielder leaves Fulham

JenniP — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:37:28 GMT

Fulham have terminated the contract of former Pompey midfielder Alexei Smertin by mutual consent. Rumours have several Championship clubs are interested in signing the Russian.

At one time he was a player we would love to have seen back at Fratton Park, but I think at 33 a bit past it even for a squad player.

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Barton to stay at Newcastle?

JenniP — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:24:00 GMT

According to Sky Sports news there was a club who finished in the top 10 of the Premier League last season interested in Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, however they are report that this club who preferred to be unnamed has withdrawn their interested.

Originally the club proposed a straight player swap, however it seems Newcastle wasn't interested in this and was instead asking for around £4 million. Sky Sports are implying that the interested club doesn't have much money it so could have been Portsmouth.

With time running out its looking like this deal is a non-starter as the player is still at Newcastle as any deal would have to be done before midnight.

A quote from Joey Barton read out on Sky Sports News said "I didnt want to comment on speculation but I didnt want to leave Newcastle because I owe the club and the fans so much because of everythnig I have put them through."

It was unlikely to be Manchester City on the other hand, they seem to be trying to splash the newly found cash on Berbatov and Robinho and seemingly every other player wanted by the football elite clubs.

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Villa/Everton Barton Favourites

talkpompey — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:01:00 GMT

Aston Villa and Everton are emerging as the favourites to be the mystery club in for Joey Barton. Sources within Portsmouth Football club have distanced themselves from reports it's them.

Stories started after Sky Sports news claimed Newcastle were in negotiations with a top ten club over the sale of the midfielder. I for one don't want Joey Barton at my football club, even though I'd agree he is a talented footballer.

Kevin Kegan is thought to want to keep the player at the club so there is no saying whether this deal will go through. He was spotted by Sky Sports News going for talks with Newcastle hierachy just recently.

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Barton Heading Out of Newcastle?

talkpompey — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:10:00 GMT

Where is Joey Barton going? A premiership club is in negotiations about taking Joey from Newcastle United. It is a club in the top ten of the Premier League according to Sky Sports News.

A source close to the player had claimed that Portsmouth would sign him if Newcastle didn't want him. I personally hope that Portsmouth aren't the club in talks with the player but i do hope we sign a central midfielder!

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Is it too soon to sell Nugent?

JenniP — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:22:00 GMT

With Pompey trying to offload several fringe players to lower the wage bill, striker David Nugent seems to be an ideal choice to let leave Fratton Park, however would selling him on the cheap really be in our best interests?

Several clubs have been sniffing around Nugent for a while, a loan to Ipswich was agreed and fell through earlier in the year, today I've seen rumours that West Brom and Wigan are interested in the England striker.

Its fairly clear that Nugent wont play much this season at Pompey if he stays, Crouch and Defoe will be our strike team with Kanu as backup, we've brought in Chelsea striker Ben Sahar on loan for the season and I would imagine Nugent would be behind him in the pecking order.

He would normally get a few run outs in the early cup rounds, but since our first Carling Cup game is against Chelsea I can't see us using him then, I certainly cant see us using him in the UFEA Cup, he may get into the squad if we are playing one of the teams in and around the drop zone to

I still believe that Nugent can become a Premier League striker so isn't he better he stays with us? Perhaps to replace Kanu as chief bench warmer next season? I say loan him out to a Premier League side let us see what he is really made of if he is as big a flop where ever he goes we can let him go on the cheap next year, if he's a success we get a Premier League ready striker for next season.

So should we loan him out or just sell him and make as much money as we can back?

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Belhadj signs for Pompey

JenniP — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:59:00 GMT

As widely rumoured this morning Pompey target Nadir Belhadj has joined on loan from French side Lens with an option to buy at the end of the loan. Belhadj re-joined Lens from French side Lyon in January for 3.6 million euro and signed a three and a half year deal.

Talking to the Official Pompey Website Belhadj said: "I'm delighted to be at Pompey because it's a very good club with great players.

"I like the English people and I like English football, so this is an excellent opportunity for me.

"The club have chased me for a while now and when I heard that they wanted me, there was only one place I wanted to come. I wanted to come to Portsmouth.

"Harry Redknapp is a great manager and with the players we have at the club, I think we can do really well this season.

"I will do my very best to help us succeed."

"I like the system that the side played against Everton at the weekend. It suits me because I have a lot of pace and I like to run a lot."

Belhadj plays in a very similar position to recient signing Armand Traore in a left back or left wing back role.

Due to the international break we wont see him in action in a Pompey shirt for a couple of weeks as he's off on international duty with Algeria and will face new team mate Papa Bouba Diop in a World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

It is expected that there will be more transfer action at Fratton Park today, although its expected to be players leaving rather than joining.

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Motta and Appiah Update

talkpompey — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 06:53:00 GMT

Reports in France and Spain are claiming that Thiago Motta has decided to turn down a contract at Portsmouth. The contract offer was based on the number of appearances the former Barcelona star made at the club. This was after the Portsmouth medical team had concerns over the player’s knee problems.

As for another injury prone midfield target Steven Appiah is well sort after. The highly rated international is expecting to sign for Juventus at some point next week but talks have proved difficult.

“We would like things to be sorted out as quickly as possible and a contract could be signed before next week,” said the Ghanaian’s agent Frank Trimboli.

“While I am saying that we are in no hurry, it is up to the club to make things happen.

“I have received a concrete offer from Racing Santander and Portsmouth are calling us practically every day. West Ham, Celtic and Everton have also expressed an interest.

“However, Juve are working on a solution and we will keep waiting because the lad hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Old Lady.”

I wouldn’t expect either of these two to sign but I do expect to see a central midfielder arrive today. With David Nugent finally leaving the club, things should become clearer as the day progresses.

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Crouch Doesn't Get Call

talkpompey — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:32:00 GMT

Portsmouth have had three of their four England stars called up for the forthcoming England international matches. Both of which are world cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia (both matches away).

David James should retain his number one jersey with the other two less likely to start. Having said that Defoe impressed in his last international appearance and Harry has pushed Glen Johnson's claims.

Peter Crouch gives England something different and many journalists in the press have pushed his claim for the team. However for the second squad in a row Capello has decided against the 6ft 7 Pompey hit man.

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The John Westwood Debate

talkpompey — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:49:00 GMT

John "Portsmouth Football Club" Westwood (breath) was at the centre of controversy last week after being asked to stop ringing his bell. In disgust he decided to walk out at Half Time and not return. A very emotional John then spoke to the Quay radio station after the match explaining the situation.

He travels to every game and Portsmouth is his life basically, why else would you change your name? He has also moved to the back of the Fratton End because the club claimed his current location was breaking health and safety regulations.

Having moved to the back of the stand some fans complained to officials about the over use of his bell. Many claimed the drum was bearable but the constant ringing in their ears spoilt their viewing pleasure. I don't personally sit near him at Fratton Park but do hope I'm not sitting near him when travelling to away games. Post your views on the situation below....

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Diarra "Exclusive" Don't Panic!

talkpompey — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:30:00 GMT

The latest rumour doing the rounds is Portsmouth are set to sell Lassana Diarra for twelve million pounds. The stories started after Alan Nixon published an article in his paper "The People." I know they have to sell newspapers but this guy never seems to get a single article correct.

Below are a number of so-called, "exclusives" this man has published:

"Everton to sign Vagner Love in next 48 hours" (still at the club)

"Man City owner to sell 50% of shares in the club" (owns 100%)

"Bentley could be about to move to Everton" (went to Tottenham)

"Johnson set to make a move to Sunderland" (went to Fulham)

"Bolton will sign Joey Barton after his release" (still at Newcastle)

"Newcastle will sack Joey Barton after he is released" (Still at Newcastle)

"Man United to snap up Micah Richards from Manchester City" (No!)

"Pompey to sign John Arne Riise" (didn't happen)

This is also the guy that started rumours that Portsmouth would sell David James to Tottenham in exchange for Paul Robinson. I may well be proved wrong and Diarra may be sold for twelve million, I just don't think Pompey fans should panic over Alan Nixon's article.

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Storrie: We still have options

JenniP — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMT

With the transfer window closing in less than 48 hours Pompey are still looking at players, and Chief Executive Peter Storrie still believes there are deals to be done although admits they are unlikely to happen unless players leave Fratton Park.

Talking to The News Storrie said "We are looking and have one or two options, but we need to move people out.

"We are lining up deals but players don't want to go."

Even with no new signing Redknapp has brought seven players in on either permanent or loan deals this summer, and while two key players have left and a horror start to the season, yesterdays Everton game shows that Pompey could still be pushing for a top 6 place this season.

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HT: Everton 0 v 2 Pompey

talkpompey — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:56:00 GMT

Portsmouth are leading Everton by two goals to nil at half time. Defoe and an unlikely scorer in Glen Johnson, with the goals. Portsmouth haven't had a great start to the season with defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.

Defoe previously hadn't scored in eight Portsmouth games but with his drought now over hopefully he'll pinch a few more over the coming weeks. It may also be worth pointing out that the half time score wouldn't have been quite as comfortable had it not been for a superb save by David James.

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Pompey draw Chelsea in Carling Cup

JenniP — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:20:01 GMT

Another day another cup draw, however the balls weren't kind to Pompey drawing Carling Cup runners up Chelsea. After the 4-0 mauling we received at the start of the season I don't think many will be looking forward to this one.

One good thing though at least its at home.

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Barton : Pompey want me

JenniP — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 08:48:00 GMT

Newcastle hard man Joey Barton is claiming that should Newcastle United get rid of him Pompey will be there to snap him up.

After being released from prison on 28^th July Barton has started to make his way back in to the Toon starting line up, however he is not happy that the club has tried to drop his wages and considered releasing him from his contract.

A club insider told The Sun: "Joey has told his team-mates Portsmouth will have him if Newcastle don't want him any more. He is very confident."

With Pompey seemingly having no funds for transfers I doubt a deal would be done this window however if Barton became available on a free would we want him?

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Confusion over Linvoy loan

JenniP — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:10:00 GMT

Pompey boss has denied reports that fans favourite Linvoy Primus has joined Charlton on a season long loan.

The 34 year old defender was thought to be joining Charlton until the end of the season however Redknapp is insisting that its only a loan until christmas as originally thought and that there was no way he would loan Linvoy out for the whole season.

Talking to The Quay after the United game last night Redknapp said "Linvoy's going out on loan only to Christmas thats not a loan for the season, not a chance.

"He hasnt played that for well over a year, and he eneds to play he wanted to to go and play and get some games.

"So thats what I've done I've let him go until christmas, but it said on the TV thats a year no chance its just til christmas"

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