All the news and views from the best club in the South.

July 2006 - Posts

Jamie to battle for number one spot

With Ashdown so far looking good in pre-season he’s hoping to regain the number one position lost in Portsmouth’s 5-0 thrashing against Birmingham last season. So far he has impressed saving a last minute penalty against Yeovil.

Ashdown told The News “I enjoyed the Yeovil match . It’s great to get games during the close season and see where you’re at. I’m feeling good.

“Hopefully I can show I should be in the first team. I want to be number one.

“I’m not patient, I want to be the first choice at Portsmouth, it’s as simple as that, and I think I’ve still got a chance this season. Displays like that help so why not?

“If I can keep that consistency, it will give me a chance.

“There is obviously competition between Dean and I and whoever is in form will play. If I’m in form I’ll play, the same goes the other way.

“I’ve not given up. My ambition is to be Pompey’s number one goalkeeper and I feel I can achieve that”

With Pompey having cash to spend during this transfer window, its inevitable that several goal keepers have been linked, and Ashdown may fall further down the pecking order.

“There is always talk of bringing in other keepers now the money’s come in, whether or not it leaves me out in the cold, I don’t know.

“I’ve got to put in the good work and try and persuade them not to bring another goalkeeper into the club”

Personally I'm happy to see Ashdown battle it out with Kiely and for Portsmouth to bring in a less experienced keeper who can learn from both of them, I know a lot of Pompey fans dont have much time for Ashdown, but he can do a good job for us he's still young and is only likely to get better.

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Posted Jul 24 2006, 06:57 PM by JenniP with 2 comment(s)
Does Lua Lua have a Fratton Park future?

Reports in the News of the World today have revealed that Lua Lua actively wants to leave and that Portsmouth board are trying to force him out.

The Pompey favourite turned a new contract earlier in the week

"The board have made it impossible for me to stay," Lua Lua told The News of the World.

"They alone are responsible for this situation.

"I came here four years ago from Newcastle in difficult circumstances and played my part in keeping us from relegation but it looks as if it's all over now and it's not my fault.

"I want the fans to know how much their support has meant to me.

"They have been amazing and that's what makes it so tough but my family must come first."

Lua Lua has just a year left on his current deal and will now consider his future based on what offers are tabled.

The DR Congo international has attracted interest from both West Ham and Manchester City and, with Nicolas Anelka in the frame to replace him at Fratton Park, has urged Pompey to sell him immediately.

"There's interest because my agent has told me so," Lua Lua added.

"I've a year left on my deal but I'm not looking to stay and get a free.

"The club will have to do what they have to do - take the cash and sell me on.

"There's no other solution."

Can we afford to lose Lua Lua? With our lack of success in signing any new players can't afford to lose our star striker, even if we sign class like Anelka we still need Lua Lua, as realistically we need 5 strikers, currently we have 3, Benjani hasnt played this season, Toddy has look severly off the pace.

While the noises coming the club itself, seem to indicate talks are continuing however Redknapp seems to want a deal with Lua Lua done.

With several Premiership clubs interested and the player seemingly wanting to leave the friendly at Yeovil could be the last time we would see Lua Lua in a Pompey shirt.

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Posted Jul 23 2006, 02:14 PM by JenniP with 3 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News
Stefanovic targets top 10 finish

Portsmouth captain Dejan Stefanovic thinks we can be a top 10 club this season providing we make our mark in the transfer market.

Stefanovic told The News "We can reach the top 10 or reach a semi final of a cup competition or better but it all depends on which players we are going to bring here.

"I said from the beginning of the season we need seven or eight quality players. It doesnt matter which positions but we need a big squad for next season

"If you have a big squad in the Premiership then automatically you are a success, it's as simple as that.
"It's vital, espeically around Christmas time when you've got a lot of injuries and suspended players.
"If you've got a big squad you can change and rest players and this is the most important thing in the Premiership.

"You need two good players in every position if you want to achieve something in the Premiership.
"We've got 22 players here at the moment. We've got a good squad, but another five players and we have a very good squad for the season ahead.

"A top 10 finish depends on which players we are going to bring in.
"Its too early to say where we will finish but if you add at least five or six quality players to the ones we have already, yes for sure we can do it."

It seems that our captain has more optimistic view of our squad than the manager does, its interesting to hear Dejan talking about the 2 players for every position, a view made popular in the last couple of years by Chelsea however Jose Mourinho seems to be moving away from this as it creates too many unhappy players so perhaps multi positioned players are the answer, but Dejan is right to get the kind of league position a club with the backing Gayadmak has given us would expect does need more quality players, something we are finding very difficult at the moment.

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Posted Jul 22 2006, 08:09 PM by JenniP with 3 comment(s)
Barry bid rejected

Harry's bid to bolster the Portsmouth squad has hit another set back with a £4.5 million bid for midfielder Gareth Barry.

Redknapp told The News: "Gareth is a talented player and we placed a bid with Aston Villa.

"They turned it down because he is someone they want to keep. I don't know if the situation will be different now David O'Leary has left."

Barry's future had been put in doubt since the departure of manager David O'Leary, however it its unlikely Villa will let the popular player go at least until a new manager is appointed.

Barry has made over 300 appearances for Aston Villa since joining in 1997.

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Posted Jul 22 2006, 07:45 PM by JenniP with 1 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News
Pompey down to the bare bones?

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to bolster his ailing squad after admitting the squad was in desperate need of new blood.

With injuries to Benjani and O’Neil yesterday’s team against Yeovill was already looking short on quality past the first choice 11, with Sean Davies being with drawn at the last minute even more so.

Pompey’s squad last night was bolstered by 2 trialists which Redknapp had already said he would not be following up his interest in so they were really there to make up the numbers. The only player on the bench who didn’t make it onto the pitch was John Viafara who is rumoured to be completing a £1million move to Southampton next week.

“We are short of numbers. We ended up playing people a bit longer than we wanted to last night" Harry Redknapp told The News.

“If you look at the size of the squad, it needs strengthening desperately
“Manuel Fernandes is not signing at the moment. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with that one.
“He’s got a little problem with his groin at the minute and they need to sort it out but we need to get someone in.
“The squad needs strengthening, anyone can see that.
“Sean Davis felt his groin a little bit in the kickabout, Gary O’Neil has a virus and Benjani is out. The squad desperately need strengthening
“You look at us at the end there against Yeovil and it wasn’t a strong team.
“There was nobody there. You know the ones who are good enough, I just need to think we to add to them now.
“We need more bodies. That’s what we’re trying to do and it’s difficult.
“But we‘ll keep looking and do our best to get players in for sure.”

With offers seemingly being made left right and centre, the only transfer looking like coming off pretty much off due to medical problems is it time to go to Plan B? Actually start paying over the clubs valuation to secure one or two players but only for the players that make a real impact to the quality of the squad also look at a few more squad players, although the trialists

Yes its not time to panic yet but with the Premiership season fast approaching we may get to a point when getting buying players may get harder as time will be running out for clubs to replace those players.

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Posted Jul 22 2006, 05:55 PM by JenniP with 5 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News
Fernandes deal off

Portsmouth radio staion The Quay is reporting that Fernandes has returned to Portugal after he failed a medical due to a long standing hernia injury.

A fee for the player had been agreed with Benfica, and personal terms had also on the way to being agreed.

While the transfer has collapsed, its still possible it may go ahead with Portsmouth re-assessing Fernandes's fitness before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

This is a big disappointment however it does show we can attract class players to Fratton Park, and it also shows we wont part with money just because we can, we could of signed Fernandes and taken the risk but have played safe.

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Posted Jul 21 2006, 07:52 PM by JenniP with 1 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News
Pompey announce new training base plans

Portsmouth have announced plans for the clubs new training facility. It will be located in 55 acres of land around the Titchfield Abbey Golf and Fishing centre off Mill Lane, the area is current a nine hole pitch and putt course and three freshwater lakes.

Construction plans include five pitches and a domed indoor pitch which will help Portsmouth gain the much valued academy status. Changing rooms, car parking and more pitches for the senior squad are also planned

Milan Mandaric told The News "I can say there will be a beautiful training ground in Titchfield.
"We have been working on obtaining the piece of land for some time.
"There have been so many legalities, it's just a case of being patient for a few more days to sort it out.
"But it's going to happen, as is the stadium"

With the current stadium our training facilities were the main things holding Portsmouth back as a club with plans for the stadium already developed and just waiting for final legal clearance and now the training faclities going to be sorted out Portsmouth really are on track to be a Premiership force.

My only regret is the loss of the pitch and putt course, I've spent many an afternoon there being completely useless at golf, but I would agree with Milan its a beautiful place and will be a great training center for Portsmouth.

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Posted Jul 21 2006, 01:46 PM by JenniP with 1 comment(s)
Pompey trying to trim dead wood from squad

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp will again put players with no Pompey future in the shop window in tonight friendly against Yeovil in the hope that some interest may be showed in them.

Redknapp told The News "Look at what we've got here. Let's be honest , it isn't a Premiership squad"
"I created a good squad the last time I was here and it was decimated"
"Now I want to do the same again"

Players like Mornar who we given new contracts due to clauses in their old contracts had automatic renewal clauses who have no real hope of playing in the first team are the kind of players Redknapp wants to ship out.

The only problem with this being squad depth even playing the shop window players there werent that manyl players missing from the Torquay game which shows a real weakness in the depth of the squad, with Pompey so far looking to bring in big names there doesnt seem to be many squad players being linked to us which could end up with us having a great first 11 next season but lacking in quality if the first choice becomes injured.

So who do you think should on their way out?

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Posted Jul 21 2006, 01:37 PM by JenniP with 4 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News
Is Pompey trying to off load Lualua?

Reports today have said that Fans favourite Lualua has rejected a new contract offer.

"It is not looking good. The offer they made is not acceptable," said Lua Lua.

"It feels like someone is trying to get rid of me."

"It looks as if a move could be an option.

"Maybe they want to cash in knowing I could leave for free next year.

"It is sad because I love the club and the fans but I have to think of my future."

"The club have been sending videos of me to teams in Spain - even though I have said I do not want to go anywhere."

With West Ham, Manchester City and Middledbrough and several Spanish teams rumoured to be interested stories like this will encorage them to step up their intrest and with only a year left on his contract these teams could smell a bargain. However are these quotes actually from Lualua? It wouldnt be the first time we've seen quotes like these from an agent.

Now I dont want Pompey to sell Lualua no matter who we eventually sign but if he has to go we need to get a good price and only once we have a replacement, certainly with our current difficulties in signing the players we want.

However Harry Redknapp wants to keep the player, these quotes dont sound like a manager wanting to sell.

“Lualua’s a match winner on his day. He’s got the ability to turn games. Ask any defender – they don’t like playing against him.
“Lua’s got a year left, but I want to keep him for longer. He was crucial to us last season when he scored four goals in four games. In one match at West Ham he slaughtered them. I think he’s a handful. I’d rather have him on my side than against me.” (full story)
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Posted Jul 21 2006, 08:50 AM by JenniP with 4 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News
Kiely could miss start of season

Portsmouth first choice goal keeper Dean Kiely could miss the start of the Premiership season with a broken finger.

Kiely was due to start the first half in yesterdays friendly against Torquay United, however when the team came out Jamie Ashdown started. Kiely had broken a finger during the warm up.

With Portsmouth short of goalkeepers with the reserve goal keepers Guatelli and Westerveld leaving the club, this injury is bad news, leaving us with only Jamie Ashdown and the youth team goalkeeper.
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Posted Jul 20 2006, 08:00 AM by JenniP with no comments
Moroccan set for Pompey trial

Moroccan striker Jaouad Zairi is set see action in a Pompey shirt in tonights friendly.

The 24 year old player who currently plays for Sochaux in the French Ligue 1. He made 3 starts for Sochaux last season, and didnt impress during a loan to Saudi giants Al-Ittihad.

The player hasnt featured in the first half but may make an appearance in the second.

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Posted Jul 19 2006, 08:17 PM by JenniP with no comments
Linvoy wants to make pre-season impact.

With Pompey looking to sign several defenders during this transfer window, Pompey hero Linvoy Primus will be starting the season down the pecking list, however this is not an unusual position for the 32 year old central defender.

Primus told The News "For me, it's a safe bet I will start the season in this kind of position. It's a case of normal service being resumed!"
"But I have a chance to play at the moment and I will have to take it.
"We want to bring in better players and that is normal.
"I have to look at that as a challenge. If I'm not in the team at the start of the season then I have to get my head down and battle.
"But I'll take it as it comes. I'm not worried about names. It's been the like this for the past three or four seasons."

Lets hope Linvoy gets some time in the pre-season games, just to remind Harry what he can do and that we see him in the first team again this season as Linvoy never lets us down.

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Posted Jul 19 2006, 08:00 PM by JenniP with no comments
Pompeys pre-season kicks off tomorrow against Torquay United

After months since the last football season ended and a World Cup we would rather forget, Portsmouth kick off their pre-season tomorrow with a trip to Torquay United.

Normally by the first pre-season game there are a lot of new faces to look forward to seeing, this year there is only loan signing Glen Johnson. Hopefully Pompey will avoid the first pre-season banana skin and get a morale boosting win to start off the Pre-season.

Get the lowdown on here : Torquay United Lowdown

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Posted Jul 18 2006, 12:26 PM by JenniP with no comments
Harry tips Gary ONeil for England call up

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp believes O'Neil deserves an England call up. O'Neil who reciently signed a new 5 year contract with Portsmouth to keep him at Fratton Park until 2011.

Redknapp told The News: "Gary O'Neil is a terrific player. He's got bags of talent.

"I believe Gary's got the ability to go all the way in the game.

"If Gary has a successful season at Pompey, there's no reason why he can't get national recognition and force his way into the Euro 2008 squad.

"I think he can - and I really hope he can make it.

"At the moment, I think he's as good as someone like Jermaine Jenas, who was with England in Germany.

"Now he's got to make that little step up.

"Gary's got Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard around, but I see no reason why he can't get in the Euro 2008 squad in Austria and Switzerland."

O'Neil himself targetted an England call up after pledging his future to Pompey "You always dream. I played in the under 21s against a few good international sides. That gave me good experience. The full squad is a long way off. First I have to do well here.
"I have to make sure I'm a regular here and score some more goals - and hopefully the rest will look after itself.
"I've got some improving and growing to do before then. But I like to think its possible.". (full story)

Sounds like Harry thinks a call up will come sooner than Gary O'Neil thinks, as well it should, I imagine Pompey fans were screaming at the Sven during the World Cup, Gary O'Neil and Matty Taylor would of been great to take to Germany, yes they may not of seen much action but their versitility would of made them good choices. With Maclaren tracking O'Neil when he was Middlesbrough manager he already seems to be impressed with O'Neil's talents, so a call up in a friendly game doesnt seem out of the question.

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Posted Jul 18 2006, 12:16 PM by JenniP with no comments
Lualua departure rumours surface again

With Lualua yet to sign a contract extension at Portsmouth, rumours of the players transfer were always going to happen. Adding to the clubs already to be linked with a move for Lualua such as Real Mallorca and St. Etienne, premiership rivals West Ham and Manchester City are now rumoured to be interested in the DR Congo striker.

Where the contract talks have stalled is unknown, it could be on Lualua’s side, fearing that he may be frozen out of the Portsmouth first team with several new strikers being looked at, or it could be on the Portsmouth side not wanting to commit to a new deal for a striker that could be on the bench next season.

Lualua
With a figure of £2million being thrown around, this is more than likely not enough to encourage Portsmouth to sell, especially with Harry’s recient comments about wanting to tie Lualua down to a new deal as he really rates him as a player (story). However with only a year left on his contract a larger offer may get the player who can leave on a free next year and can sign a pre-contract agreement with another club as soon as January 1st.

Would LuaLua survive as one of our main strikers if new signings come in? Actually I think he would although it would depend on the strikers brought in, LuaLua didnt score many last season but we always looked more likely to score with him on the pitch than not.

If the striker we bring in complements LuaLua then I think we will see him in the first team again next season however if whoever is brought in is in the same mould as LuaLua it may be we will see him leave during the transfer window. Another option of course would be to move LuaLua to the right wing although we know this is a poisition he is not completely happy playing in.

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Posted Jul 16 2006, 01:45 PM by JenniP with 2 comment(s)
Filed under: Transfer News