Re-racking the Backfield
By: Andrew |
2 Comments
So, with both Glens (Johnson and Little) gone, Lauren leaving, Pamarot out, and Djimi Traore and Jerome Thomas being released — as well as rumors surrounding both the fates of Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin, who is going to make up the Pompey backfield?
Hreirdarrson has inked his stay, and will likely secure himself a spot on the starting roster (at least for the onset of the season) at LCB. He anchored the defense at Charlton, and barring any health issues, Hreidarrson will take an increased role in the defensive game plan.
Right back should be an interesting call. In addition to Portsmouth veteran Kaboul, youngsters Cranie and Wilson will also be vying for the spot. I like the idea of rotating the two younger players in and getting more of a feel of how well they handle the job. While playing for the U-21 England team, Cranie publicly announced that he is ready “to show what (he) can do” for the squad.
Kaboul is reliable and proven, and will be an asset to the defense no matter where he’s assigned to play.
I like Belhadj at LB, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing in the midfield this year. Would like to see him play winger-and hopefully finish that Maradona this year.
We’ve brought “The Axe” Mokoena in from Blackburn, who’s versatility and size should make him a solid choice for CB. 
So-
LB: Belhadj
LCB: Hreidarsson/Mokoena
RCB: Kaboul/Mokoena
RB: Cranie/Wilson
??
Category: Team News
The Hermannator Here to Stay
By: Andrew | Add Comments
Good news!
The 34-year old Icelandic defender has come to terms with Pompey on a 1-year contract, with potential for extension. Though publicly mentioning Rangers as a possible new home earlier this month, Hermann has agreed to stay at Pompey for another season.
Hreidarsson assured fans yesterday that “signing with Portsmouth again was always going to happen even though I had many other options.” Hopefully he can serve an example to players who are questioning the club’s future, anchoring talent and bringing stability to our roster.
Hope to see #7 back in old form, knocking people around again in the upcoming season.
Category: Team NewsWeekly Wrap-Up
By: Andrew | 1 Comment
Headlines from the past week-
al-Fahim is no longer the CEO of Hydra Properties, as he has taken a less involved position on the board. Could this be due to his priorities being concentrated elsewhere?
Hopefully this will allow him time to finalize the deal with Portmsouth speedily and transparently. Also this week, al-Fahim distanced himself from the Glen Johnson move, stating that, because the change in ownership is still in proceedings, “it would be completely inappropriate for Al-Fahim Associates to comment on any player transfers [as] they do not own Portsmouth football club.”
So we can blame Storrie.
Maktoob Business had a great write-up about the whole al-Fahim deal.
Oh, and let’s not get carried away with the whole “Good Doctor” nickname. The New York Times reports that although he prefers the title Dr., “records at American University show that Mr. Fahim was awarded an M.B.A., but there is no record of him receiving a doctorate there — the university does not even offer an advanced degree in real estate.”
Chelsea has matched Liverpool’s 17.5m bid for Glen Johnson
Rumors surfacing concerning Utaka “returning to Ligue 1 with St. Etienne”
And are we really pondering a deal with Joey Barton??
PUP
Category: Team NewsGekas Gone, Back to Bayer
By: Andrew | 3 Comments
Greek striker, Theofanis Gekas, has returned to Bayer Leverkusen following a stint with Pompey which did not allow the 29 year old any opportunity to contribute.
Coming to Portsmouth after successful consecutive seasons in the Bundesliga, (scoring 11 goals on 20 starts in 07/08, and 20 goals on 31 starts in 06/07–league’s top scorer), his time and talent with Portsmouth was largely spent wasted on the sidelines.
Why he was never incorporated into game plans in the latter half of the season is beyond me. When the club was struggling to put up goals, it would make sense to employ the skills of a proven striker to aid in the scoring efforts. He would have undoubtedly made an impact. What a shame.
Can’t knock him for leaving at the first chance he was given. He deserved better from the club-
Can anybody explain why he wasn’t give time on the pitch?
Category: Team NewsThe Most Important Off Season of the Decade?
By: Andrew | Add Comments
It’s make or break time for Pompey.
Rumors are flying around concerning everything from ownership to uniform designs. The decisions made during this off season are going to set the club’s direction for years to come. Monumental changes in ownership and management are imminent (Al-Fahim), yet, the proceedings have been steeped in controversy (Shinawatra). Major stars are questioning their roles with the club (Crouch), with Glen Johnson already taking his skills elsewhere. Will Kanu and company stay at the club without Coach Hart? Are we going to sign shaky Pennant on full-time? Younger footballers are gaining ground and eyeing more playing time, trying to erase doubt in the minds of their supporters. Veterans are ridden with uncertainty, and questioning their relationship with what’s becoming quite an unstable club.
Each of these topics deserves its own post, and each will be addressed soonly. Unlike the PFC boss man, I encourage you to speak up and post your thoughts as to what you hope and predict will happen.
In case you haven’t heard, Peter Crouch recently came out publicly and demanded answers as per the club’s future. I can’t help but agree with Petey’s insistence for answers. Hell, Peter Crouch is pretty high up on the chain of command right now, and should not be criticized by anybody for asking aloud questions everyone else is thinking. Shame on Storrie for admonishing the veteran forward in the papers.
Pay attention this summer, PFC could be a completely different club by 15.9.09
Category: Team NewsWrite for Portsmouth Offside
By: Daryl | 1 Comment
As you may have noticed, Portsmouth Offside is in need of a writer. If you’re a Pompey fan I’m sure you’ve got plenty to say right about now. Still no manager to replace Tony Adams and staring relegation right in the eyes.
Writing for Portsmouth Offside isn’t a paid position. But it is a chance to represent your team in what might just be the world’s biggest football blog network (we reckon).
So if you want to captain this blog, please read our application guidelines and then send an email to daryl[at]theoffside[dot]com
Category: Team NewsAn Easy opener? Chelsea Away
By: b-man | 7 Comments
What better way to start our season off with a bang?! To beat Phil Scolari’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge could and probably would be the catalyst for another great season!
After that slight piece of optimism I’ve got my feet firmly back on the ground. This is a terrible draw! Surely Chelsea away ensures an easier second game? Try Manchester United at home. Now I, along with most of English football am praying that Ronaldo leaves!
After this the fixtures begin to steady out slightly with a trip to Goodison Park, and games against ‘Boro’ and Spurs.
Analysis of our opening 5 games? Again?!? Last season we had to play each of the big four in our first six games, so on the face of it, things could have been worse!
Our last 5 games start with Newcastle away; followed by Arsenal at home; A visit to Ewood Park to play ‘Sparkyless’ Blackburn; Roy Keane’s Sunderland at Fratton Park and finally an away match against Wigan at the JJB.
I like the sound of these last five games except the game against Arsenal. I really fancy them for the title next season and after this season’s dissapointment they’ll be really determined to show they’re not botlers.
Wigan last game of the season could also be tough what with them likely to be in a relegation scrap.
The other three are pretty generous fixtures.
Transfer Rumours - IN
By: b-man | 6 Comments
Shanun Wright-Phillips
Chelsea winger SWP has been linked with the club recently. He is similar to Jermain Defoe when he was at Spurs in the sense that he’s a fantastic player but never plays! The Chelsea man looked as if he was getting a good run in the side until Avram Grant took charge and then it was back to the bench for Wright-Phillips.
I along with probably all Pompey fans would love to see Shaun at Pompey. I think he’s just what we need. While Utaka has done okay on the right this season, a lot of the time he has looked short of ideas and he seems to just run in straight lines, relying too heavily on his pace. SWP on the other hand can beat men and deliver a final ball. He’s also good for a few goals.
Here’s what Harry Redknapp had to say:
“I haven’t spoke to anyone at Chelsea,” he told The News. “But I like Shaun. He’s a terrific talent. I wouldn’t know how much Chelsea wanted for him, though, if they were going to sell.
“Maybe they would want to wait until a new manager comes in. But equally they may not need a new manager to come in before they sell someone. I wouldn’t know how Chelsea run their affairs.
“The player may want to wait until a new manager comes in and have a look at things then. But maybe he would look at his situation there and think he wanted to leave.
“Of course he’s the type of player I would love to have, though. He’s an excellent player.”
If I was to put a price on SWP I would probably think around £8million was reasonable. While Chelsea did pay £21million for him, I think it’s fair to say his value has decreased from then.
Sidney Govou
I like the look of this potential transfer purely because of the fee being thrown around- £6million. I think that would be a good deal on Pompey’s part because Govou is a great player, proven at the highest level.
He’s a player that can help Pompey progress and he’d help improve the team for next season’s Uefa Cup campaign.
A right midfielder like SWP, the advantages with Govou over Wright-Phillips are the price tag and the greater expereince of Govou.
If I had to choose one I’d probably go with SWP. But it could be possible to accomadate both in the squad.
Marcelo Mattos
I know very little about this player other than the fact that he’s Brazilian, plays for Panathinaikos and is a central midfielder. Looking at our squad we don’t desperately need another CM however I don’t know enough about him to make any real comments.
Nicky Shorey
YES! Simple as that. This deal must go through! If there’s one area of the team that needs improving it is left back. Hemanator and Pamarot have done okay playing there this season, but that’s exactly it, they’ve done ‘okay’. While the rest of the team have stood out, the left back spot has always been less sparkling.
Shorey is first and foremost a good defender. He can work well in terms of positioning with the three other defenders, he knows when to come accross on the cover and when to push on to his man etc.
He’s also very good going forward. Something than Herman in particular is poor at.
Shorey is at a good age and looks to be available at a good fee. The fee is said to be around £3million.
Richard Dunne
The Man. City hard man has had a fantastic season. He’s shone imensely throughout the campaign and has proved that he is a top quality centre back. His performance(s) against rivals United inparticular were heroic.
His positional sense is up there with best in the Premiership. Part of the reason Micah Richards did so well at Cebtre Back was that when Richards was positionally poor, Dunne would always ‘clean up’ after young Micah. He’s also shown what an inspirational leader he can be.
If he could link up with Sylvan Distin again then I think they could form another great partnership. While my beloved Sol ‘n’ Sylv have been outstanding this season, there’s no doubting that towards the end of the season Sol was looking more and more weary. I’m not sure if Sol has another full season left in him. Therefore it’s imperative that we bring in another CB, and Dunne would be my first choice, especially considering his low price tag of £1million.
“I like Richard Dunne,” said manager Harry Redknapp. “I think he’s a top player but I think there’s a couple of clubs in for him at the moment, but I think we’ve got as good a chance as anyone now.
“We’ve got in the UEFA Cup for next year and we’ve got some good players so hopefully we can start to compete with the Tottenham’s and the Aston Villa’s and teams like that.”
Where Do Pompey Go From Here?
By: b-man | Add Comments
What Should Portsmouth’s Ambitions be for Next Season?
( surveys)
Category: Team NewsKaka ‘n’ Co. Could be Visiting Fratton Park
By: b-man | 1 Comment
Yesterday Italian giants AC Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League, losing out to Fiorentina.
While many Milan fans, staff, players and future players (Mr Flamini) were no doubt shedding a tear or two I along with thousnads of other Pompey fans were celebrating, for Milan’s failure could be Pompey’s fortune!
I don’t think we’ll win the Uefa Cup next season. I don’t think we have enough creative zest needed to unlock the best defences. And when you consider that Niko could be leaving, our creative talents are looking weary. Sure we’ve got a solid team that can keep a clean sheet but to actually win the competition you need that little bit extra, and we don’t have it.
So I’m pretty resigned to the fact that we won’t win it.
BUT we have got a big result in us, i.e beating Milan etc.
It would be a fantastic lift for the club and would certainly create excitement for the fans.
Home 
