The Fratton faithful may be cautiously optimistic today

Pompey go into today’s game with Sheffield United with all the statistics and form tables suggesting they should walk away from Fratton Park with another three points this afternoon.

If results go their way Pompey could be as high as ninth in the Championship table by this evening, and they could have broken this season’s league record for longest period of time without conceding a goal.

Add to that the fact that Pompey have lost just twice in their last ten league games, have scored for the last 14 consecutive home matches, and are fifth in the division’s form table, behind clubs in and around the playoffs.

PLUS the fact that Sheffield United are yet to win under Micky Adams in twelve attempts, have lost three in a row, are bottom of the form table in the Championship and are currently on the longest winless run throughout the division.

You’d think then that Pompey confidence is high. But this is Pompey – usually the thing least likely to happen, happens.

Liam Lawrence is ruled out for the hosts, and Joel Ward is facing a big struggle to be fit for the game. Aaron Mokoena should continue to deputise for Hayden Mullins in midfield, who like Lawrence and Ward, is struggling with a calf problem.

For the visitors squad selection is far more of an issue – another plus point for the Blues.

Captain Chris Morgan is out for the season with knee ligament damage, defenders Andy Taylor and Ryan France are also long-term absentees and experienced ‘keeper Richard Wright is unavailable.

Sam Vokes, Joe Mattock and Nick Montgomery could shake off hamstring, ankle and knee problems respectively to feature after appearing at training throughout the week but Darius Henderson is still out.

Shane Lowry, on-loan from Aston Villa, had completed the final game of his suspension last Saturday but reacted badly to his dismissal and has been hit with a further game ban, ruling him out of the tie at Fratton today.

So all roads lead to Pompey, and all signs point to a sixth consecutive record-breaking win. But Sheffield United are a side fighting for their Championship lives, and rarely do the Blues make things easy on themselves.

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Kanu scored his second goal of the season

Greg Halford’s free-kick was headed home by Kanu, who had come on as a substitute for Joel Ward after 70 minutes.

And the goal means that the Blues’ second crucial win in as many weeks sees them leap to 16th in the Championship table, and are now nine points clear of the relegation zone after more favourable results were recorded by the teams around them.

The visitors were restricted to just three efforts on goal, all of which were off target, as Pompey enjoyed a slight majority in possession.

Steve Cotterill started with new loan signing and namesake David Cotterill in midfield and Aaron Mokoena on the bench despite his work permit being renewed before the game.

The visitors also handed their new boy a debut with Paul McShane, on loan from Hull, at centre back. And it was they who started brighter with Danny Haynes flashing a shot over the bar.

A response was soon forthcoming from Pompey though as Luke Steele was forced to tip David Nugent’s shot around the post.

Dave Kitson also threatened, having previosuly been tipped by his manager to get back amongst the goals soon, his shot wide of the left hand post followed by a headed effort sent over the bar showed that may be coming true after his brave headed goal last week.

Haynes tried his luck again to no avail, before Pompey were forced to withdraw Liam Lawrence on 40 minutes, replacing him with Mokoena and changing the Blues’ shape.

Frank Nouble nodded wide for Barnsley and Mokoena shot over before referee Roger Easy blew for half-time.

Mr East was a far busier man in the second half as the game became very scrappy with both sides in need of three points.

McShane and Haynes both went into the book before the hour mark as Kitson again forced Steele into action.

Hermann Hreidarsson joined the Barnsley duo in the referee’s notebook as Cotterill continued a regular supply of crosses, without any team mates finding a finish.

And as Barnsley boss Mark Robins made a double change as Kanu was introduced by Steve Cotterill in an attempt to break the deadlock.

Pompey had to withstand a spell of pressure from the visitors though with Keiran Trippier sending in deliveries from the wing which were dealt with by Jamie Ashdown and Ricardo Rocha as both Ritchie De Laet and Kitson were both booked.

But with 83 minutes on the clock Mokoena was fouled by Jacob Butterfield, and Halford’s delivery was met by super-sub Kanu and Pompey had the lead.

The Blues admirably tried to make sure of the win by pressing home their advantage and Kitson then Hreidarsson both called Steele into action once more.

And as the home crowd grew hopeful of a first home win in eight matches Dave Nugent almost put icing on the cake but he rolled his one-on-one chance wide.

The win is a vital one though, with Preston and Scunthorpe drawing and Sheffield United losing out to Crystal Palace Pompey have pulled further clear of the bottom three.

And today’s three points coupled with Bristol City’s defeat to Leicester on Friday night and Derby and Doncaster’s inability to win today means Pompey are now in 16th place, and six points off the top half of the table.

John Utaka has followed the likes of Kevin Prince-Boateng out of the club

Not so long ago it didn’t look like we’d even have a club. Worst comes to worst yes we could be a League One side next season.

At risk of infuriating more of the Fratton Faithful that may not be the worst thing in the world. Wages would be reduced, expectations lowered, and only those serious about the club would continue to support them.

Players like Liam Lawrence and Dave Nugent would leave and their transfer fees would further stabilise the club.

But all that is worst case scenario. We still have a decent platform from which to try and stay up with a good starting eleven. Yes Utaka may have scored a few times recently but we all know what he’s like – the form would have worn off in a matter of weeks.

And with the tough fixture against Q.P.R tonight coming up did we really expect to get a positive result? Having Utaka wouldn’t have mattered.

Derby and Doncaster are winnable games, and important so that the Blues can keep track with those around them in the table.

As are Barnsley, Palace and Ipswich. As are Scunthorpe, Sheff U and Bristol City.

In those games earlier in the season the side picked up four points from seven games, and have a score to settle at this crucial time in the season.

So my message – no, suggestion – is that everyone puts talk of revolt, ‘war’ and protests to one side until the end of the season, and spend the next few weeks supporting the team.

Show Lampitt his quotes at the end of the year, get some words from the owners that will allow us all to move forward together and enjoy a summer of Cotterill rebuilding the side.

Just don’t expect anything positive from tonight…

(If you’re still feeling bad about losing Utaka, scroll through to 1:50 of the video below…)

Remember celebrating?!

The answer is obviously everywhere, but in particular up front. Long has goalscoring been Pompey’s problem, with the Peter Harris’ and Guy Whittinghams of today nowhere to be found – or even the Yakubus and Sletoslav Todorov’s, who were prolific at this level for the Blues as they scored 97 goals in the promotion season of 2002/03.

Being hard to beat is all well and good but will guarantee you a bottom-half finish. Take the current Championship table for example. If Portsmouth had failed to concede a goal in their four league games so far but also failed to score, they could hope for 15th place at best. And in last year’s Championship table, drawing every game would have left you in 22nd position and seen you relegated to League One.

Drawing games are not enough at any level – and it is goals that win games. Between them the current strikeforce have three goals between them in all competitive competitions this season, and that’s if you include Nadir Ciftci as a striker, an 18-year-old usually deployed as a winger.

Dave Kitson has arrived as part of the Marc Wilson deal. This is a man who scored 22 goals for Reading in the Championship in 05/06, then scored 24 goals across his last four campaigns, including a goalless loan spell at Middlesbrough last season. Then again maybe it’s because he’s been listening to his iPod too much.

Kitson has been brought in because the current line-up is clearly lacking forward intent. The player in the whole squad who has recorded the most efforts on goal? The man just sold with Kitson as a makeweight – Marc Wilson. David Nugent, the closest thing to an established striker currently at the club, has only got a third of his shots on target so far this season let alone the fact he has scored just one goal.

This is by no means a personal attack on our strikers by the way (And if it was it would probably just lead to me conceding a point at the other end anyway). The whole team must take responsibility. Maybe it’s a matter of discipline – they might not be able to score but they’ve had no problems clocking up 63 fouls and eight yellow cards.

There are actually nine other Championship teams who have conceded just as many goals if not more than Pompey, but only Nottingham Forrest have had less shots on target in the league this season – and even they’ve scored twice.

So the problem clearly lies at the other end. Remember the days where we could concede four goals and still win? (If not watch the vid below!) When we had a striker who could bang in a hat-trick? (And you’ll never guess who was on Reading’s score sheet that day…)

This has been a great start to the season to make sure everyone at the club, fans included, knew what we were in for this year. Survival. And to survive, you need to win, and to win you need to score, and to score – you need to shoot. Elementary my dear Wilson…

Chainrai is the only realistic buyer for the club

What a relief. I honestly didn’t think the Blues would get the decision on Thursday, let’s hope Balram Chainrai can now takeover. He has issued worrying quotes about the club selling to him rather than him buying the club- perhaps suggesting he is a reluctant investor.

His solicitor said outside the courthouse on Thursday that he realizes the only way to get back some money is to invest in the club, and he has since said getting back to the Premiership would be his goal.

Big words indeed from a man looking to buy a team with 14 senior players at time of writing. Jamie Ashdown has put pen to paper to return in another piece of farcical transfer dealing by the club- why let him go when David James was never certain to stay? I hear big things about Liam O’Brien from the academy but he is obviously not ready for first team football. Let’s hope he is another Asmir Begovic- apart from the selling him to Stoke bit.

Stephen Jordan had agreed a deal but now looks set to ditch the Blues for Sheffield United, but doesn’t seem fit anyway- and there are still long-term problems for Hermann Hreidarsson and Danny Webber. So can we be optimistic? I hope so.

A back four of Jordan, Sonko, Wilson and Mokoena would have been a decent championship rearguard but would certainly need strengthening if Chainrai’s Premiership return dreams are to be realized. And with only Joel Ward and perhaps Peter Gregory as realistic backups, strengthening still needs to be done.

In the midfield, I cannot believe the club are even contemplating selling Matt Ritchie. I, like many other fans I suspect, have not seen enough of him to cast an opinion but he has been a promising academy product for several years and done well when sent out on loan- why not give him a chance in the Championship? I clearly remember a whole story about how much he wants to play for the club and that local passion would go down well with the fans at the moment.

Reading some pundit’s predictions have brought me pleasant reading also. Whereas I don’t think it’s harsh to say some media outlets gave Portsmouth FC some very biased coverage in the top flight, perhaps the Championship together with the club’s off-the-field plight will change the opinion of many. The lowest I have seen the Blues predicted is 12th so far.

I would be very happy with that at the end of the season.

Pompey's season could be effectively over this time tomorrow

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are making an example out of Portsmouth Football Club- I doubt even they would deny that now if the question were put directly to them. They disagree that the taxpayer should come second to outstanding business debts.

In a way they are preaching to the choir- particularly after the World Cup fans of the beautiful game more then ever are questioning whether or not even their own heroes on the pitch deserve quite the financial gains they receive.

Tax paying fans pay ticket prices, season ticket prices and television subscription to watch their teams, buy merchandise and matchday refreshments and what do they get in return? Pompey fans certainly will never see their money again. There may as well have been a giant pit in the Fratton End.

Maybe the solution is to call in BP and plug the gap with a giant top hat- or perhaps we can just use John Westwood’s jester hat. An idea I am sure some would take too seriously…

But now is most certainly a time to be serious. The very existence of the club could be in doubt tomorrow. Most fans are looking beyond the trial- whatever the outcome- and realizing this season will probably be the hardest in the club’s history.

After the Fulham friendly the squad has some quality but the uncertainty over key players and severe lack of strength in depth, highlighted by Michael Brown no less, is of great concern.

That concern is reinforced by just glimpsing at the squad profiles page on the official club website- an Internet page worthy of regular visits so far this summer.

Liam O’Brien is listed as the only goalkeeper, only four defenders including Aaron Mokoena are registered, and with 5 midfielders and 5 strikers fielding a team is technically possible- but would have a bench of three forwards and a midfielder.

If O’Brien were to get injured? Bring on the spare defender? Then if a defender gets sent off? Push back a midfielder? And what for next week with the defender suspended and goalkeeper unfit?

Indeed, the further into Portsmouth FC’s future you look- the more uncertain things get. But the only certain thing at Fratton Park right now is that it is high noon at the high court tomorrow. Well, 10.30 actually.

Mark A.

John Utaka and Kanu seem most likely to feature this season

And Kanu was said to have agreed a one-year extension at the same time as Herman Hreidarsson at the end of last season but still no official update on his future.

Kevin Pricne Boateng’s World Cup performance did Pompey a favour (See video below to relive his fine tournament) but the club are showing some refreshing resolve by holding out for his true value as one of Pompey’s last few remaining assets.

And Aaron Mokoena has the air of a loyal player- captaining the side on many occasions last season, it could be head versus heart time for the South African. Or is it merely down to a lack of exterior interest?

Boss Steve Cotterill has said that if he has the current squad for the start of the season in six days time he’ll be happy- but even if the International quartet were to stay- after being touted as surefire bets to leave the club would they still give 100% to the cause? Some would say flair players such as Boateng, Utaka and Kanu had work rates susceptible to events- such as Boateng after his FA Cup final penalty miss.

Their futures and their stories with Pompey remain to be concluded- and could well hold they to the season for the Blues.

Mark A.

Piquionne impressed me, I’m glad we picked up the Frenchie. Hopefully he can keep playing with the same intensity throughout the entire season. I’d like to see another striker play up with Piq–though we had a nice number of shots (17) vs. Fulham, I doubt we’ll be able to penetrate the defenses of many of the teams we face down the road with only Piq up front.

Also, Kranjcar needs to get more involved. He is a skilled player, but I hardly heard his name during the match. Was Utaka even playing?? Our defense played pretty well overall. I thought Belhadj played exceptionally well, but was left stranded a couple times.

Nobody needs to hear anymore that this is going to be a tough season for the Blues. The question is, how tough will it be?

Tomorrow is a must win. Not looking forward to the following matches with Arsenal at the Emirates (those 6 goals Saturday have me shaking in my boots) and MC the following week.

I’m hopeful though. I think if the players play with the same fire they played opening day, we should be able to avoid relegation. But it almost gurantees to be a trying season, which could break some players’ spirits.

Rumors are circulating about possible late-additions to the club. I’ll do my best to keep y’all up to date as speculation becomes more concrete.

I’m predicting a 1-0 win for Pompey tomorrow. PUP!

Reviews are mixed of the former Les Gones player. Sky Sports rates him a 5.0, which means “Below-average- some faults, out-of-touch.” David Nugent, graded by the same scale, is a 5.9.

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On a side note, do these ratings mean anything to you?

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The club sure is “playing up” the importance of Piquionne to the public. The announcement posted on the OS praises the striker as being “renowned for his pace and power” and touts his lengthy record as a player. Here is a detailed player summary from GFDb.com.

It appears his glory days were played earlier this decade in Ligue 1. In his 2004-05 season with Saint-Etienne, he landed 11 goals on 36 games. Since then, he had 11 goals on 30 games split between Saint-Etienne and AS Monaco during the 2006-07 season. From 2007-08 he scored 7 goals on 26 starts with AS Monaco, and last season he started 6 games with Lyon, scoring 3 goals (including one during Lyon’s UEFA matchup with Fiorentina).

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Peter Storrie gushed over the striker, saying in Portsmouth Today:

‘We have him on loan but you could easily pay £5-6m without hesitating.’

‘Harry (Redknapp) and I tried to get him before but couldn’t get him out at the time. He was at St Etienne at the time and I sat in their club offices all day. We had agreed a deal to buy him but they couldn’t find a replacement. They were all day on the phone on transfer deadline day and it collapsed.’

‘As a club, we’ve always tracked him and he’s the type of player our fans will like. If you look at his career, he’s always had a very good scoring record. He had some issues last season in terms of playing and got a bit frustrated being on the bench, but finished the campaign in the team. He’s played in their four pre-season games and can go straight into the team against Rangers – subject to international clearance.’

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The acquisition of Piquionne, combined with the Pompey in Portugal fracas with teammate Marc Wilson involving a “lump of wood”, could signal the end of David Nugent’s stint at Pompey.

Storrie mentioned that the club has already received an offer, but refused to comment further. Reports claim that Stoke is the most likely destination for Mr. Nugent.

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In other news…

David James has reaffirmed that he will stay at Pompey. He shares the sentiments of the fans and supporters, stating that he understands that “it is going to be a hard season and (I) just hope we don’t get rid of anyone else.”

Despite his pledge of allegiance, rumors are still circulating about the possibility he will leave after we sign Antti Niemi. I’m just not ready to jump on the Niemi bandwagon.

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The Zaki loan deal could still potentially happen. However, there is not very encouraging news stemming from a Goal.com interview with the striker as he sums up the situation saying:

I am only focusing on Zamalek. I don’t know anything about Portsmouth as this issue is between my club and agent and Portsmouth.

The days are numbered, so news is surely to break soon regarding this, and all other transfers.

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A Soccernet report affirms that looks are still being given to Mark Viduka.

It didn’t sound like we were going to sign any more players after this week’s statements and to-and-fro amongst management. It is very, very difficult to find out what exactly it is that we are up to!

The basic gist of the article is that they’re just trying to keep the boat afloat. This piece is worth reprinting:

While it is our intention to add strength to the existing squad we cannot rule out the possibility of having to sell more players should the takeover not happen.

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…… “Should the takeover not happen??” August 15 is rapidly approaching.

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The statement was posted in response to an article published today in The Sun, who we all know is undoubtedly the UK’s most reputable source for football information. But there obviously must have been some truth in the report, as it merited a prompt explanation from the club.

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Mr. Al Fahim, just hours later, released his response to the ordeal. He states that he has “duly met both deadlines” in regards to due diligence process and the “Fit and Proper Person Test.”

Al Fahim defers responsibility for this summer’s mismanagement by saying that he is “exercising every effort to complete (the transaction) as soon as possible” and commends the Pompey supporters for “showing an extraordinary level of loyalty to this great club.”

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So what do we make of this?

Nothing new. And damn surely nothing good. The club is still very much in limbo, with what’s looking to be a bleak end to the transfer period.

We could possibly be saying goodbyes to the likes of Sylvain Distin, Nadir Belhadj, John Utaka, and Sol Campbell by the season’s end.

I’m going to mail all of my bar tabs from this summer to Peter Storrie.