Reserve Team News v West Ham United

Svetoslav Todorov and Vincent Pericard start up front for Pompey Reserves tonight. They are not in bad company as the opposition strikeforce includes Bobby Zamora as West Ham visit Fratton Park.

Also included in a strong home line up are Matthew Taylor, Giannis Skopelitis and Jamie Ashdown. The game kicks off at 7.00 pm.

Pompey: Ashdown, Cousins, Taylor, Skopelitis, Day, Silk, Keene, Wilson, Todorov, Pericard, Fordyce

Subs Donaghey, Dean Harris, Swayne, Settle

West Ham: Reed, Henry, Clarke, Cohen, Ward, Stokes, Newton, Lomas, Zamora, Alliadiere, Reid

Source: The Official Portsmouth FC Website (Todorov and Pericard are Strike Duo again for Reserves - 31/08/2005)

Frank Songoo Signs

It's all go at Fratton Park today with the arrival of Frank Songoo from Barcelona

Here is the press release from The Official Portsmouth FC Website (Songoo Joins Portsmouth - 31/08/2005)

Portsmouth Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of France Under-19 international, Frank Songoo.

Pompey fought off a number of other teams to gain the signature of the 19 year old midfielder, who came up through the ranks of Barcelona's youth set up.

Club Chairman Milan Mandaric is delighted with Songoo's arrival at Fratton Park and says the player is one for the future: "This is a player with a lot of potential. He has both pace and skill so he is an investment."

Pompey's Chief Executive Peter Storrie echoes the Chairman's views as he welcomes the player to the club: "Songoo is a great addition to the squad. He is a young and talented player.

We're over the moon to have signed him and it's a real coup for Pompey.

Deadline Day Transfer News

Time is running out for Portsmouth to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes at 12 pm tonight.

We all know that a top class striker is a priory if we are to survive in the Premier League this season.

Today's Portsmouth Evening News is reporting that we are close to landing an international forward to excite the fans. They say the signing will not break our £2m transfer record but the player comes with hefty wages. Peter Storrie says they still have a backup plan if the main target fails but we are very close and are hoping something will happen with our main target. He is meant to be a good experienced player playing at the top level. They say there is no point bringing in players from the Championship and taking a risk.

In other Pompey news, our manager Alain Perrin has now moved to favourite to be sacked with the bookies now that Graeme Souness has captured Michael Owen

Jamie Ashdown has said he will show resolve and fight for his place back as number 1 keeper. Well after Sander Westerveld's recent performances, it will not be a tough fight.

Vincent Pericard has turned down a loan move to Sheffield United.

Many websites are also reporting that we are set to do a deal for youngster Frank Songoo.

The 19-year-old right-sided attacking midfielder is currently on the books at Barcelona and has made the bench for the Spanish giants but is not in their long-term plans.

He has agreed a three-year deal at Fratton Park with the fee to be decided by a tribunal.

Lastly we have some fantastic news regarding Svetoslav Todorov. The club has now changed their minds about letting him out on loan as he is now seen as a key member of Perrin's plans. It will be great to see him scoring goals for Portsmouth again. No Pompey fan will ever forget his 73rd minute winner against Burnley which secured the Championship for us.

In other football news, Michael Owen secured his transfer to Newcastle United at lunch time today. Even thought I'm a Portsmouth supporter, I was still getting excited as I watched the scenes on Sky Sports News. Let's hope our new signing will get me as excited!

Collins Mbesuma - First report on our new Zambian striker

Since I set up this website only a few weeks ago, I have had more emails requesting more information about one player than anything else. That player is our Zambian striker, Collins Mbesuma. When we first signed him, I did quite a bit of research using the trusty internet. The majority of websites were singing his praises and his goal scoring record for club and country looked very impressive.

So far he has only made 1 first team appearance for Portsmouth. That was a 15 minute cameo role at the end of the opening game of the season at home to Tottenham Hotspurs. He only had one real chance to score, but mucked up that effort. He looked well short of match fitness and all round conditioning.

The Portsmouth manager, Alain Perrin had been emailing Mbesuma prior to his arrival in England with training routines to make sure he was up to the same fitness levels as the rest of the squad. By the looks of the picture of him in training, it had little effect! I think he had to borrow David Unsworth's shorts!

Here is some comments taken from the Portsmouth Evening Newspaper (Look out Everton, here comes Collins - 20/08/2005)

Collins Mbesuma is still three weeks away from being let loose on the Premiership.

Alain Perrin believes the Zambian international will not be ready to be considered for a starting role until the Everton game on September 10.

Perrin has been impressed by the 21-year-old after watching him at close quarters in training since he arrived at Pompey last week.

He has marked the former Kaizer Chiefs goal-machine down as the type of poacher his team will need.

Mbesuma smashed all the South Africa league goal records last season, hitting the back of the net 35 times.

But Perrin feels the player still needs to develop his fitness and all-round sharpness.
He has given Mbesuma the target of doing that with a view to being ready to be unleashed on Everton in three weeks.

Perrin said: "He has not played for a while, so he has to work harder on the training ground."

"Maybe after the international games next month he will be ready to go."

"He looks as if he is sharp in the box. I think he will score goals for us. He needs to improve in other areas of his game, though."

Collins Mbesuma has been on target for Pompey though. He was part of a strong Pompey side that beat non-league Weymouth in a closed door practice match at the Wellington Sports Training Ground (see picture).

Mbesuma struck the first goal and another by Vincent Pericard gave Pompey a 2-0 victory in a match designed to keep the players ticking over. The continuous driving rain and wind were not conducive to good football however as at times it was hard to see too far in front of you.

As there is a lot of interest in Mbesuma, I will try to do regular post for all our overseas supporters with updates on our new striker.

Zvonimir Vukic Signs

Pompey have signed midfield man Zvonimir Vukic and they have gained themselves an attacking man in doing so.

Vukic was the Serbia & Montenegro leagues top scorer when he bagged 22 goals in 30 matches for FK Partisan Belgrade.

For the last two seasons he has been playing for Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk where he has struck another twelve.

The 26 year old began his career with FK Proleter Zrenjanin before going to Spain with Atletico-B de Madrid. He then spent four seasons at Belgrade where he scored 53 goals in the Serbian & Montenegro league.

Pompey Chairman Milan Mandaric said: "We have an attacking midfielder that is a very welcome addition to our squad.

"We were looking for a middle man who chips in with goals and this player not only has a proven record of doing that he actually bagged 22 in one season which is a little more than chipping in.

"That makes him a real bargain and his nose for goal will sharpen us up a little more."

Chief Executive Peter Storrie said: "He is the type of player we have been looking for and has proved he knows where the goal is which will be an asset to us.

"We needed a midfield man with an eye for goal and in Zvonimir we have our man."

Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic has named Vukic in his 20-man squad for the World Cup qualifying games against Lithuania and Spain.

News taken from: The Official Portsmouth FC Website (Pompey Sign Offensive Midfielder - 29/08/2005)

We certainly needed this! Just a top class striker to go!

When searching the internet for pictures of Zvonimir Vukic, I found this on our new signing.

Gifted Serb international attacking midfielder who quit Partizan Belgrade for Shakhtar last year and was especially impressive in the second-leg of the third qualifying round against Club Brugge, scoring both goals in the 2-2 draw in Belgium.

Once dubbed "The Maradona of the Balkans" by his former coach at Partizan, Lothar Matthaus, the 25-year-old has all the qualities a midfield general needs: vision, technical ability, good movement and an eye for goal. Indeed, in his last season at Partizan (2002-03), he was the top scorer in the Serbian League with 22 goals.

Shakhtar are not his first overseas club. In the late 1990s he left the Proleter Zrenjanin for Atletico Madrid but after spending two years with the Spanish outfit's B team, he returned home to play for Partizan.

Article taken from: Worldwide Soccer (Shakhtar Donetsk Midfielder - 29/08/2005)

Anyone described as "The Maradona of the Balkans" must have something about him!

Manchester City 2-1 Portsmouth - Report

Pompey's poor start to the season continued yesterday with a 2-1 defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium.

We started the game with a defensive 5-4-1 line up with the view to hit City on the break with the likes of Laurent Robert and Lomana LuaLua.

The first half was a pretty poor affair on both sides with little in the way of chances beyond speculative, long-range efforts. Probably the only real chance of note came in the first minute as Cole attempted a spectacular overhead inside the box which Sander Westerveld had to be alert to and parry away.

Alain Perrin tactics seemed to be vindicated when we took the lead through John Viafara five minutes after half-time. A dangerous Laurent Robert free-kick from the left found John Viafara at the near post to head home the opening goal.

If we had been defending for our life before the goal went in, this was now the time to really shut up shop.

Unfortunately 15 minutes later a resurgent City hit back as Joey Barton's cross caused consternation for Westerveld and he could only parry it into the path of Reyna for the equaliser. This was Westerveld's third mistake in four games.

Four minutes later City took the lead with Trevor Sinclair's cross picking out Cole and allowing him to run his marker and fire into the bottom corner. The shot took a deflection off Andy O'Brien which beat the luckless Westerveld.

Pompey looked pretty toothless after that and City held on comfortably to secure the three points. Lets hope the international break will give Alain Perrin the chance to get the additional players in which will keep us safe from relegation this season.

wanc.co.uk's Pompey Man of the Match: Dejan Stefanovic

Manchester City v Portsmouth - Team News

The Portsmouth Team for todays game away at Manchester City is:

Westerveld
Griffin - Priske - O'Brien - Stefanovic - Vignal
O'Neil - Viafara - Hughes - Robert
LuaLua

and the Manchester City team is:

James
Mills - Dunne - Onuoha - Thatcher
Sinclair - Barton - Reyna - Musampa
Vassell - Cole

Play up Pompey!

Second round of the Carling Cup - Draw

We have been drawn away against Gillingham in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The game will take place during the week beginning 19 September at the Priestfield Stadium.

Gillingham beat Oxford 1-0 at Priestfield in the first round.

Let's hope for a good cup run this season.

Just got back from Fratton Park

I have just got back from Fratton Park. It was very busy down there with the double excitement of the new home kit launch and the start of the demolition work.

There was lots of media interest with Sky beaming live images of the event on Sky Sports News. There was also TV crews from Meridian and BBC. I was asked to do an interview for BBC but declined the offer as I am a wimp!

I took the opportunity to get my new home shirt. It’s much better than I thought it would be. It’s the best Pompey kit I have owned. One point to note; It says Jako on the front, but has a Pompey Sport label inside. Now the kits are lying to us!

The buildings have now started to come down. I was the first supporter there (got there way too early) so I had a chance to talk to the demolishers. They told me that the old supporters club building should be down by the end of the day!!

They also said it will only take one mouth to completely demolish everything that needs taking down. So it should not be long before we see some signs of the new North stand being built.

Today is a great day to be a Pompey fan!

Play up Pompey :)

Sky Sports - Portsmouth Preview

Whether Harry Redknapp's stay at Fratton Park will be remembered as golden halcyon days or merely steps to greater things will largely depend on Alain Perrin's ultimate success or failure.

There can be no underestimating the significance of the forthcoming campaign for Portsmouth - with the changes made by Perrin arguably the most wholesale in The Premiership.

Portsmouth under Redknapp, with all respect, were a glorified pub side.

Meaning not that there was panache for liquor on the South Coast but rather they were a team cobbled together by a shrewd boss under often trying circumstances.

Redknapp made a team stronger than the sum of its part and, when matched by a home crowd equalled by few, Fratton Park proved a fortress.

However, after one spat too many with Milan Mandaric, Harry was shown the exit door and enter Perrin - a figure as removed as Redknapp as could be found. At least on the surface.

Portsmouth showed promise last term under the Frenchman's promptings but his debut full campaign promises to be a difficult, and one predicts, fraught affair.

A whole team has followed Redknapp, 11 in total have been deemed surplus to requirements, with a season of transition and consolidation the likeliest scenario after seven arrivals.

Like Redknapp, Perrin's contact book stretches across the globe - with arrivals coming from Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Colombia.

Whilst Perrin may cut a reserved figure, this summer has seen him play the gambler, just like Redknapp. A risk taker who may lose all his chips or scoop the lot - depending on the performance of a new-look strike-force.

The loss of Yakubu Aiyegbeni was inevitable but replacing the prolific Nigerian could prove the difference between survival and the drop.

Those brought in suggest potential but their rawness could lead to too many shut-outs next season.

Ricardo Fuller and Diomansy Kamara, although neither prolific, were both shipped out to Southampton and West Brom respectively - which also represents a gamble.

Much pressure will be on Tresor Lomana Lua Lua to deliver what he has always threatened but never really delivered.

Next term potential will not be enough to keep Pompey in the top flight; Lua Lua - a reported target for Tottenham - will start the season as Perrin's first choice.

Competing to start alongside him will be a pair of new boys entirely untested in The Premiership; Azar Karadas and Collins Mbesuma. Here lies the gamble.

Of the two, it seems likely that Karadas will be the quickest to adapt to both the pace and physical nature of English football - a 23-year-old Norwegian who has already been likened to a 'traditional British centre forward'.

Much is expected of 21-year-old Zambian, Mbesuma, after last season's exploits in South Africa, where he plundered an eye-catching 35 goals.

Young and far from home, Mbesuma's story draws parallels with Yakubu's and if he can have a similar impact then Portsmouth will be delighted.

But more likely, Mbesuma will observe from the touchline and be introduced through cameos - which could mean a second chance for Croatian Ivica Mornar, who has looked out of sorts and out of his depth since his arrival.

If Perrin made little of his forward line then he was hardly in raptures about his midfield either. The classy promptings of Patrik Berger have been allowed to escape to Midlands mediocrity and Aston Villa, while reliable foot soldier Steve Stone will spearhead a promotion push at Leeds.

From South America comes John Viafara - a Colombian who speaks no English but has shown enough in pre-season to suggest he could be a noticeable find if he can adapt to the rigours of a different style of football.

Perhaps Perrin's most high-profile capture has been Laurent Robert - the talented-but-temperamental Frenchman who can be both breathtaking and lethargically effervescent in equal measures.

At home, when the cauldron atmosphere of Fratton Park is like a junior version of St James', Robert could prove to be the club's most potent weapon and he will not be starved of either the ball or affection in his new home.

Also arriving from Newcastle is Andy O'Brien, a reliable stopper who should prove a steady purchase, albeit one that hastens the departure of club captain Arjan De Zeeuw.

The Dutchman has been a key player over the past couple of seasons but if as expected O'Brien starts alongside Dejan Stefanovic, then a mooted return to Wigan could well materialise.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has been brought in to replace Shaka Hislop - which again looks a good piece of business by Perrin.

Next season represents one of transition for Portsmouth and whether they are still a Premiership club at the campaign's close will depend largely on whether the unlikely gambler has had a good day at the office, or not, as the case may be.

Predicted Position: 13th
Star man: Laurent Robert
If Perrin can keep Robert content on the coast then even Newcastle boss Graeme Souness may be left to rue the departure of the gifted wide man.
One to watch: John Viafara
Colombians have been few and far between in England but the early signs are that Viafara could make a real impact.
Manager: Alain Perrin
Key players have been both sold and brought in during a busy summer so focus will be on Perrin's eye for talent.
INS: Azar Karadas (Benfica), Sander Westerveld (Real Sociedad), Collins Mbesuma (Kaiser Chiefs), Gregory Vignal (Liverpool), John Viafara (Once Caldas), Laurent Robert (Newcastle United), Andy O'Brien (Newcastle United)
OUTS: Ricardo Fuller (Southampton), Diomansy Kamara (West Brom), Rowan Vine (Luton), Yakubu Aiyegbenu (Middlesbrough), Steve Stone (Leeds United), Richard Duffy (Coventry City), Shaka Hislop (West Ham), Patrik Berger (Aston Villa), Chris Clarke (Out of Contract), Shaun Cooper (Out of Contract), Hayden Foxe (Out of Contract)
Best signing: Sander Westerveld
Sky Bet Odds: 11/2 to finish in top ten
Likely top scorer: Tresor Lomana Lua-Lua

Extracts taken from: Sky Sports (Portsmouth Preview - 11/08/2005)

Work starts on the new stadium tomorrow!

It's the sight that all Pompey fans have waited for and tomorrow the dream becomes reality as the demolition men move in to start the process which heralds the beginning of a new dawn at Portsmouth Football Club.

Pompey Chairman Milan Mandaric will don his hard hat along with fans old and young to signify the moment that has been thirty five years in waiting as together they dig the first sod of earth which will be the first stage of bringing the club into the 21st century. First for the chop will be the old study centre and supporters club home which was previously the British Telecom building.

The demolition will continue over the next few weeks as Pompey fans will visibly see the preparation for the dramatic transformation of a ground that is affectionately thought of by all, but for which a major facelift is crucial if it is to continue living with the giants of the Premier League.

Members of Pompey's Supporters Advisory Panel have been invited along to the landmark occasion and other supporters are welcome to come along at 11.00 am tomorrow morning in the old study centre building behind the North Stand of the ground.

Extracts taken from: Portsmouth Official Website (The fall and rise of Fratton Park as demolition men move in tomorrow - 10/08/2005)

I will be down there at 11 tomorrow to witness the start of demolition with my digital camera. I will post pictures here once I get back!

New Home Kit out Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the official launch of Pompey's 2005/06 home team shirt. Much has been made of this new kit as we now have a new club sponsor (OKI Printing Solutions) and kit manufacturer (Jako).

The OKI sponsorship is a two year deal which will commence at the beginning of the 2005/06 season and is worth over £1.6 million.

The new kit has started to grow on me since the launch. I will be queuing up early tomorrow morning to get my hands on one. I can't go on holiday without a Pompey shirt! (Seeing as I gave my last one away to a West Bromwich Albion supporter after the final game of last season.)

Let's hope this new kit and sponsorship deal is as successful both on and off the pitch as the old one.

Pompey's Pre Season Friendly Matches - Review

Tuesday July 12th Havant & Waterlooville (a) 6-0 Robert, Mornar, De Zeeuw, Horsted (2) Todorov
BBC Sport Link

Laurent Robert made a scoring debut as Portsmouth beat neighbours Havant and Waterlooville 6-0 in a friendly.

The French winger was on target in the first-half before Ivica Mornar, the striker who spent last season on loan at Rennes, added a second.

The visitors stretched their lead when captain Arjan de Zeeuw grabbed a third.

Injury-hit Bulgarian Svetoslav Todorov made his return to action, netting a second-half goal, in between a brace from young winger Liam Horsted.

Saturday July 16th Yeovil (a) 4-2 Mornar, LuaLua, O'Neil, Todorov
BBC Sport Link

Portsmouth's summer signings - Laurent Robert, Andy O'Brien and Gregory Vignal - all played some part of the game in the comfortable win over Yeovil.

Ivica Mornar volleyed home Pompey's first goal, with Lomana LuaLua slotting in the second after 20 minutes.

Paul Terry then scored for Yeovil but Pompey restored their two-goal lead before half-time through Gary O'Neil.

Darren Way's header helped Yeovil pull a goal back, before Svetoslav Todorov wrapped up the scoring late on.

Tuesday July 19th Bordeaux (a) 1-3 Robert (pen)
BBC Sport Link

New signing Laurent Robert was on the mark for Portsmouth but was unable to prevent his side slipping to defeat.

The Frenchman grabbed the opening goal of the game after 18 minutes but Bordeaux came storming back.

Vladimir Smicer, signed on a free transfer from Liverpool, equalised and Pompey were soon to fall behind.

Julien Faubert made it 2-1 and defeat was sealed 20 minutes into the second half when Mamadou Balde put the game beyond Portsmouth.

Saturday July 23rd Monaco 2-2 Karadas, LuaLua
BBC Sport Link

Azar Karadas scored on his debut as Portsmouth ended their tour of France with a draw in Bayonne.

The Norwegian put Pompey ahead after just 11 minutes but Meriem's brilliant free-kick pulled Monaco level just two minutes later.

Portsmouth then appealed for a penalty when Laurent Robert was fouled but the referee ruled it was outside the area.

However, Lomana LuaLua curled in the free-kick before David Gigliotti scored for Monaco to ensure honours were even.

Wednesday July 27th Bournemouth (a) 3-0 Karadas, Robert, De Zeeuw
BBC Sport Link

New signings Azar Karadas and Laurent Robert were among the goals as Portsmouth beat Bournemouth in a south-coast derby.

Karadas made the breakthrough, turning in a terrific cross from Ivica Mornar.

And French winger Robert, who has joined from Newcastle, added a second soon afterwards with a fine strike.

Arjan De Zeeuw put Pompey 3-0 up in the closing stages as Alain Perrin's men clinched a decent win after a good work-out in Dorset.

Sunday July 31st Inter Milan (h) 0-2
BBC Sport Link

Portsmouth fielded six new signings but fell to Inter Milan after goals from David Pizzaro and Dejan Stankovic.

In a physical match, Pompey strikers Lomana LuaLua and Ivica Mornar were forced off with injuries.

Inter took the lead on 54 minutes when Pizarro converted a penalty after Sander Westerveld was judged to have fouled Obafemi Martins.

And on 76 minutes, Pompey were cut open for Stankovic to slot in Inter's second and earn them a fourth tour victory.

Friday August 5th ADO Den Haag (h) 1-0 Robert
No match report yet

Pre Season Summary
P7 - W4 - L2 - D1 - F17 - A9

Goals From:
Robert (4)
Mornar (2)
De Zeeuw (2)
Horsted (2)
Todorov (2)
LuaLua (2)
Karadas (2)
O'Neil

Season 2005/2006 Squad Review

Here is my squad review for the coming Premier League season.

29 Andrea Guatelli (Goalkeeper)
I would expect another season of reserve team football for Guatelli. From the reserve teams games I have seen him play, I have been very impressed. I do not expect him to get a look in with Ashdown and Westerveld in front of him pushing for the number one jersey.
30 Jamie Ashdown (Goalkeeper)
After coming into the Pompey first team last season at the expense of Hislop, Ashdown showed his class with some fine performances. During his debut in the 1-3 home defeat by Manchester City, Ashdown pulled of some fine saves to keep the score down to 3. He will be pushing very hard to be Portsmouth's number one goalkeeper this season.
33 Kostas Chalkias (Goalkeeper)
Chalky the clown was a Velimir Zajec January transfer window signing and made his Pompey debut in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to our Coca Cola neighbors Southampton. I saw enough in that game to suggest Chalky skills were better served in the Moscow State Circus than on a football pitch. Hopefully some club will come in for him in the very near future.
xx Sander Westerveld (Goalkeeper)
Westerveld is a goalkeeper with vast experience of the Premier League from his time at Liverpool. He has started the majority of the pre-season games since he joined that suggests he will start as Pompey's number one keeper this season.

wanc.co.uk starter against Tottenham Hotspurs: Sander Westerveld

2 Linvoy Primus (Defender)
Primus has proved to be a reliable first-team performer over the past seasons, raising his game to Premier League standards. He never lets us down with his consistency and his 100% commitment. Primus will be a very good squad player for us this season.
3 Dejan Stefanovic (Defender)
Stefanovic has become a fans favourite since his transfer from Vitesse Arnhem. He is comfortable on the ball and provides a calm head in the center of the Portsmouth defense. A definite starter for us this season.
6 Arjan De Zeeuw (Defender)
De Zeeuw is a tough-tackling but skilful defender with over 300 league appearances to his name. Until this summer he has been the model professional both on and off the pitch. He probably has one season left at Premier League standard so will be looking for regular first team football this season.
14 Matthew Taylor (Defender)
Taylor is a highly-rated left-sided wing-back who we signed from Luton Town in June 2002 for £600,000. He has tough competition this season for his left back spot with the signing of Vignal from Liverpool this summer.
16 Andy Griffin (Defender)
Griffin showed at the end of last season his worth to the Pompey side. He is tough in the tackle and an energetic man-marker. Griffin is the only natural right back we have at the club, so we need an injury free season from him.
xx Andrew O'Brien (Defender)
The Republic of Ireland international moved to Portsmouth from Newcastle United this summer. O'Brien boasts aerial prowess, uncompromising tackling and a 100 per cent commitment to the cause. I am hoping for great things from Andrew this season.
xx Gregory Vignal (Defender)
Vignal signed on a two-year contract after being released by Liverpool. He is a versatile defender who is at home as a left-back but can also slot into midfield. Vignal should provide competition for Taylor, and also cover for Laurent Robert.

wanc.co.uk starters against Tottenham Hotspurs: Andy Griffin, Andrew O'Brien, Dejan Stefanovic, Matthew Taylor

11 Giannis Skopelitis (Midfielder)
I am not one of Skopelitis biggest fans. He is defensive midfielder who signed for £1 million by Velimir Zajec in the January transfer window. He would only provide cover in my squad at best.
18 Aliou Cisse (Midfielder)
I am of the same opinion for Cisse as I am for Skopelitis. I don't think he provides the necessary quality we need in our central midfield engine room. This is an area of the pitch I believe Pompey needs to strengthen.
22 Richard Hughes (Midfielder)
Hughes will probably start the season for Pompey unless we can sign any more players before the transfer window closes. Hughes is a 6 out of 10 player every week. He does his job well and works within him limitations. He is a useful squad player at the club.
26 Gary O'Neil (Midfielder)
O'Neil is the England Under-21 captain and will play a big role in the Pompey midfield this season. After not getting a look in under Judas, O'Neil has matured into fine young player. It looks like he will be played on the right hand side of midfield this season, a position I feel he will be wasted.
xx Laurent Robert (Midfielder)
We signed Robert from Newcastle United this summer. The mercurial winger plays with both pace and incisiveness down the left flank and provides plenty of ammunition for strikers. He will be filling the void left by the departure of Partick Berger. A lot is expected from Robert this season.
xx John Viafara (Midfielder)
Viafara is a Colombian international who we signed from Once Caldas. Viafara was instrumental during his club's success in the Copa Libertadores, the South American version of the Champions League. He is a fearsome tackler with the stamina to get forward and support the strikers while also protecting the back four. This is what we have been missing from the midfield in previous seasons. I am hoping he can live up to the high expectations placed on his shoulders.

wanc.co.uk starters against Tottenham Hotspurs: Gary O'Neil, John Viafara, Richard Hughes, Laurent Robert

9 Svetoslav Todorov (Striker)
Toddy has been hit by injury problems that virtually ruled him out of both the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 Premier League campaigns. He was fantastic for us in the old Division 1 netting 27 goals in 49 league appearances. It will be great to see the old Toddy back again.
17 Vincent Pericard (Striker)
As with Toddy, Pericard has spent most of our Premier League campaigns injured. A lot is expected from Pericard if he can stay injury free this season.
28 James Keene (Striker)
Keene has got a bright future in front of him. I don't expect a big impact this season from him, but I am sure Perrin will give him a couple of appearances from the substitutes bench.
32 Lomana Tresor LuaLua (Striker)
Lua Lua is now Pompey's number 1 striker. The gifted Congo-born striker signed from Newcastle last season and has proved to be a real handful for even the best of Premiership defenses. His 27 minute destruction of Southampton last season will always live long in all Pompey fans memories.
xx Azar Karadas (Striker)
Karadas is on a year-long loan deal from Benfica. Perrin seems to like the old "big guy, small guy" partnership from his strikers. Let's hope Karadas can bring out the best in Lua Lua.
xx Collins Mbesuma (Striker)
Mbesuma is a big and strong target-man who can hold the ball up well and bring others into play. Mbesuma scored 35 goals last season for the Kaizer Chiefs. We will all hope he will be the man to fill Yakubu's considerable boots after the Nigerian left Fratton Park for Middlesbrough this summer.

wanc.co.uk starters against Tottenham Hotspurs: Lomana Tresor LuaLua, Collins Mbesuma

Welcome to my Portsmouth Football Club website

Welcome to my Portsmouth Football Club website.

There are many websites out there that help preach the religion that is Portsmouth Football Club and with this website I will be joining them.

I am not a negative person, and in my eyes the glass is always half full. The difference is I don't believe everything that said to us fans by the management of the club (as members of the Pompey Online forum will testify).

Don't get me wrong, I am as grateful as every other Pompey fan for everything Milan Mandaric has done since he came in and saved our club. I just get frustrated when people think that we are idiots and can not be told the truth.

Anyway, this season looks to be one of the most exciting and successful in the history of Portsmouth Football Club. I will be following the team's progress in this blog, with news and my views on everything that happens throughout the season.

On this website I will try to provide balanced opinions in a fun and informative style.

I am a season ticket holder in the Fratton End, so I will also try to portray the electric atmosphere when writing up my match reports.

I will welcome anyone's, not just Pompey supporters, opinions on anything I write. A lot of people may not agree, but I promise that everything I put on here will come from the heart.

Here's hoping for a successful season at Pompey!