Your not wrong with most of that Ian. However I do disagree with you saying that most of our players don't want to be here. Its clear that a lot of our players are incredibly passionate for the club, although some aren't it has to be said. The likes of Ward, Pearce, Varney, Rocha and mullins have always gave their all bar yesterday. I reckon some of our players could play in your team though. Rocha contrary to popular belief outside Portmsouth is an excellent defender and it is obvious why he is an ex Portugese international. Same with Kanu. He may not be able to play for 90 mins but whenever he gets the ball, defenders back off him regardless of how outnumbered he is. In ref to the match on the 18th, I'm hoping that the atmosphere will be repeats of 2004 and 2005 because at the moment that's the best we can hope for. The away match at St Mary's for me is more hope than anything. It will border on a miracle if we win at yours but unless we improve tactically and players wise, then we've got no chance. As you say, you tore apart, Leeds, Brighton and Boro, who at the time had the best defence in the division.
It's still another month until we play Pompey. I should think by then Pompey will be more organised. Sadly I think the fortress will kick in. I'll take a draw at Pompey as it is a derby! As for saying to SB3 that you will get shredded based on yesterday's performance, dream on, he clearly hasn't watched any highlights or TFLS of your game at Watford. He isn't a proper fan, just an idiot!
Being as objective as I can at this precise time I can see nothing better than a draw for us.......my instincts though tell me we may get a beating....you have goals throughout the team and we don't. TBH based on how your performingI'd take a 1-1 or a 2-2......and barring a massive turnaround I can see only a comprehensive win for you at your place. Obviously I'll be very happy to be wrong but fair play to your crew they are really firing on all cylinders.
Hurts me to say so, but I agree with EastneyPFC's comments - we need a miracle, BUT the home fans could well turn out to be Pompey's 12th man in this game
Hermanator / Woopert I think it will be quite fascinating to see how Pompey fans take to Appleton. My guess is that he is very much a prospect for the future and something of a high risk for Pompey. What I think will be interesting is the reaction of fans who berated Steve Cotterill as I believe that he was doing a fantastic job on what was clearly a shoestring budget. Can't see any major names coming to Fratton Park but the addition of a new "Jamie O'Hara" could prove to be your salvation. Agree with the comments about Kanu as he was something special in his heyday and whether he can pull the rabbit out of the bag again against us remains to be seen.
SC had to go Ian. He did a great job last season -but the writing was on the wall as the season came to a close with very little from the last eight games and this season started much the same, mainly,I would say down to our conservative style of play especially at FP. If Michael Appleton wanted to know the size of the task facing him, he surely does now. Saturday's 'performance' was one of the worst I have seen from a Pompey side for a long long time. Whether he can pull things together in time for the visit of your lot is debatable-I cannot see how without half a dozen fresh faces- but as you say the derby atmosphere will hopefully give them a lift. That or a stick of dynamite!!
I'm one of the few Saints fans who think that Pompey have a decent chance of upsetting the form book. The Skates are a much tougher proposition at Nottarf Krap and our away form is not as strong as our home form is. My prediction is a draw, but I wouldn't be suprised if we narrowly lost, but make no mistake, we may lose this battle but we will most definately win the war!
perectly written IT. and with adkins, he'll have SFC perfectly set for derby day & the result will be ours. no probs.
Unless they can get 18 points for a win, the war's over before Xmas. Sad really, I was looking forward to a "nip and tuck" season this year. Having spent most of my lifetime above them, it would have been nice for a topsy turvy battle, but they're just too hopeless this season............
I think your being a bit unfair there Wd, Lord D has a good point, i have said before your season is all about staying in the Championship and possibly mid table at best but a result against us will help you with dealing with, finishing so far below the South Coasts (by a mile) Best Team and The real Pecking Order is Restored.
You've won nothing yet Poss. Thinking about it, you've won little ever. If you do manage to win the Championship, try to have a look at the list of illustrious names on that superb trophy. It might put things into focus for you and where your club really sit in the scheme of things
Above Pompey is where we sit. The last few years have been an aberration, and this season will restore the correct order of things.
Has anyone got that feeling that someone will bring attendances/stadium capacity/trophies won/youth teams into this argument..... ......it's only a matter of time I guess!
Check the trophy fatboy- we're on it 3 times, twice for when it was THE trophy to win. You have won very little in your existence and you'll always be playing catch up. Why do you think all that mattered to Man U fans was catching the Scouser's league title wins ?? You're a provincial club that for the greater part of it's existence played in a real shabby little ground and won very little, even during your best period.
I am not sure about 'pecking order' or 'natural order of things', rather woolly, loose and subjective terms in themselves. Why people wrangle over past history is beyond me. The current business (club) model is all-encompassing and important, providing the platform (or otherwise) to sustain a club, allow it to build and drive it forward for the future. Let's focus on the here and now not get bogged down in the past which is nothing more than an irrelevance for most of us. It's past history, a distant aeon of time - forget it and move on. So let us all look critically at events as they are happening now and embrace the future (with baited breath) come what may. FFD we are not a provincial little club as you erroneously put it, stop lowering yourself to SP's level. SP and PieKing, stop talking drivel.
Saints fans, let's not get too big for our boots! We could still finish bottom half! It's not certain until after 46 games have been played. FACT!
Rich, history is important- in all walks of life and especially in football. It's how rivalries ferment and traditions are made. It's all we've got to hang on to atm......and it's a VERY proud one.
