As we all know, recent events haven't been "great" at Fratton Park. Numerous owners have come and gone and little has been invested - but let's return back once more to the gloom times last summer. Managerless, penniless and in growing debt, players had to be offloaded just to retain the club's place in the league. Armed with only Notepad and CM 03/04, I shall put myself in Steve's shoes and form a story based on the alternative scenario at Fratton Park. This is Back from the Brink. please log in to view this image 13/7/10 I knew as soon as I got the call I would take the job. David gave me 24 hours to think it through but in reality it took 24 minutes, if that. He told me it was a close call between me and Steve Cotterill but my achievements in non-league management swung the balance. A week later, here I am sat in a somewhat shabby office deep inside Fratton Park with a Laptop, phone, pen and paper. Just how I like it. I'll gloss over the details of the stuffy meet and greets. The coaching team seemed relaxed after being told I would retain all of them for at least the duration of their contracts, and are currently out putting what's left of the team through their paces, while muggins here sorts out the donkey work of transfers, and who's available. I say donkey work, but with the exception of matchdays it's the part of the game I enjoy the most. Football is won on the field but it takes a hell of a lot of preparation to get the lads in shape. Ah well, enough gassing about that, I expect you'll want to see who I've still got penned in for this season. In goal, I've got Darryl Flahavan, but no-one after that, not even youth keepers. It's definitely something I'll have to think about, obviously. Across the back line are Mullins, Ward, Hreidarsson (who will doubtless be my first choice captain), and youth teamer Lewis Tallack, who from what I've seen is a good prospect, so could be worth a few bob! Nothing of real sustainance in the middle, with youths Tom Kilbey, Billy Tsovolos, Billy Goddard and Peter Gregory giving me nothing in the way of experience, so I'll definitely need to get some older heads in there. Up front I've got my main threats, with us managing to retain Nugent and Webber. 17 year old Carl Walshe brings up my youth quota up front, as well as defender Perry Ryan who has been sent out to Bognor Regis on a season-long loan. More from me later, I've got a thrilling meeting with David to discuss transfer targets. Woohoo.
please log in to view this image 14/7/10 Lovely bloke David. Didn't promise me the world for transfer money, but I knew that when I took the job. Even bought my pint for me! So today is a first - my first friendly match as a Portsmouth manager. Plymouth Argyle the visitors to Fratton Park, and we hold a grand total of one sub for the game. Still, that should all change soon. Team picks itself really, with young Carl Walshe sat on the bench for this one. If we get any injuries I'm going to tear this thing up. PORTSMOUTH 1 - 2 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE Nugent 11 Patterson 18 Head 93 Manager's Thoughts: It was a tough initiation for some of the lads. You could really see them tire towards the end, but it's to be expected and I thought they showed tremendous spirit throughout. Mullins and Nugent as the veterans for me were fantastic both in the game and as rolemodels and mentors to the young guns. Although we lost it was a good performance by a depleted squad. Elsewhere, I've given Derek Townsley a ring for the assistant manager's post. He used to coach the Under 18's once a week when I was earning my badges at non-league Milton, really good bloke, and he's currently out of work. We've settled on a contract so hopefully we're on our way. Fingers crossed!
Raichu, nice article. I particularly liked the realism, describing management of Pompey as "donkey-work"
please log in to view this image 18/7/10 No players in yet, so I'll stick for the same squad for today's game away at Aldershot. I've made a couple of approaches in the transfer market, with former Arsenal keeper Graham Stack out of contract at Hibernian being offered a contract, and Michael Standing (who I know from his time at Oxford) offering to help me out by coming out of retirement for us. Anyway, today's game at Aldershot. Should be a different animal to Plymouth, well up for the game. please log in to view this image ALDERSHOT 0 - 2 PORTSMOUTH please log in to view this image Webber 14 please log in to view this image Nugent 53 Nugent 64 Manager's Thoughts Cracking result today, absolutely chuffed considering we lost Danny early on. He's alright, just turned his ankle over and will be back for the next game. I thought Lewis Tallack was superb in defence today, and Darryl in goal made some quality stops to keep us in the game, and preserve our lead when we had it. Credit also to young Walshy who came on for Danny, he set up both goals and looks a great prospect for the future. Away from the match, keeper Graham Stack has agreed terms with us, so he'll be my first signing this season, and I'm looking very much forward to more to come. Also, it's squad numbers time. Obviously we'll have to add and amend as we go due to needing more players, but my list goes as follows: 1 - Darryl Flahavan 5 - Lewis Tallack 6 - Hermann Hreiðarsson 7 - Tom Kilbey 8 - Hayden Mullins 9 - Danny Webber 10 - David Nugent 13 - Graham Stack 14 - Billy Goddard 17 - Billy Tsovolos 18 - Peter Gregory 20 - Joel Ward 22 - Carl Walshe Still with only thirteen players though, I need to buy...
please log in to view this image 25/7/10 Been a bit of a slow week this week in preparation for our Swindon friendly. Michael Standing has signed on and although he won't be featured all the time, I'm glad to have him as backup, plus it's an addition to the squad. Also I've managed to wangle 20 year old Scott Kay on a season long loan from Man City. Looking forward to working with him this season, hopefully I'll get more like him to come soon. I also have a surprise up my sleeve, but David says I'm not to disclose it yet. Shame, but I'm sure it'll bring a boost to everyone here at Fratton. Anyway, on with the friendly, and I'm looking at bringing Graham in for a debut, aswell as Scott in midfield for Greggs. Walshy also will start in place of Danny, as I thought he had a great game and partnership with Nuge against Aldershot. Four subs now... Roll on Swindon! please log in to view this image PORTSMOUTH 4 - 1 SWINDON TOWN please log in to view this image Walshe 36 Péricard 58 Nugent 70 Nugent 81 Nugent 84 Manager's Thoughts Brilliant. Outstanding. I am elated with my boys today, they did me proud. I know it's only a friendly and they are a league below us but this is such a good win in terms of confidence and getting goals. To be honest though, if anyone deserved a hat-trick it was Nuge, I didn't think he'd get it as it looked like it wasn't going to be his afternoon but, he shone through with three very well taken goals. I'm very proud of the lads today! - - - - - - - - - - Cheers for reading & the feedback guys. If there's anything I can do to make it better at all, please give us a shout =]
please log in to view this image 30/7/10 It's official, my big news has come through - we've signed Rohan Ricketts on a 3 year contract. He's a great signing for us, and becomes one of many that I hope can get us a mid-table finish in the Championship. Of course, the fans think I'm mad and the board told me they'd be happy if we stay up - but I disagree, there's always got to be the ambition there and I'm a very ambitious man. We will make mid-table, period. To aid me there I've also managed to nick Liverpool's exciting talent Martin Kelly on a season long loan. All I need now is Cameroonian centre back Nicolas Noudjeu to agree to come over and I think we're set for the season. I can't wait. Anyway, seeing as you've all taken the time to read my log of happenings, I thought I'd give you a proper intro to what I have at my disposal: 1 - Darryl Flahavan Darryl is my first port of call this season between the sticks. The 31 year old stopper has proven himself more than capable both in training and in pre-season so far, and I feel safe putting him in charge of the back four. The one drawback is he was born in Southampton, but nobody's perfect. 4 - Michael Standing Despite retiring last year, I've managed to coax Michael back to giving us some cover on the bench. He's a well rounded player who can strike a free-kick or two, and a real good character and genuinely nice guy, who I look forward to having around this season. 5 - Lewis Tallack I feel this season could be a very good one for this young lad. He's been knocking around the youth system for a while now and at 17 it's about time I gave him some responsibility and look at bringing him into the match squad. I've liked the look of this kid in pre-season and he always gives his all. 6 - Hermann Hreiðarsson This guy needs no introduction. A model professional and a proper rolemodel to all the kids watching us this season. He's 36 years old but reads the game better than anyone at the club in my opinion, and is a truly solid player to have around. 7 - Tom Kilbey 19 years of age and already a firm fans' favourite, young Tom looks set for a promising season in the middle of the park. With Rohan Ricketts coming in he'll have to adapt to a more central role but I think he'll manage it fine, as he has a good physique for this level. 8 - Hayden Mullins Solid defender, and Premier League experience always helps. He's a very versatile player and when you have a thin squad like ours it's always a massive boost to be able to utilise that. I think we'll be seeing a lot of him in various roles this season. 9 - Danny Webber Danny is a good old-fashioned centre forward who isn't afraid to get stuck in and do the dirty work up there. He'll get the ball down and play it around the front line and more importantly get the midfield involved, but at the same time he's not afraid to have a pop at goal, and I'm expecting a lot from him this season. 10 - David Nugent Goals. Goals. Goals. This guy has so much in his locker it's unbelievable. I'm not quite sure how we've managed to hold on to him and at 25 he's still going to improve. His goal tally pre-season speaks for itself with 6 goals in 3 games, and it's no wonder that he is essential to my plans in the oncoming season. 11 - Rohan Ricketts Another player I'm thrilled about having here. He's never really set the English leagues alight, and has had to look as far afield as Canada and Hungary to get game time but I'm confident of him staying in my first eleven this season, and I know he can do a job for us down the left. 13 - Graham Stack Graham is a consistent keeper from Arsenal's famous youth system that's come in on a free. At 28 he's got a good number of years ahead of him for a goalie and I very much look forward to having him in the squad. 14 - Billy Goddard Another graduate of our youth system, Billy has impressed me with his will and desire so far pre-season, and I hope to be able to use him in midfield this season alongside Scott and Tom. I'm tipping this lad to have a good future ahead of him. 16 - Scott Kay (loan from Manchester City) Scott is another young talent loaned in this season, and he joins from Man City. Although he's relatively young at 20 years of age he displays a good sense of teamwork and commitment to the cause, and looks like he will instantly become a very important player for the oncoming season. 17 - Billy Tsovolos A word of caution about this player is that he's only 16 years old. He looks like he will become a great player but I'm a bit cautious of burning him out too quickly and for that reason I can't seem him featuring constantly in my first team. 18 - Peter Gregory I have my reservations about Gregs this season as I'm not 100% sure he's ready for the step up to Championship football yet. I think like Billy he's going to have to be one I nurture in, as I'm again a bit wary of the old cliché "too much too soon". Luckily the central midfield role is not something we're short on, so maybe this season will not be his big one. 20 - Joel Ward Joel hasn't quite come through to the first team yet, which surprises me somewhat as I rate him a lot and will look to use him greatly both at right back and centre half this season. I think he can definitely pull his weight in defence and seems to have formed an effective partnership with Hayden at the back. 22 - Carl Walshe In Carl Walshe I have a promising young striker who has proven himself capable of scoring. I've been particularly impressed with his partnership with Nuge recently and his energy, so I think he could definitely fill the role of super sub this season. 34 - Martin Kelly (loan from Liverpool) Getting this player has been a big coup in my opinion. He's strong, big, powerful but at the same time quick and for a fullback those are all desirable traits. I'm thinking about also using him on the right wing, to make good use of the pace, and Martin is definitely another versatile player. ?? - Nicolas Noudjeu 27 year old Cameroonian defender/ midfielder Nicolas Noudjeu is a bit of a dark horse. A friend of a fiend living in Douala alerted me to him, and I've decided to take a punt on him, provided he wants to travel to England to play for us. Anyway, tomorrow is the big day - Kaiserslautern are the visitors to Fratton Park for arguably my biggest game yet. Wish us luck!
please log in to view this image 31/7/10 Alright, here goes nothing... No news yet on Noudjeu, but I'll be handing a debut to young Martin Kelly from Liverpool, as well as big name signing Rohan Ricketts against Die Roten. Auf Wiedersehen! please log in to view this image PORTSMOUTH 2 - 1 KAISERSLAUTERN please log in to view this image Hengen 12 please log in to view this image Webber 13 (pen) Ricketts 41 Lucas 50 please log in to view this image Lokvenc 79 Manager's Thoughts To see a red card in a friendly is odd. To see two is unheard of, and I feel a certain Mr Halsey might've been trying to make a bit of a name for himself tonight. To think that when I was at Milton I was pissed that one of our players got a yellow card! Back to the game, it turned into a bit of a training exhibition in the end, which I'm disappointed with as it was a good chance to see how the lads fared against some high class opposition, although sadly it was overshadowed by a bit of over-zealous refereeing. That said I was very pleased with Rohan Ricketts today on his debut, showed some great promise and took his goal very well.
This is deserving of a Professor Oak Lecture. This week number 26 Raichu! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LULyk7Pn_w8&feature=related I wish I lived in Japan sometimes.
"I wish I lived in Japan sometimes." Too many earthquakes & geological problems for my liking meowth., and don't get me started about their extremely weird game shows..........
please log in to view this image 4/8/10 What a draw - the Carling Cup first round and we're on our way to Southampton! For me, it's a thrilling draw and for he fans it's going to be something to really look forward to. As a Portsmouth fan I've always loved the derbies with our rivals, but I bet it'll be a completely different atmosphere in 9 days time! I've also had my monthly board appraisal. David's told me that they too are concerned about our financial future, and that if any suitable offers come in for one of my players I'm to consider it greatly. Sad reality, but I knew it would be like this when I took the job. Also, Nicolas Noudjeu is awaiting a work permit after agreeing to sign on for us this season, however with our current standing with the taxman I'm not 100% confident of that coming good. Today, it's my final friendly of the season away at Luton Town, and I've decided to put a few players out of their comfort zone to see what they can produce. Danny has been relegated to the bench with Ricky partnering Nuge upfront. Kilbs comes onto the wing with Mike and Scott in the middle. Wardy is replaced by Lewis as young Kelly comes in the centre, with Hayden at right back. please log in to view this image LUTON TOWN 1 - 1 PORTSMOUTH please log in to view this image Barnes-Homer 30 Nugent 77 Manager's Thoughts Mildly disappointed with the way we played today. A couple of players came out of position and we all seemed to switch off and forget our roles, which is a shame and not what I expect or need for a Championship squad. A couple of the boys will be getting a tough wake up at training in the morning, we need that little bit of quality if we're to have any hope of surviving this season, as a performance like that is not good enough.
please log in to view this image 7/8/10 What a total shambles. The Carling Cup draw was revoked due to "discrepancies in the system". Pah. So now instead of a thrilling derby for the lads to go to St Mary's we now get to host Walsall at home. No disrespect to the Saddlers, but it's hardly one to set the mouth watering, plus my boys were well up for a derby. I guess now it's the cup or nothing, unless they win promotion... Speaking of promotion, the Skybe odds have Sheffield United and Reading as 7-4 (ironic) favourites to go up this season, so we'll be sure to keep an eye on them. We're 80-1 to win, so it might be worth a cheeky punt. I'm also looking at a deal for Leon Johnson from Wycombe in the upcoming weeks, to cover us defensively as we are somewhat thin on the ground. Looking forward to hosting Nottingham Forest in a couple of days time, we've done the hard graft, now it's time to see if our hard work has paid off!
please log in to view this image 9/8/10 please log in to view this image PORTSMOUTH 2 - 5 NOTTINGHAM FOREST please log in to view this image Camp (og) 24 Nugent 26 Earnshaw 43 Blackstock 45 Earnshaw 45+1 Blackstock 46 Gunter 90+1 Manager's Thoughts I hate football. Football League Championship Table please log in to view this image
