Write-up by David Walker

Portsmouth

Odds: 1000/1

Final Five Seasons2005/06 – 17 (Premiership), 2004/05 – sixteen (Premiership), 2003/04 – 13 (Premiership), 2002/03 – 1 (Championship, Promoted), 2001/02 – 17 (Championship).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fourth Round vs Liverpool (h) – misplaced 2-1.Carling Cup Second Round vs Gillingham (a) – misplaced three-two right after further time.

Top rated Objective Scorer 2005/06: Lomano Lua Lua (striker) and Gary O’Neill – seven ambitions every.

Gamers InDavid Thompson (Wigan Athletic – Totally free), Glen Johnson (Chelsea – Mortgage).

Gamers OutJohn Viafara (Southampton – Undisclosed), Brian Priske (FC Bruges – No cost), Gregory Vignal (Lens – No cost), Vincent Pericard (Stoke Metropolis – No cost), Gary Silk (Notts County – Free of charge), Andrea Guatelli (Launched), Aliou Cisse (Released), Collins Mbesuma (Released), Sander Westerveld (Launched).

Portsmouth survived the drop very last period right after languishing in the bottom 3 for much of the campaign. The rescue act was down to former manager Harry Redknapp, who returned to the Fratton Park hot seat just a 12 months after leaving for bitter rivals Southampton.

A 6 game unbeaten run in between March and April noticed Pompey scramble together adequate factors to beat relegation with four points to spare but Redknapp will have his work minimize out yet again this time.

With a great deal of income to spend, he has been thwarted in the transfer marketplace this summer time. Celtic’s Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov was higher on the needed checklist but he failed with a £5 million bid, even with the player seeking a move to the Premier League. Aston Villa turned down Redknapp’s provide of £4.5 million for midfielder Gareth Barry and Real Betis rejected a bid for Brazilian striker Edu, who netted 11 ambitions in 31 matches final season.

Portsmouth have been on the verge of breaking the transfer report charge with the £10 million capture of Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes but the youngster, who was not chosen for Portugal’s World Cup squad, but that transfer also failed.

Redknapp has managed to sign Arsenal centre back Sol Campbell on a free of charge transfer subsequent 5 many years, 5 major trophies and 197 appearances for the North London side. Wigan Athletic midfielder David Thompson, a former England international, also arrived on a free of charge transfer, following spells at Blackburn Rovers, Coventry Town and Liverpool.

Chelsea defender Glen Johnson, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge following a £6 million change from West Ham United in the summertime of 2003, has joined the club on a time long loan.

VerdictThe arrival of Sol Campbell will offer some much necessary defensive balance and Redknapp is gradually shipping out the dead wood, but survival will be the quantity a single priority subsequent period above anything else.

About the Writer

David Walker runs Paddy Strength free of charge bet and football betting techniques internet sites. A no cost e-mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is obtainable at both of these sites.