2005-06 record
League 17th
FA Cup 4th round
Carling Cup 2nd round
QUITE HOW HARRY REDKNAPP SAVED Portsmouth from the drop last season is a question that the club’s fans will probably be discussing for years to come, but while the South Coast side should be spared another nail-biting campaign, it is unlikely to be plain sailing.
Redknapp has yet to put a dent in the reported £30 million transfer budget offered by Alexandre Gaydamak, the club’s new owner. The process of weeding out most of the misfits brought in by Alain Perrin, Redknapp’s predecessor as manager, has continued this summer, but there have yet to be any ground-breaking signings.
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Redknapp promises that they will be forthcoming — and to judge by his track record, we would probably be advised to take his word for it — but Portsmouth will be hard-pressed to finish in the top half.
Sol Campbell is a big-name capture, although few are convinced that he still has what it takes to compete consistently at this level. Likewise Glen Johnson, who has been cruelly exposed at Chelsea, while David Thompson, the former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic midfield player, has rarely been free of injury in recent seasons. And who can rule out another bizarre twist in the Fratton Park soap opera?
Manager Harry Redknapp’s relationship with Milan Mandaric was tempestuous and new owner Alexandre Gaydamak will demand a good return for his money. Has the elements of a relationship that could break down again, but at least Redknapp is being given the funds to build a squad that should maintain its Premiership status without the struggles suffered last season
Player to watch Campbell, but does he have the character to bounce back and prove himself one of the Premiership’s top centre-halves again? ‘I’m still ambitious and I’ve come to a special club,’ he said on signing. Time will tell
In an ideal world Redknapp will look for the experience of James and Campbell, in particular, to improve Portsmouth defensively. Zimbabwe international striker Benjani might even score a few more goals
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INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS
Jamie Ashdown (broken thumb, one month), Lomana LuaLua (ankle, unknown), Pedro Mendes (groin, one week), Ivica Mornar (hamstring, one week), Benjani Mwaruwari (thigh, one week), Dejan Stefanovic (Achilles, one week)
PRE-SEASON
Lots of talk and speculation, but not much else, at least not until the past few days, when Harry Houdini appears at last to have been working his magic. Results have been varied
TICKET SALES
The club are confident of selling most of the 15,216 season tickets available — 75 per cent of capacity — although sales are “very slightly down” on last season. More new signings are expected to boost the figure
If they were a historical figure they would be...Nell Gwyn
Good at wheeling and dealing, capable of stealing a few hearts, living on their wits