Yesterday’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Birmingham in the FA Cup proved that Portsmouth shouldn’t be written off just yet. Their financial problems are well publicised but things on the pitch have suddenly improved.
Determination
For all their troubles off the pitch the Portsmouth players have not given up. They will go down thanks to the likely point’s deduction.
However when they do go down the players have shown that they are not going to go down without a fight.
Loaners
Some of these players aren’t even permanent Pompey employees. In fact their more influential players in the past few weeks have been loanee’s.
When Portsmouth signed Frederic Piquionne on-loan from Lyon, I was sceptical to say the least about the 31 year-olds ability. Every time I had seen him play he was awful and missed crucial chances.
However since he’s been at Portsmouth he’s really impressed me. I’m not the only one he was believed to have impressed, as according to his agent other Premier League clubs made enquires about signing him if Pompey had to let him leave in January.
It would have been a big loss to the Portsmouth caused if he would have left, as he has provided a goal threat and works hard for the team.
Another player who has been pivotal in Portsmouth’s recent revival and cup run is midfielder Jamie O’Hara. The 23 year-old has shown tremendous heart and energy since his loan move from Tottenham last summer.
O’Hara was frozen out at his beloved Tottenham and moved to Portsmouth in the hope of regular first team football. He has got what he had hoped for and has epitomised the spirit of Portsmouth. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty for his temporary employers.
His loan spell at Pompey has put him in the shop window and if he doesn’t feature in Harry Redknapp’s future plans at White Hart Lane I’m sure another Premier League boss would take the chance on the midfielder.
Unfortunately for the midfielder if Pompey draw his parent club he won’t be able to play. It would be unjust reward for the youngsters contribution to Portsmouth’s season. I saw an interview with O’Hara after yesterday’s game and he described the club and fans as special. He has obviously enjoyed his loan spell so far but is unlikely to be with the club much longer.
Fans
The Portsmouth fans have remained fiercely loyal to their club despite their board and numerous chairmen letting them down. They still sing the Pompey chimes as loud as they can. They still pack Fratton Park in hope rather than expectation.
I admire the Portsmouth fans for their faith in the face of adversity. They have always been a bunch of good supporters but have been extra special for their team recently. They deserve their trip to Wembley for the semi-finals and I’m sure the occasion will be better for their presence.
Boss
Portsmouth boss Avram Grant has become something of a cult hero at Fratton Park. He has gained this cult status by managing the club to the semi-finals and just getting on with the job without moaning about the situation.
Grant has needed all his experience to steer the good ship Portsmouth through such choppy waters. Since taking over on the South Coast he has provided something very rare at the club in recent times, stability.
Grant also richly deserved the success he’s had in the FA Cup and last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Burnley raised the club’s morale, which probably helped them make it into the semi-finals. No matter what happens off the pitch you can be sure that the Pompey coaching staff and manager will not let the players give up on the pitch. It’s now just down to those off the pitch to sort the financial situation and Portsmouth will be much more ship-shape.
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