Source: Team_Talk
Grant: Cup run gives hope to others
Avram Grant believes the spirit shown by his Portsmouth players in reaching this season's FA Cup final offers hope to all clubs.[LNB] Pompey will briefly forget the harsh realities of their dismal season as they remarkably take to the field against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.[LNB]The club's cup progress has been an extraordinary tale, coming against a backdrop of financial chaos, ownership changes, administration and relegation.[LNB]They now face an uncertain future but, despite all the off-field mismanagement at Fratton Park, Grant feels there is at least one reason for the club to feel proud.[LNB]The Israeli said: "For a big club to be in the final is something usual.[LNB]"Nobody will remember when a big club takes the cup because that is what everybody expects. But everybody remembers that Southampton beat Manchester United and Sunderland beat Leeds.[LNB]"Everybody will remember this season that Portsmouth, very proud, came to the final.[LNB]"I think it is good for football also - football is sometimes about fairytales and stories like this.[LNB]"Against all odds you do something that is unbelievable and gives hope to all the others."[LNB]The Portsmouth squad will be broken up in the summer as their administrator attempts to ease crippling debts.[LNB]Wembley will provide a great last hurrah and Grant, whose own future is uncertain, expects his players to be anxious to feature - even if not fully fit.[LNB]Grant has a lengthy injury list to contend with but Aaron Mokoena, Jamie O'Hara, Marc Wilson, Tal Ben Haim and Ricardo Rocha all overcame problems to play some part at Everton yesterday.[LNB]"Everybody wants to play at Wembley," said Grant. "It is unusual for a club like Portsmouth (to reach the final) - big clubs, it is for them.[LNB]"Especially after what has happened this season, everyone wants to play at Wembley."[LNB]Questions remain over the fitness of O'Hara, Mokoena and Wilson but goalkeeper David James should return after being rested for the 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.[LNB]Steve Finnan also suffered a knock to join a host of other players, including Nadir Belhadj, Aruna Dindane and Richard Hughes, in the treatment room.[LNB]Portsmouth will be assured of a good following at Wembley after selling out their 25,000 allocation of tickets.[LNB]The fans yesterday were in celebratory mood on Merseyside, with many turning up in fancy dress to make the most of the club's last game in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]Their spirits were not dampened, even when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov struck Everton's stunning winner in the fourth minute of injury time.[LNB]Grant said: "I must say thank you to the fans, all of them gave us a very good feeling.[LNB]"I am sorry for them but Pompey fans at all these games have shown everybody how you need to support a team in any situation."
