Portsmouth FC

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• Founded:1898
• Manager:Steve Cotterill

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Pompey's spirit thrills Grant

07 Mar 2010 - 11:08:09

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Avram Grant likened the achievement of taking Portsmouth to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with reaching the Champions League Final during his time at former club Chelsea.

Pompey put their myriad off-pitch problems to one side as they booked their place in the last four with a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City.

Two goals from Frederic Piquionne secured a money-spinning semi-final tie at Wembley for the cash-strapped south coast club, who are threatened with extinction after becoming the first Premier League club to enter administration.

Speaking after the match, a jubilant Grant hailed the achievement of his embattled players and admitted it was a red letter day in his own managerial career.

"You can break many things but you cannot break our spirit," he declared. "The spirit of the players and fans was high. Other people maybe thought we would break but nobody can break our spirit.

"I'm very proud, when you see players of the age of Hermann Hreidarsson and David James giving their heart for the team. It's important for the spirit of football.

"There are some moments in your life you always remember and this is one of them. I was in the Champions League Final and was happy, this is the same.

"This club deserves more than anyone to be at Wembley because the players and fans are victims of things done by others. I will say it again and again until someone listens."