Source: SKY_Sports
The FanZone verdict
Pompey started the season as FA Cup holders, with Harry Redknapp in charge. They finished it just steering clear of relegation with Paul Hart at the helm and entertained none other than AC Milan in between. We asked FanZone's Pete Alexander to pick out the plus points, maybe the odd minus and cast one eye ahead to next term...[LNB] PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Without doubt, Glen Johnson takes the plaudits. He must have been involved in most of the goals we scored as well as a vastly improved level of performance at the back. He also scored a couple of crackers himself, which turned out to be pretty important. We'll have to wait and see if we can hold on to him this summer, but if someone stumps up £15m for him, I still think they'll be getting good value. That said, he's got to play every game - he's too good not to. Special mentions to Peter Crouch, who not only bagged a decent return but also worked his backside off up front on his own in the second half of the season and Sean Davis, who always made a notable difference to an unimaginative midfield when he was fit.[LNB]BIGGEST WASTE OF SPACE: I'm not really one for slating players. Even when we were losing under Adams, it looked like it was down to a lack of belief in the changing room rather than poor players. We've got a few who aren't as technically gifted as they could be, but they usually make up for it in graft. The likes of Icelandic Footballer of the Year Hermann Hreidarsson isn't the quickest or the best on the ball but will always work his socks off. Richard Hughes hasn't got the touch of an Iniesta or Xavi, but he'll rough a few people up and have a go. John Utaka has disappointed in his two years at Fratton, but as soon as he gets played in his true position through the middle, he steps up with a MOM performance. So, y'know... a few nightmare games, but no real stinker seasons in my opinion.[LNB]BEST MATCH/PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON: There's only one candidate for match of the season... Pompey 2-2 AC Milan. We were obviously hugely privileged to welcome the Rosseneri to Fratton Park, and the occasion didn't disappoint. An incredible atmosphere, the best we'd heard for a long time, was topped off with Pompey taking a two goal lead through Younes Kaboul and former Inter striker Kanu. But, in true Pompey style, we still managed to take the edge off what was meant to be a night to go down in history. Six minutes to go, and we give away a ridiculous free kick on the edge of the box (just for the record, it never was). Up steps substitute Ronaldinho, top corner, 2-1. Then, deep into stoppage time, as if it had been decided by the gods, Pippo Inzaghi (who else) received the ball from a throw in on the right, back to goal, turn, bottom corner. Heart break.[LNB]DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN CHARGE: Well... the 3-1 win against Sunderland in our last game in charge convinced me that, yes, maybe we should give Paul Hart and Brian Kidd a chance full-time. But Al Fahim's involvement has obviously changed the situation somewhat, and now it looks as though we're going to appoint a more high profile name, which I'm also happy about. For me, Slaven Bilic is the preferred candidate. Young, ambitious, talented and with a growing reputation across the continent - just the right mix for the next chapter in Pompey's development.[LNB]BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CLUB: Since 2002, it's been a relatively enjoyable experience being a Pompey fan. Promotion, great first season in the Premier League, the Great Escape, FA Cup Winners and then a adventure (albeit a brief one) into Europe for the first time in the club's history. Still, it's the same Portsmouth that was battling relegation in the Championship year after year. The squad and wage bill might have changed a bit, but the same mentality and passion and charm are still there. We're a Championship club playing in the Premier League, and I love that. The Milan players couldn't believe what they were experiencing that November night - they all approached Kanu in the dressing room after the game asking him what the hell all those people were singing and shoting about. We've had some highs, we've had some lows, but at the end of the day, there's always something going on at Pompey. That might sound a little bit of a romantic answer, but it's true. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next chapter of the Portsmouth FC story, but I think the heartbeat of the club will definitely remain in tact.[LNB]WORST THING ABOUT YOUR CLUB: This point also acts as a double-edged sword. We might have character, we might have passion, we might be over-achievers, but we also have a ground that some League One teams could fill and a training ground that would happily house a flock of sheep. We've attracted some great players in recent years, but credit has to go to Peter Storrie and Mr Redknapp for that - it won't, however, go on forever. Modernisation is a must.[LNB]TARGETS FOR 09/10: Nothing out of the ordinary, to be honest. It might sound boring, but I want a safe, mid-table season with some stability. Maybe a little flirt with the European places, maybe a naughty cup run, but the season to go by without panic and without getting carried away with ourselves. Presuming the takeover goes through (please, please go through), the worst thing that could happen would be Champions League chat and one or two disruptive wannabe galacticos, followed by a high-profile sacking of our newly instated superstar manager. A safe, slightly boring season would be superb.[LNB]REALISTIC IN'S AND OUT'S: Seventeen players out of contract suggests that there will definitely be some movement. Sol Campbell will go abroad, Hermann Hreidarsson will go north of the border and a load of fringe players will drift off into the lower Premier League/upper Championship. I really hope Glen Johnson stays but it's not looking good at the moment. That said, he's a loyal lad who just wants to play football. Hopefully the Doctor will convince him that he's a big part of the 'project' and he'll hang about. Same applies for Nico Kranjcar, Sylvain Distin and Crouch. As far as targets go, I'd happily look at John Mensah (who we were after last year) as a Sol replacement, Yohann Pele (the Le Mans keeper) as Jamo's future replacement, Taye Taiwo (the Marseille left back) to replace Hermann, and think we should also rekindle our interest in Giovani (Spurs), Saviola (Real) and Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool).[LNB]WHY I HAVEN'T RENEWED MY SEASON TICKET: Honestly? To free up more time for FanZone, naturally.[LNB]WHICH GAME CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR AND WHY: First game of the season, please. Saturdays just aren't the same in the summer. You have to... go out, and stuff.[LNB]Do you agree with Pete's picks? Let us know who your Pompey player of the season is, what you are looking for next season and what you make of the men in charge. Fill in the feedback form below...[LNB]
