‘4-4-2 you media star!’ These were the words texted through to me by pentonpompey a year ago when an interview I gave to FourFourTwo was used in their pre-season supplement.
Well, fast forwarded to now and after being asked to do so again the mag is now on sale – these are the answers that I gave, bare in mind I wrote these in late June, but I feel most are as relevant now as they were then! I would suspect some will be shortened in the FourFourTwo supplement itself, which I have not yet seen…
Why have you failed to build upon the Cup win of last year?
Finances, simple as! Pompey aren’t a ‘profit making’ organisation so retaining players we had was never financially viable.
What are your strengths?
I’d have to say the fans, we’ve always been great and we continue to make that difference. Would’ve said Johnson!
What are your weaknesses?
Lack of creative quality, if you can’t create goals you can’t score!
What is a lesson do you need to learn from last season?
Ensure we have players that WILL play for the club, the shirt, the manager and most importantly the fans though thick and thin – too many didn’t and when they couldn’t be arsed to play for a manager or the club anymore they didn’t!
What’s your greatest hope for this season?
To have an easy, hassle and scandal free season…but we’re Pompey, it’ll not happen so to have players that DO want to play for us will do me!
And your biggest fear?
A repeat of last season but with less quality and even less commitment!
Most important player
We sold him, Johnson, so at this moment I would say ‘the 12th man’ it could be down to us to make that difference.
Cult hero/terrace favourite
Linvoy, ’nuff said!
Keep an eye out for (young player)
Matty Ritchie. I hope we give the kid a chance as I sense genuine quality and ability, plus he’s a local lad, what a boost that’ll give the club.
Player you’d happily drive to his next club
I’m probably alone but I’m not overly keen on Distin at the moment, think his on and off the field actions and attitude stank last season!
What one change would you make at your club?
For them to be more honest and open with us instead of treating us like mugs as seems to be the case so often!
Have you got the right manager?
At the time of writing this we don’t have one! Whoever it is, like it or not, they’ll have my support.
What advice would you give him?
Again, not knowing who it is it’s hard to say but to anyone I’d say I went them to actually entertain us again, it costs a lot to go to football so I want my monies worth!
Which team do you most want to beat this season?
Spurs at Fratton Park, not that I’m bitter!
Opposition player you despise
Joey Barton. Doesn’t belong on a football pitch any longer – doubt he’ll face us this season though!
Opposition player you secretly admire
Players for me, Matty Taylor, Gary O’Neil, Benjani and Pedro Mendes – why did we let them go?
Where will you finish?
As the squad stands 17th would suit me fine, as I hope it’ll be come the end of August midtable security would be fantastic!
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Sorry, but now for a little ‘promo’ info…
The new issue of FourFourTwo is out Saturday August 1 – and it could be your passport to Europe on board Chelsea’s private jet.
Buy the new mag at a High Street branch of WHSmith and you’ll enter an exclusive competition which could see you checking the in-flight menu between JT and Lamps.
The Samsung prize package includes two sets of flights to a Champions League game, VIP match tickets, tip-top accommodation and a swish new Samsung JET mobile.
The FourFourTwo package includes a startlingly beautiful 162-page magazine and our ever-popular Season Preview magazine, with in-depth guides to all 92 English clubs plus the SPL and Blue Square Premier.
So even if you’re not a Chelsea fan, you’d be mad to miss the mag. And if you are a Chelsea fan, you’d be insane to avoid WHSmith.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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