We can now see what PFCGino had to say when asked a few questions about Pompey, the season just gone and the one ahead along with the ‘possible’ future ahead.
Vital Pompey has previously brought you the ‘knowing me knowing you series’ – which is still running, so others will be added and if you want to do one just email – and we had the ‘talking Pompey with’ series last summer, this now returns under a new name and some fresh questions as ‘Pompey talk with’…
PFCGino was asked 6 questions about the 2008/09 season and what the hopes are for the 2009/10, one and indeed our future, is.
This is what they said…
Bloody hard work! Highs, Lows, you name it, we’ve had it this season!
I’m sure it will go through – business dealings take time and with the state of our financial affairs (apparently) then I’m not surprised it’s taking a while. If I was Dr SAF I’d want to make sure I’m buying a financially viable business too.
Under the new ownership I’d expect the following:
– A New Stadium – I’m assuming Dr SAF likes the city of Portsmouth and sees potential in developing shopping complexes, hotels and the like. I would expect, therefore a new stadium that both achieves his business aspirations and our footballing needs. A stadium that can not just serve the people of Portsmouth, but also various other things, for example the Olympics (might be a bit late for that though), the World Cup etc.
– Better training facilities – at the end of the day, players and coaches spend most of their time here, so the facilities should be top-notch. Again, these could be utilised for World Cup/Olympic training camps etc.
– New manager and players – I will elaborate on this a bit later on, but I’d expect a new manager (whoever it is) to come in and have the ‘power’ to give the squad a complete overhaul, and separate the wheat from the chaff.
Well, I have been thinking about this quite a lot and I could go on FOREVER! There’s a little known Paraguayan player (who we will actually see in action pre-season) who plays for Benfica called Oscar Cardozo. He has scored 30 goals in 55 starts and is a powerful forward, similar to Judas Jermain. Michael Owen still has a job to do, and I think a fresh start at Pompey could also kick-start his career. He does have potential, however is a liability with regard to injuries. Also, I think bringing in a few European players, such as that man we were linked with, Saviola, and D’Alessandro I’d like to see back at Fratton. Fellaini from Everton would also be a fantastic signing, although I doubt they’d let him go.
Those are attack-minded players, so defensively thinking I would consider splashing the cash on a top centre-back to replace Sol, such as Lucio (although some may say this is unrealistic, I don’t think so if we have money!) Bonera from Milan would be pretty good I think. There is also a 24 year old defender who has just signed for Milan called Thiago Silva – perhaps a loan deal could be done for ‘experience’ purposes?
Also, I’d like to bring in a ‘keeper, because James is dipping in form and I think a bit of healthy competition would do him good.
There are LOADS I would get rid of *Cough* UTAKA *Cough*, so I’m going to assume this question means first teamers. So, I would say Peter Crouch. I personally think that the strikers have been largely disappointing this season, and Crouch in particular has been poor. For a 7ft tall giant, he can’t head the ball down to players, which is what he is obviously being made to do. Don’t get me wrong, the lad has skill and I think he’s a good player, I just think in terms of the entire team, he doesn’t really fit. Just my opinion, and I know a few of you guys will slate me for saying it!
Survival mainly. I think we need to recover from this season with a steady one – we need to steady ourselves a bit, get a decent manager in and keep him there, and get squad harmony up again. Once this has been achieved we can start looking to climbing up the table to those European spots. If we are ready and cracking on with the season by September time, a decent cup run in the League Cup and FA Cup will also, even if we don’t win it, prove that we are capable of big things.
I’m also hoping Bilic will come in, as I’ve said before many many times he’s the one to get us great things – he is Mr Cool and will keep the squad happy, I know it. He’s turned Croatia into one of the top teams in Europe, and they are, on paper at least, pretty average (except Niko, Eduardo etc). I firmly believe this is down to squad morale and belief that the results will take care of themselves, and I think Pompey are similar to Croatia in that we aren’t amazing, but capable of amazing things. He’s the man to do it. Okay, so he’s not experienced, but I still think he has something to offer Pompey – the man is multi-lingual and has a Law degree so he is an intelligent person – he’s done his badges, he’ll pick it up piece of cake!
Christ only knows! I go when I can, as I am on nowhere near enough money (I know my boss is a Pompey fan so I hope he’s reading this!!) and can’t afford a season ticket. I’ll go as often as I possibly can, and I’m giving serious though to the Portugal pre-season tour, and I expect I’ll go to another one, Basingstoke, or Eastleigh. Premiership games, I’m going to aim for 7 or 8, and if any of you have spare tickets, get in touch, please!
Thanks to PFCGino for answering these.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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If anyone else wants to answer the questions simply drop me an email as a request, or send your answers to be direct at portsmouth@vitalfootball.co.uk and I will make it happen.
Here are the others so far:
pompeyrug … sneakay … Pete Alexander/pedalo … Owenspompey
