In the second of this week’s articles resident teacher ‘PFCGino’ examines the weekend`s performances and provides his grading on those former Blues that are currently playing in the lower leagues.
Darren ‘Bruno’ Moore – Barnsley:
Darren Moore showed that despite his advancing years he still has what it takes in a solid performance for Barnsley as they held Bristol City 0-0 at Oakwell. Moore kept the overachieving Bristol City strikers at bay, and he played well in what was all in all an overall good performance for Barnsley. Grade B for Darren.
Dejan Stefanovic – Norwich City:
Dejan’s Norwich City were at home to Doncaster Rovers, and beat them 2-1. Dejan’s performance was however a lacklustre one. Doncaster were 1-0 up on the 77th minute mark after a Stock penalty. Who brought him down in the box? You guessed it – Mr Stefanovic. He was booked for his professional foul on Price, however some match commentators have said that he was lucky not to be sent off. Other than this, Dejan played well, but his moment of weakness could have cost his team dear and for this reason I am giving him a C- and a ‘see me’
Deon Burton & Lewis Buxton – Sheffield Wednesday:
Two spells at Pompey but his Sheffield Wednesday side lost 3-1 at St Andrews against Birmingham. Deon came on as a very late substitute in the 86th minute so to give him a grade based on that is not worth it. Lewis Buxton however played the whole match and never really got going – a grade of D for him.
Svetoslav Todorov – Charlton:
Despite Charlton’s failings, Todorov is on his way to being a fan favourite at Charlton with his display for a lacklustre Charlton side. Charlton drew 1-1 with Burnley at the Valley, and Todorov was introduced at half time to inject a bit of life into the Charlton attack – and that he did. Despite Burnley’s 13th minute opener, Todorov equalised in the 76th minute to earn the woeful Addicks a point. That deserves a B in my book.
Sammy Igoe, Shaun Cooper, Darren Anderton & Lee Bradbury – Bournemouth:
Bournemouth are yet another club that like to prey on those ex-Pompey players, and four of them took part in Bournemouth’s 1-0 defeat at home by Lincoln City. Shaun Cooper, Darren Anderton and Lee Bradbury started for the Cherries, but they couldn’t prevent a lacklustre Bournemouth side from going one nil down to Lincoln, and in reality it could have been much more. However, Lee Bradbury had a shot cleared from the line in the opening three minutes, but that was pretty much it before he was substituted. Anderton made way for another former Portsmouth man, Sammy Igoe who had little impact. D’s all round.
Shaun Derry – Crystal Palace:
Ex-Pompey skipper Shaun Derry plays his football at Crystal Palace, in what is officially his third spell at the club. Crystal Palace drew 2-2 away at Blackpool – a good result for the home team despite going down twice in the game. Derry’s overall performance was average, and it was his attempt at a clearance that allowed Blackpool to equalise – he was eventually substituted with two minutes remaining. Average C grade for him.
Jason Crowe – Northampton Town:
Jason’s new club Northampton Town were at Leicester’s Walkers stadium for this League One encounter, which ended goalless. Northampton Town were under the cosh for most of the game, but did have a few chances. Jason Crowe was in and out of the game, and never really looked happy in the Town midfield. An average C for helping his team win a point.
Mark Burchill – Rotherham:
Mark Burchill cost Portsmouth £1 million back in 2001 and after a promising start, found first team chances hard to come by under Redknapp and has played for many clubs since, struggling to find a ‘home’. Currently he plays for Rotherham United, who this weekend won 2-1 away at Macclesfield’s Moss Rose ground. Burchill played well, and even set up the Millers first goal. He was substituted after 68 minutes as chances were few and far between for Rotherham. A grade B for Mark.
That’s it for the lower leagues, PFCGino’s view of ex-Pompey players playing abroad or currently out on loan will follow in later articles.
What are your thoughts on the players featured? Were you glad to see them go? Could we do with them now?
Do you agree with PFCGino’s ratings?
Perhaps there’s a particular player PFCGino hasn’t featured or whom you’d like featured in more detail.
Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below.
To view PFCGino’s report on the ex-blues in the Premiership ‘click here’
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