Forget the arguments about how much better this season is now as opposed to those previously and that this is probably the best team Pompey have ever had since the reign of Froggatt, Scoular, Dickinson, Peter Harris etc. What has to be focused on is the here and now, why (apart from the FA Cup win) is it that Portsmouth have been unable to win a match so far in 2007?
Naturally, many fingers will point at the front line, for they have only managed to score twice in over 930 minutes (that`s fifteen and a half hours to you mathematicians out there). But equally, it has to be said that the midfield has lacked any ingenuity as well. On Saturday against Wigan, the midfield was probably the most gutless and inept it has ever been. Without a good midfield to provide service to the attack or a good foil to assist the defence, Pompey will be easy meat for any side and with the Big Four coming to Fratton Park soon, medling with the midfield has to stop.
The need for a player to be able to open up a defence with that final ball or by taking them on is desperately needed for Pompey and the fans have been crying out for Niko Kranjcar to be given a good run. He impressed many when Pompey lost at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, yet a typical piece of ‘Redknappship’ meant he didn`t even make the bench for the following matches. Rumours are abound of a dressing room bust up, resulting in Sean Davis and Matthew Taylor being dropped, yet no confirmation or denial has come from Fratton Park.
Whatever the reasons, one vital ingredient that is most certainly missing from the field is leadership. Gary O`Neil is a hard working individual, but has he really got the strength of character to be captain when the going gets tough? What is needed is a skipper who can lead from the back, one who can see all that is going on in front of him. One who has experienced much in football, both at European level and at international level? So perhaps it is time for Sol Campbell to be given the armband, who else really is better qualified than Sol who has played on some of the world`s biggest stages?
What are your thoughts, should Sol be skipper or has Gary O`Neil really got what it takes to be a leader? Give us your point of view by voting on the poll to your right and perhaps a comment too either below or on the forum?
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