retired_brianrt

Whether it was a quirk in the fixture list, or irony, or just pure coincidence I don't know, but Wigan Athletic were our opponents again four days later, albeit in the Premiership this time. They needed the points to try and stave off the prospect of relegation, and maybe a thought of revenge from their cup defeat was on their minds. If it was, all mention of that was soon dispelled, Benjani rifling us in front after just 6 minutes of the match. Wigan seemed to be more up for this game than 4 days previously, and their top scorer Henri Camara (even though it was just a miserly 7 goals) used his pace to his advantage and drew his side level, a score that remained through to half time. We pressed and pressed in the second period, 6 of our 7 chances forcing Kirkland into making saves, but it wasn't until the 85th minute that the winning goal came, Johnson winning the penalty and Mexican Andres Guardado promptly converting it, sending us back into 3rd place due to Tottenham's defeat at leaders Chelsea.

Having not been in Portsmouth since the 8th of the month seemed to have affected a few of the players, and an unhappy set of 18 players made the three hour trip to East Anglia for our 5th round F.A Cup tie, one in which myself and the players fully expected to advance into the quarter finals of the competition. Ipswich Town were the opposition, and though they sat 7th in the Championship a good F.A Cup run could provide some much needed revenue to help them push on. They started the better of the two teams, Alan Lee missing a golden opportunity to give them the lead, hitting his one on one chance straight at David James. Despite edging the first 45 minutes, Magilton's side had nothing to show for their efforts, so inevitably they were behind less than 10 minutes into the second half, our Slovenian striker Ljubijankic latching onto O'Brien's punt forward before rounding Lewis Price and giving us a valuable lead. The same player doubled it just after the hour, this time picking up the loosed ball before slamming home past a helpless Price. The game was settled on 71 minutes, Danish midfielder Andreasen scoring his second thunderbolt of the month when he struck a sweet right footed shot past the young Ipswich 'keeper to send us through to the quarter finals.

...

With 8 days until our next match, the final game of the month seeing yet another visit to the capital, I decided to allow the players some home leave after their excellent performances so far this month. They reported back for training 3 days before the match, the majority of them happy and relaxed, an attitude I wanted them to take into the game. Fulham were the visitors, and it was a game that saw the renewed strike partnership of Benjani and Eddie Johnson. It was our American who got us off to a superb start, receiving his strike partners pass before stroking the ball home. The second goal was all his own work, as he beat three men before out-pacing Zat Knight and placing the ball underneath Niemi. That was enough to secure us yet another three points, although Agustin Delgado pulled a goal back for the visitors after 66 minutes, but it was never enough and we ended the month on a high note.

February 2007
(Premier Division unless stated)

Portsmouth 3-2 Liverpool
Andreasen (21) Dempsey (33) Ljubijankic (72) : Finnan (76) Crouch (78)

Wigan Athletic 0-1 Portsmouth (F.A Cup 4th Round Replay)
Fernandes (20)

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Portsmouth
Camara (26) : Benjani (6) Guardado pen (85)

Ipswich Town 0-3 Portsmouth (F.A Cup 5th Round)
Ljubijankic (53,67) Andreasen (71)

Portsmouth 2-1 Fulham
Johnson (10,38) : Delgado (66)

retired_brianrt

The annual board meeting turned up a pleasant surprise, with three out of the four monthly awards coming our way. Leon Andreasen's wonder strike in the win against Liverpool good enough to win the Goal of the month, while Curtis Davies earnt the Young Player of the month award after a month in which he averaged 8.50 for his 4 games. The most surprising award however, was my first ever Premiership Manager of the month title, something which I didn't expect at all. Despite Player of the month the only award not to land on my desk, Leon Andreasen did finish in third place behind Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo, so judging from the PFA awards we had a very good previous month

---

Manchester City opened up our schedule for March, and with their home form being good I expected a difficult game at Eastlands. Stuart Pearce had instilled a real toughness in his side, reminiscent of his playing career, and it had been successful, his side currently sitting in 7th in the Premiership table. Samaras was their main threat, but he was forced off after 23 minutes after a collision with Leon Andreasen, which also forced our Danish midfielder off with what would later turn out to be a torn calf muscle that would keep him out for the rest of the season. Neither side seemed prepared to take the game by the scruff of the neck and go for the winning goal, and the game petered out into a disappointing goalless draw, not a great spectacle but a result that I was more than happy to take.

The F.A Cup Quarter Final draw had thrown us up against familiar opposition in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur, a team that had caused us serious problems in the recent league clash at the end of January. A competition as prestige as this was alwyas going to get my full attention, but now it is in the latter stages I was intent on being one of the first two teams to play at the new Wembley Stadium. Sol Campbell was back after his absence against Manchester City, and he partnered Curtis Davies at the back. Johnson had a slight strain, and with important games I didn't want it aggravating, so Ljubijankic came in for the American. The game started poorly, both teams nerves showing through and the first 45 minutes passed without any incidents of note. The second half livened up much more, with both sides creating chances and the football being played much more free flowing. The deciding goal of the match came from an unlikely source, Sol Campbell rising highest to head home the winner against his former club to keep us just one game away from Wembley, and a place in the history books

retired_meldawski

Great Story, I am really enjoying it! I cannot wait until your next update bud :thup:

retired_brianrt

Thanks a lot James, much appreciated

-------------

Our win against Spurs came at a price, with Leon Andreasen's injury on his calf looking like it would keep him out for 3-4 months. That was another midfielder down, and with the season end drawing near I couldn't afford anymore setbacks. 48 hours before our visit to the North East, we received an invitation to apply for the Euro Vase, or the Inter-Toto Cup as its more commonly known. I was deliberating on whether to accept it, as with out current league position European football looked on the cards anyway, but a bit or persuasion from Tony Adams and Joe Jordan I accepted the offer knowing that if we finished higher than 7th then we would get UEFA Cup or Champions League football, depending on where we finished in the Premiership.

Middlesbrough were our next opponents, and there were many rumours flying around that Gareth Southgate would not last much longer if the clubs poor form continued, form that saw them sitting just 1 place and 2 points above the drop zone. The game started badly for us, Justin Hoyte putting the home side in front after just 96 seconds, heading home from Caracciolo's cross. We were 2-1 in front before the ten minute mark, goals from Benjani and Eddie Johnson giving us a real base for the rest of the game. Both sides created chances, but 'Boro seemed desperate, almost too eager to win the game, and their sloppiness in the middle of the park cost them, Manuel Fernandes sliding the ball through for Benjani to rifle home his second and our third past Mark Schwarzer. No more goals came in the match, Middlesbrough heads going down as soon as Benjani scored the third, and we gained another crucial three points

---

With a two week international break before our next game, there was a chance to maintain some of the fitness of the squad during training. On the Monday morning after the 'Boro game, I walked into reception and was promptly informed that I was required in the chairman's office. 30 minutes later, I was guaranteed at least another two years at the club, immediately signing the £19,000 per week contract, a £4,500 increase on my current wage. The irony of the contract offer was that it had come just 48 hours after Steve Gibson had pulled me to one side after the game against his team and asked if I had any long term plans for management. Whether the board of directors had gotten wind of my chat with Gibson I didn't know, but I was happy to sign the contract to stay at Fratton Park

"...Mr. Stein, James French, The Guardian. Is it true you were offered the Middlesbrough job after the game against them? Are you looking to move to another club?"

The reporters were swarming round the ground, I wasn't keen on speaking to them but I felt I had to dispel the rumours...

"No I wasn't offered the job, it was a friendly chat with Mr. Gibson. As for my future, I've just signed a two year extension this very morning to stay here at Portsmouth, and I am delighted to be at such an ambitious club"

...

A home game against Aston Villa finished the month off, and a win would guarantee us a top half finish in the Premiership. Benjani had aggravated a slight tweak in his hamstring, so Giovanni Torre came into the team in his place. The young Italian it was who opened the scoring, Johnson fizzing across a low ball from the right hand side for Torre to slide home nicely. Johnson himself scored the second, jusy 65 seconds after the break, racing through and rounding Sorensen with ease for his 15th league goal of the campaign. Villa pulled one back, Varela curling home a shot from the edge of the area but another win took us ever closer to European football for next season

March 2007
(Premier Division unless stated)

Manchester City 0-0 Portsmouth

Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Portsmouth (F.A Cup Quarter Final)
Campbell (53)

Middlesbrough 1-3 Portsmouth
Hoyte (2) : Benjani (4,36) Johnson (8)

Portsmouth 2-1 Aston Villa
Torre (39) Johnson (47) : Varela (87)

retired_brianrt

"Niko, Sol, Kanu, Benjani, Eddie and David"

"They've got till the end of 2008 season? Which ones do you think we need to renew? I'd say three of them"

"Personally, I was planning on 5. Give Sol and David extended deals to 2009 and Eddie, Niko and Benjani till 2011. Tie them down to long term deals. What d'ya think?"

"Well theres no rush. Plenty of time yet. Give it till the end of the season then assess the situation again"

---

It's been three days now. Three nights running I've had the nightmare. Waking up, drenched and soaked in my own sweat. The image of her mangled face, being pulled out of the wreckage. I wanted to hug her, put my arms round her while she lay motionless in the hospital bed. 16 hours she clung on, but eventually she went. I held a vigil by her bedside, but it was no use. Nothing could bring her back now, nothing...

"George? George? George whats wrong? You look like you're on another planet. Is something bothering you?"

Tony had come up beside me on the team bus as we travelled up to the capital, but I had been oblivious to everything.

"Eh? Wha...No I'm fine, honestly. I was just in a world of my own"

The half hearted attempt at a smile was all I could muster, and considering Tony wasn't born yesterday, he didn't buy it.

"Really? Well it doesn't seem that way to me. You haven't been yourself for a few days now. When we get to the hotel then me and you are going to the nearest pub for a drink, and a talk"

"I'm not really in the mood Tony, I've got things to do..."

"I'm not asking, I'm telling you. I won't take no for an answer"

...

"Right, I'll get 'em in. What d'ya want?"

"Erm..Guinness please, extra cold"

"Right. Sit in that corner and I'll bring 'em over"
..
..
..
"There you go. Now, get talking. I don't care how long it takes. Talk"

Over three hours we were there, and I told Tony everything. The accident, the nightmare, the shrine in the house, the drawer dedicated to her. What can I do? The only woman I ever loved was cruelly ripped from my grasp. I used to be a religious man but not now. I follow my own beliefs now. Nobody else's. Just mine.

---

Despite the happenings of the last few games, I had a game to focus on, an away trip to Vicarage Road to play Watford. Boothroyd's side were sitting in the relegation places, but recent improved performances had seen them go within touching distance of safety. They started the brighter of the two teams, deservedly taking a 26th minute lead after James Chambers' cross looped over Vincent's head and into the far corner. We did manage to go into half time level though, Danny Szetela's headed equaliser 4 minutes from the break enough to earn us a valuable, but probably fortunate, point. Either side could have nicked it in the second half, but a draw is always better than a defeat and we drove back to the South Coast happy.

"Tony, you got 5 minutes? I need a word"

I had pulled my assistant over to one side on the morning after the Watford match for a private chat.

"I just wanted to say, you know...thanks. For the other night. It's been a long time since I talked about it and it did me good to get it off my chest"

"Don't mention it boss. Were friends, and were colleagues, so it's the leats I could do. How are you now? Back to your normal self again?"

"Yeah I'm feeling much better now. I just want to concentrate on the rest of the season now, and getting the nest results for the fans"

"Good to hear. And anytime you need a chat, you know where to find me"

"Yeah, cheers Tony"

A home game against Alan Pardew's mid table West Ham United was our 33rd league game of the season, and I took the liberty of resting Eddie Johnson, only to have to bring him on after 31 minutes after seeing Torre limp off with what looked like a muscle strain. As so often this season, the American was the difference maker, grabbing the only goal of the game on 55 minutes, heading home Guardado's cross after losing his marker. We had three more good opportunities in the remainder of the half, but we couldn't find the second goal and held on for a 1-0 win

retired_brianrt

With the end of the season rapidly approaching every game was now like a cup final. Players couldn't afford to be rested, and performances had to be perfect from the team, and I let them know as much during the course of the week. We had a break from Premiership football however, as we travelled to Old Trafford for our F.A Cup Semi Final against Arsenal. We were 90 minutes away from being one of the first two teams to compete in the brand new Wembley in the F.A Cup Final. I put my strongest possible eleven on the field, as we had to be at our best to beat Wenger's side.

The match started well, Silva and Benjani both testing Jens Lehmann, while Vincent Enyeama kept out Thierry Henry and Abou Diaby. The opening goal came just before the half hour mark, Benjani heading home Guardado's left wing cross to put us in the lead. The North Londoners came right back into the match after we took the lead, and they more than deserved to be level at half time. As it was, they found Vincent in sparkling form, he seemed to keep everything out that was thrown at him. The second half started much the same way, our Nigerian goalkeeper having to make two saves in the first 5 minutes of the half. We reaped the rewards though, Eddie Johnson collecting Curtis' Davies long clearance and sliding underneath the advancing Lehmann to double our lead, and completely against the run of play. This seemed to put a downer on Arsenal, and they dropped their heads, almost in wonder as to how they were two goals behind. The scoring wasn't finished though, Andres Guardado's penalty in the second minute of stoppage time sealing a flattering 3-0 win and the teams passage into the final

---

There hadn't been much time to toast the victory, as just 6 days were spare in between the next game, a visit from 8th placed Everton. That's not to say I didn't have a few drinks on the way back with the lads, but with work still to do I limited myself to 3 glasses of (warm) champagne, not something I'll be making a habit of. The blue half of Merseyside had come off the back or a few good results and a 6 game unbeaten run, which had culminated in a stunning 4-1 victory at Goodison Park in the derby just 7 days previously. Moyes had some good players at his disposal, and he really had them playing well, but I felt if we were at our best a win was possible.

We started very sluggishly, getting beaten to every 50-50 ball and Everton's defence and midfield winning everything in the air. It wasn't long before we found ourselves behind, Andrew Johnson firing his side in front after capitalising on Danny Szetela's mistake. It was the same man who secured the three points 19 minutes later, curling the ball past Enyeama to send his team two clear. Our performance was shocking for 80 minutes, until we had three good chances in the final ten minutes, forcing Howard into good saves. We drew a blank though, and suffered our first home defeat in all competitions

Coming off the back of such a poor performance gave me the impression of fatigue, and with a visit to the Reebok stadium to end the month I had to deliberate over what team to play. In the end, I rested four players, a decision that would prove to be the right one in the end. Edddie Johnson had kept his place thanks to his topping of our goal scoring charts, and it was our American strikers 19th and 20th league goals of the season that gave us the win, and despite Ricardo Vaz Te's 79th minute goal, we held on to see out the month in third place

April 2007
(Premier Division unless stated)

Watford 1-1 Portsmouth
Chambers (26) : Szetela (41)

Portsmouth 1-0 West Ham United
Johnson (55)

Portsmouth 3-0 Arsenal (F.A Cup Semi Final)
Benjani (29) Johnson (55) Guardado pen (90)

Portsmouth 0-2 Everton
Johnson (16,35)

Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Portsmouth
Vaz Te (79) : Johnson (55,75)

retired_brianrt

With 35 Premiership games played, we sat in third place in the table. To guarantee European football for next season, we needed to pick up a point, and for Champions League we needed 4 points from our remaining three games. A task that was a lot harder than it sounded, seen as how we had to play three Premiership Champions, two of them away from home. The pressure wasn't on us, it hasn't been all season, so we needed to play football our way. The fans will see it as a good season, I know it's a good season and the board are happy, but if we finish in European places then it will bring in some really handy revenue next season. I was looking forward to the challenge, and I really felt we deserved to be where we are now

..

"George you look tired. Didn't you get much sleep?"

"To be honest Tony, no. Had another one, so I've been up since nearly 4 this morning. I just don't know what to do to stop it"

"Well this might sound like a daft suggestion, but get out, have some fun. It's my son's 5th birthday in a couple of weeks, why don't you come along? The wife wants to meet you and I think it would do you good"

"I think I will actually. Cheers Tony. When you having the party?"

"Day after the United game. I said we'd have it then so as to leave time for the games we had remaining in the season, and there is plenty of time left for the Cup Final date too"

"Alright Tony. Thanks a lot, really appreciate it"

...

Lack of the sleep for the next two nights left me feeling, and looking, like something from beyond the grave as I walked into the ground on the morning of our game against league leaders Chelsea. I probably wasn't in a fit state to manage the side, this fact only enhanced by my lack of ability to pick a team, a feat I did just ten minutes before handing it to the match referee Mike Dean.

Four black coffees and three red bulls later, I walked into our dugout to watch the match. Last time we had met, at Stamford Bridge, we lost by the odd goal and gave a good account of ourselves, but this time we started poorly, a habit that had seemed to be creeping in as of late. Mourinho's men should have been three, four, maybe five goals to the good at the break, but we could thank our lucky stars we were going in goalless, thanks to some stunning saves from Vincent and some top class defending at times. We did start the second half better though, and even tested Petr Cech twice, although he did save comfortably. Luca Toni, the match winner in the first meeting, was the man who made the difference again, heading home Frank Lampard's free kick to put his team in front. The only difference this time, was we equalised with 60 seconds, Manuel Fernandes finding a way through and slding home past Cech. The pace of the match slowed, and with both sides having so much at stake, neither seemed inclined to go for it, but three minutes from time came the deciding goal. Gareth Bale's beautiful bit of skill took him past two men before his one two with Mendes, his left footed cross found the head of Sol Campbell who powered home to send the fans wild. Ten men behind the ball was how we played the remaining 6 minutes, but we clung on for a precious three points to keep or Champions League dreams well and truly alive.

retired_brianrt

"Ah George, please, come in, take a seat. So good to see you"

--

My surprise at being called in the chairman's office was picked up on, as he seemed quite amused at my astonishment. We hadn't spoke all that often since I joined the club, the main route of conversation normally through his advisors, and we had certainly not sat down for a socialised occasion, which left me in a bit of a panic as to what it was he wanted to see me about

"Would you like a drink? I have a wide selection of coffee, or if you prefer something stronger I have something for all tastebuds"

"No, just a coffee will be fine thankyou. So is anything wrong Mr Gaydamak?"

"Please George, not so informal. You must call me Alex, I insist. And as for anything being wrong, far from it. In fact, I couldn't be happier. Not only are we looking good for European football next season, but we have an appointment at Wembley and can still win the league"

"Yes that's very true, although we have to rely on other teams slipping up, but I have been delighted with the players. This is way beyond what even I would have expected, way beyond it"

I was beginning to feel a little easier as the talking went on, but the thought at the back of my mind still lingered. If I wasn't doing anything up to his standard, he could hand me my P45 at any moment...

"...I just have a couple of concerns regarding the team, and how they will do next season"

"Concerns? What are they Mr. Gayda...sorry, Alex?"

"Well, if we do make it into the European competition, how will we cope? Do we have the squad for it? Investment will be available for you, but I just don't know if the team will handle it"

Thats a turn-up for the books. A chairman worried about his team qualifying for Europe. Never thought I'd see the day...

"To be honest Alex, I think we've got a squad that would more than hold it's own against Europe's finest, and we may surprise a few people. A couple more new additions, and I think we can go further than anyone expects us to"

---

I relayed the events of my conversation to Tony, who seemed as amused as I was at the thought of a chairman worrying his team would do too well. Still, with a trip to North London to face Arsenal just around the corner, I was well aware that we could possibly be on the end of a real humiliation, especially after our undeserved F.A Cup win just 3 weeks before. The game had been re-arranged no less than three times over that period, and it seemed to favour Arsenal more so than us, as they stormed out of the traps. Once again though, they found our Nigerian 'keeper in outstanding form, as he made four world class saves in the opening half hour to keep us level at the break. Arsenal's domination continued into the second half, but they found themselves a goal behind after 57 minutes, a long clearance latched onto by Johnson and the American sliding home his 23rd goal of the season. The Emirates stadium fell into shock, they couldn't believe that we had been dominated again and still managed to find the opening goal, but their shock was nothing compared to what it was at the final whistle, as we somehow clung on for the win to secure Champions League football at the expense of Arsene Wenger's side. To top it all off, Tottenham's defeat of Wigan meant they moved above their North London rivals and dropeed Arsenal down to 6th in the table

retired_brianrt

A letter had come through from the F.A with the arrangements for the end of season awards dinner, along with 6 tickets, of which two had to go to Eddie Johnson and Sol Campbell due to their being nominated for awards, with three of the other four going to members of staff I nominated. Tony was always going to come, but I decided to give the two remaining tickets to the chairman and let him make the decision on who should gain possession of them.

"...Eddie's up for young player and Sol for Player's player. That's all I know, I don't know about the team of the year or manager awards or anything else"

"..."

"Well I want to be on the lookout straightaway really, now Europe's certain I think a bit more strength in depth might be needed"

"..."

"Well I want to see if we can Silva on loan for the full season, he's really impressed me since he came and he looks an excellent player. I think another centre back or two might be useful, I've got a funny feeling we might lose Sol or Curtis"

"..."

"No not at the minute. I'll talk it over with you at training tomorrow. I'll see you then"

---

My phone call with Tony had confirmed my fears that many of the players, and staff, had their eyes on the F.A Cup final, and I won't pretend that I wasn't one of those members of staff, but before that we had the final league game of the season to worry about. We were not out of the title race mathematically, but we had to beat our next opponents Manchester United and rely on Chelsea to slip up at home to relegated Watford, so the title looked like a real dream among only the die-hard fans. Ferguson only had eyes for the title, especially with his side out of the Champions League, and the master motivator no doubt had his side ready for our challenge.

I had put our strongest possible eleven out, but on this day it was nowhere near good enough, United controlling the game and sealing the three points, and the title, with a goal in each half from Wayne Rooney and substitute Nemanja Vidic. It was enough to win Sir Alex his 9th Premiership title by the narrowest of margins, Chelsea's surprise defeat to Watford seeing the title change hands by just a point

"George, well done laddie. Third place eh? Come on, I've got a 12 year old Glenfiddich in my office. I'd call this celebration time"

Alex was true to his word, and we sat in his office for the best part of two hours, polishing off the whisky and discussing football. We seemed to strike an immediate chord, and to be sat with one of the legends of the game was something I wouldn't be forgetting in a hurry.

retired_brianrt

"It's Wednesday night, the 16th. There's me, you, Eddie, Sol and then whoever the chairman gives the other two tickets to"

"How are we getting back down here, it won't finish till late will it?"

Tony's young son had turned 5, and his birthday barbecue had gone well. I had allowed myself a few drinks, sticking to Guinness as I could keep a clear head, and I had to travel down to Liverpool the following morning

"I was going to get a hotel and come back the day after. You could aswell if you wanted"

...

"George, just before you go, there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is my sister Melanie"

"Oh, hi Mel...."

Having turned round, I stopped mid sentence. Stood in front of me was Tony's sister, and just for a moment I could see the resemblance to my wife. Long, flowing black hair, piercing blue eyes...Deja Vu came over me, but it didn't take me long to recover

"Hi. Nice to meet you. So you're Tony's boss then?"

"Well yes, although we don't say that at work. We consider ourselves as friends really"

"Right, I'll leave you to it, I've gotta go check on everyone else"

With that, Tony wandered off and left me talking to Melanie. I had never been good at talking to people, especially new ones, but I seemed at ease with her. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I was

...

"So which department do you work in then? If I need a loan do I come to see you?"

"No not for loans, I'm in overseas investment. It's not bad, but I really do need a new job, something more challenging"

Just as I was about to reply, Tony shouted Melanie to go and see her nephew and wish him happy birthday

"I suppose I should really go and say happy birthday to him. If you ever want to go out, for a drink or something to eat..." she said as she handed me a piece of paper "...then phone me and we'll arrange something"

"Yeah Ok. I will do. Thanks. And again, nice to have met you"

"The pleasure is all mine George" and with that, she stood on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on my cheek

---

I had walked into the ground with a smile on my face on the Wednesday morning, one which only got wider after I was handed a fax from the F.A that arrived the previous night. I had a quick scroll down, basically it was information about the season, Television revenue and facts and figures, and I was interested to note that for our third placed finish we had earnt £10.75M, and for our appearance in the Cup Final we would earn £2,000,000, earning an extra million if we won. The document made for pleasant reading, and with the Chairman confirming that he had struck a deal with current sponsors OFI for another 3 years, meaning more revenue for the team

My mood was soured later that day after learning that the American national team would not allow Eddie Johnson, Clint Dempsey and Danny Szetela to miss their friendly against Brazil on the 18th, meaning all three would m,iss the F.A Cup Final, a fact I was furious about. Bruce Arena got a barrage from me down the phone, and the day was made even better when I found out that on-loan Chelsea midfielder Silva's loan deal was due to end the same day.