retired_brianrt

The F.A presentation had gone well, and even though we didn't win anything, we did get a few nominations. Eddie Johnson and Sol Campbell both got into the Premiership eleven, while Eddie finished third in the Players player of the year. He was only edged out by the top scorer Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo, although to score 21 league goals in your first season in English football is a superb record for anybody. The most surprising award was my third place in the manager of the year, in which I was beaten by Sir Alex and Jose Mourinho, who finished 1st and 2nd respectively. It turned out to be an enjoyable night, and I managed to have conversations with several top managers.

...

"...I just wondered if you wanted to go out for a drink on Sunday?"

"..."

"Well the Cup Final is Saturday but I'm coming back Sunday morning, and I thought it would be nice to meet up"

"..."

"OK then. I'll pick you up at 7.30?"

"..."

"Yeah that's fine. I'll see you on Sunday"

The fact I had arranged to take Melanie out for a drink had made me determined to go as an F.A Cup winner. The final itself was between two teams nobody would have expected, and the game had been billed as one of the most surprising finals of recent years. Nothing would match up to last years game, Liverpool and West Ham battling out a thrilling 3-3 draw, but I couldn't care less how bad the game was as long as we won the match. The fans deserved it, and I wanted to do it for the chairman as he deserved it. He had given support to me throughout my time here, and to sign off my first season in charge with an F.A Cup victory would be a fitting finale

retired_brianrt

F.A Cup Final
Saturday, May 19th 2007
Wembley Stadium (88,159)

Portsmouth vs Charlton Athletic

Teams:

Portsmouth
V. Enyeama, L. Primus (c), G. Bale, C. Davies, S. Campbell, G. O'Neil, M. Taylor, P. Mendes, M. Fernandes, Benjani, Z. Ljubijankic

Charlton Athletic
S. Carson, L. Young (c), H. Hreidarsson, S. Diawara, D. Traore, D. Rommedahl, A. Reid, O. Pouso, A. Faye, D. Bent, C. Andre Doudin

---

With our three American's unavailable, and Silva's loan expired the day before, I was left without four first team players for our biggest game of the season. Primus got the armband because Sol had turned it down, but without Eddie Johnson alongside Benjani our main goal threat had gone. Charlton had not provided many difficulties during our league encounters, and I was confident we could win the match

Understandably, both teams started nervously, with so much at stake that was to be expected, but Charlton got into their stride first, forcing Vincent into two saves in the opening quarter of an hour. Darren Bent was the most obvious candidate for their goals, but it was his Swiss strike partner Charles-Andre Doudin who put them in the lead, capitalising on Primus' poor pass and sliding the ball home underneath Enyeama. This seemed to wake us up, and we responded with two stinging efforts that Scott Carson had to turn round the post, both from Pedro Mendes. Our best chance of the half fell to Benjani, his half volley from 8 yards rattling Carson's crossbar. That effort was the closest we came to a goal in the first half and we went into the interval a goal behind

I took a gamble at half time, replacing Benjani with LuaLua just to add a touch of pace upfront, and Niko Kranjcar made his return in place of Garath Bale, with Taylor moving to left back

The second half started much better for us, with Lomano and Fernandes testing Carson, but we just could not find the breakthrough, Carson seemingly having superglue on his hands and keeping out everything. We pressed and pressed, until finally our reward came in the 74th minute, Ljubijankic picking up the loose ball and the Slovenian firing home into the corner. Charlton heads dropped after that, and ten minutes later we were in front, LuaLua volleying home Kranjcar's cross to take us within minutes of a famous victory

In stoppage time, we were denied, Charlton's equaliser coming from a Pouso corner and Scott Carson (yes, the goalkeeper) heading home his side's equaliser to send the game into extra time. The additional half hour provided very little, just a Ljubijankic shot and Bent header, and yet again the F.A Cup would be decided on penalties

Three of the twelve penalties were missed, and once Manuel Fernandes missed the final spot-kick it gave Charlton the match. Mendes was our other culprit, while Omar Pouso the unlucky one for Charlton. It's a cruel way to lose a game, but it happens. Still, I could be prod of the effort the lads put in for the season, and F.A Cup runners up is nothing to be ashamed of

retired_brianrt

May 2007
Premier Division unless stated

Portsmouth 2-1 Chelsea
Fernandes (67) Campbell (87) : Toni (66)

Arsenal 0-1 Portsmouth
Johnson (57)

Manchester United 2-0 Portsmouth
Rooney (12) Vidic (66)

Portsmouth 2-2 Charlton Athletic (F.A Cup Final) Charlton won 5-4 on penalties
Ljubijankic (74) LuaLua (84) : Doudin (19) Carson (90)

Premier Division : 3rd (75 points)

F.A Cup Runners Up

retired_brianrt

Premiership Table 2006/07
(Top 8 and Bottom 3 only)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PL W D L GD PTS 1. Man Utd 38 24 6 8 +36 782. Chelsea 38 24 6 8 +34 783. PORTSMOUTH 38 21 12 5 +26 754. Liverpool 38 19 13 6 +20 705. Tottenham 38 19 11 8 +25 686. Arsenal 38 20 7 11 +30 677. Charlton 38 19 7 12 +1 648. Man City 38 15 13 10 +10 58-------------18. Fulham 38 7 10 21 -22 3119. Sheff. Utd 38 6 6 26 -45 2420. Watford 38 4 8 26 -45 20 </pre>


The table made for terrific reading, no matter how many times I looked at it. Third place in the Prmiership, the first time that Portsmouth had finished in the top three for 52 years. It would have been nice to have won the F.A Cup, but finishing runners up when nobody expected us to get to the final isn't too bad really. The only thought I had was whether we had really overachieved this season, and would we be able to keep it up next season. I felt that with the right signings then we could finish better, but the summer months would be key to our success.

...

I had taken Melanie for a few drinks on the day after the Cup Final, and it was nice to talk about something else other than football. Mel had asked how the game had gone but other than that, nothing was mentioned. We talked about families, friends, relationships, and generally I had a better time than I thought I would.

The Monday afternoon saw myself and Tony Adams sit down in my office and discuss the squad from the previous season, and to see who would keep their place and be in contention for a role next season. I had sent my scouts out to start searching for potential targets, although I hadn't been given the transfer budget for the next season yet. Given some key signings in the right positions, we could push for the title and be serious contenders, maybe even surprise a few people in Europe.

retired_brianrt

Portsmouth Squad Statistics 2006/07

Vincent Enyeama, GK
Our Nigerian 'keeper came second in the signing of the season category, and quite deservedly so. 15 clean sheets in 37 games, and I signed him for just £150,000. Will be an integral part of the team come the next season. Already has 34 Nigeria caps to his credit and will be a part of their team for many years

David James, GK
Despite being forced out of the side by Enyeama, he never complained and did the business when he played. 9 clean sheets in eleven appearances speaks for itself, and although it is more than likely he won't play much part next season he could prove useful to the team

Dean Kiely, GK
Barely featured in the side, and will be released from his contract, but he could still prove useful for a lower league side. At 35 his days are numbered, but in his 4 games for us he did the business, keeping 2 clean sheets and avergaing 7.05 for the games

--

Linvoy Primus, DRC
Big Linvoy was superb all season. He played more games than I expected him to but still played excellently despite his advancing years. I don't think he will last more than another season in the top flight. Took the captaincy for the Cup Final and received a standing ovation from the Fratton Park crowd.

Matthew Taylor, DRL,WB/AML
Matty was a very valuable asset on the left hand side of both defence and midfield, using his pace and his crossing ability to lay on 9 goals for his team mates. Also a vital asset in terms of his penalty taking, and will definately be a vital cog in the team next season

Gareth Bale, DL
Now 18, I signed Gareth as a 17 year old youngster for £2M, and he has proved to be an exceptionally good buy. Made 33 appearances, and with 9 caps for Wales he has a very long and bright future in the game. He has jumped above Taylor at the moment but they will be rotated

Dejan Stefanovic, DLC
Dejan picked up a hip injury early in the season and didn't really get much playing time, but it is unlikely that he will be here next season. Has been a good servant since he joined the club and I'm sure he will get some playing time for another club

Sol Campbell, DC
Sol has been superb at the heart of the defence. His leadership and experience has helped the team and he still has the top flight qualities. Even earned a recall into the England side, and has earnt himself the captaincy for next season, and his talent will be vital

Curtis Davies, DC
This young man has been Sol's centre back partner, and for £6M it has been a worthy investment. Many bigger and more fashionable sides than us have been interested in Curtis' services, but I think that if we can keep hold of him we can really go places

Leon Andreasen, DC,DM
I paid just shy of £2M for Leon, and if he hadn't have picked up an injury towards the end of the season then he would have been a contender for our player of the season. His defensive ability is exceptional, and he can also adopt the role of a central midfielder if he needs to. He scored two superb goals from 30 yards and won goal of the month for February, and next season will be make or break time for our Danish midfielder

Danny Szetela, WBRL,DM,AMRLC
Danny was one of the surprises of the season, signed for £250,000 and his skill at right back was exceptional. He could bomb forward and whip crosses in and then get back and defend. He was quick, his passing ability and tackling was superb and at 20 he still had plenty of time left in his career

Andres Guardado, WBL/AML
Andres was another unknown I signed but he has elevated himself into a status of first team player. The leading assist maker on the team with 14, and his crossing and passing make hima constant threat to the opposition. He can take penalties if he needs to. An excellent player and a future star for Mexico, and in Europe and the Premiership for us

retired_brianrt

Pedro Mendes, MC
Pedro, despite his advancing years, has proved to be a terrific player. His capabilities of playing behind the front two or in front of the back four meant he was a dead cert for the majority of the squads. Doesn't have much time left but I hope he wants to see his career out here

Gary O'Neil, AMRC
Gary, whether on the right on in the free role, has been the shining star. His season average of 7.43 has earnt him call ups into the England squad, and although he has yet to make his debut I don't believe it is too long before he does. Along with Matty he is revered among the Fratton Park faithful

Clint Dempsey, AMRLC/FC
Clint is another American who impressed me with his performances, and his experience at both domestic and international level should prove vital for the team next season. His pasisng is second to none and he is superb in the air, and with over 30 American caps at 23 he has plenty of years left

Niko Kranjcar, AMLC
Niko didn't get as much playing time as both he, and I, would have liked, a horrific broken leg early in the season keeping him out and he didn't reappear again until the Cup Final. He is fully recovered now, and next season he will be a vital asset to the team thanks to his skill and ability on the left or in the role behind the strikers

Manuel Fernandes, AMC
Our young Portuguese playmaker started on loan, but his pre arranged £7,000,000 transfer was something I was grateful for. His ability is superb, and he soon earned the tag of a 'wonderkid'. Has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs, but unless its big money then I won't be letting him go anywhere. Wonderful player

Dagoberto, AM/FC
As a back up to the first team, Dags was terrific. He did the job up front or in midfield, and at just under a million and half it has been money well spent. He is consistent, and never once complained about his lack of starts. Ultimate professional and an excellent player

--

Benjani, FC
Earned a reputation as not being able to hit the proverbial cows backside, but with 16 goals this year has thrown that out of the window. His partnership with Johnson flourished, and his all round ability will be instrumental in Europe

Zlatan Ljubijankic, FC
I paid a nominal fee for Zlatan, but he is another player who has really surprised me. His prowess in front of goal is good, and I had no ehsitation in elevatinmg him into the third strikers role. Has 8 Slovenia caps and 4 goals, a good ration for any striker

Eddie Johnson, ST (Fans player of the year)
The undoubted star of the team. Having paid £1,500,000 for his services I have had tor eject two bids of £5M for him. The American is an assasin in front of goal, and with 23 goals (21 in the Premiership) he earnt the joint top scorer award. Will be vital next season

Giovanni Torre, FC
The young Italian came to prominence when he hit 6 in one game against Tranmere. Ended up scoring just once more all season, although he only played 5 more matches, but he clarly has some talent and at 18 could be one for the future

retired_brianrt

The stadium expansion had been recently completed, adding 7,000 seats to the capacity, but more expansions were planned for the future. Scouting for players is key, as strengthening the squad for European competition is crucial. The players I have are good, but a squad of around 24 or 25 top quality players is vital to progress. A goalkeeper is a necessity, despite James and Enyeama both having the qualities required for the number one jersey, but the downer is David James' advancing years. I had instructed the scouts to look round all parts of the world, in regions such as South America, Scandinavia, Europe and U.S.A, and with an expected transfer budget that would be substantial then I was happy. Ideally, I need a few players to agrre moves before the training starts, therefore joining up with the squad in the summer transfer window.

--

"Are you sure Tony? I know it's a position that we need to strengthen but he is still young. You think he'll handle the English game?"

"..."

"I know they did, they do every year, but the football is totally different. How much would they want for him d'ya reckon?"

"..."

"Hmm..Alright well scout him a couple more times, I'll have a look at the video and then make the decision"

Joe had nothing but praise for the player in question, CSKA's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. He was in his early twenties, and has 21 Russian caps, and Joe was convinced that he would cut it in the English game. I wasn't so sure, but I didn't really wasnt to spend too much of the transfer budget on one player. The board were willing to fund new signings, they wanted success in Europe just as much as I did, and with money being everything in this game, the board were behind me and the team

---

"Jan?. Is that you?"

The woman with long flowing brown hair was making her way towards George. Her hair covered her face, but the blood still dripped off the ends of her roots

"Jan? Talk to me, say something"

She stood there, not saying anything, just looking. her beautiful face all mangled, scarred...

"Jan. It's me, George. Say something, talk to me"

..

I woke with a start, instinctively looking at the clock. 5.07. Soaked in sweat, I swung out of bed and reached for the bottle of water on my bedside table. It was the first time I'd had one in a while, although this was a different one, one I hadn't had before. Strange. The first one since I met Melanie and it's a different one.

After several cups of coffee to calm my nerves, I flicked open my laptop to see the latest football news and check my mail.

...Jose Mourinho has today announced his resignation from Chelsea. Nothing has been said on why he left the club but rumours suggest his relationship with Roman Abramovich had broken down. Several top names have been thrown into the fray, and we will have more on that when we get it

I couldn't believe what I was reading. Chelsea had let Jose Mourinho go. One of the best managers they have had in years. I mean fair enough, they hadn't won their third successive league title but a Champions League trophy and second place. Hardly failure is it? Some of the names for the job were incredible...Capello, Lippi, Clarke...world class coaches who would do incredible things for football teams. Football can be a funny old game sometimes...

retired_brianrt

The squad strenghtening process had already begun, having made three offers for players and at least another four I wanted to have. I walked into my office and saw a note that had obviously been pushed through the door that morning.

Hi Nick.
Just to let you know, Peter Kenyon phoned late last night and wanted to know the availability of Curtis Davies. I told him you'd ring him today

Sharon

Damn. I was wondering how long it would take for one of the big sides to come knocking on my door. Secretly, I wanted around £7M for Curtis, but I wasn't really planning to stand in the way, as that would mean an unhappy player, something no manager wants on their hands. I hit the extension on my phone

"Sharon, will you send Curtis through when he gets here please?"

--

Several players had put pen to paper on new contracts, including Sol Campbell, Eddie Johnson and Manuel Fernandes, and with other players considering offers I was confident we could strengthen the squad rather than lose players for our European campaign. A sudden knock on my door interrupted my train of thought

"You wanted to see me boss?" Curtis Davies popped his head round the door, a slightly worried look on his face

"Yes I did, come in Curtis, sit down"

Curtis took a seat opposite me and started to bite his nails

"You don't need to worry Curtis. I just wanted to let you know that Chelsea have shown interest in you. Thye haven't made a bid yet but if its the right offer then you can talk to them"

"O.K thanks boss. I appreciate you telling me"

---

24 hours is not a long time. Its just one day. It's long enough to dampen anybodys spirits and put someone in a bad mood though. Not only did Chelsea offer £7M for Curtis Davies, but I received news that Eddie Johnson had broken his leg during an international game for USA, meaning he would miss 3 or 4 months of the season. This was not news that pleased me, especially with Eddie being our top scorer last season, and it made buying a striker suddenly leap to the top of the list of priorities.

retired_brianrt

"I just wondered if you were busy tomorrow night? I've got to go down to Chelsea with one of the lads but I'll be back by mid-afternoon. Thought I'd see if you wanted to come for a meal"

"..."

"I know this lovely little Italian place near the ground, lovely setting, cosy little restaurant and the foods nice too"

"..."

"OK well shall we say half 7 then. I'll pick you up from your house?"

"..."

"Thats fine. I'll see you tomorrow night"

With another date with Melanie arranged I had cheered up a bit, but there was still business to attend to. It's nice to get away from all the football with Mel, she didn't have much interest and barely spoke about it, but that suits me fine. I needed a break from time to time, I think we all do.

--

I was driving to London the following day with Curtis to meet Peter Kenyon, I wanted to accompany our defender because I didn't really trust Kenyon as far as I could throw him, and I wanted to make sure it was all done properly with the contract negotiations.

Once the deal had been finalised, Curtis agreeing a move to the European Cup winners, We drove back to the South Coast, returning to the ground by 3 that afternoon. My mood at losing one of our key players was soon enlightened by the fact that CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev had agreed to join us, a transfer fee of £6,500,000 enough to prise him away from the club.

Cagliari midfielder Mauro Esposito also accepted our terms just 48 hours later, meaning he would arrive on 1st July along with Akinfeev, two transfers which would strengthen the squad and give us vital European experience, with both having played in continental competition. More funds were added to the balance too, the chairman making another £15M available and Sean Davis agreeing a £2,000,000 move to West Bromwich Albion, leaving a very healthy looking £28M in the bank, money whihc can be used to attract some quality players to Fratton Park.

retired_brianrt

The next two weeks were hectic, with offers being made for players and contract negotiations in progress. With Akinfeev and Esposito already having agreed terms, I had made offers for Marseille's Garry Bocaly, Gonzalo Higuain of River Plate and Liverpool's young defender Jack Hobbs, with Bocaly agreeing terms easily while Higuain and Hobbs were both taking their time mulling over the offers. Six pre-season games had been arranged also, the first one in just three days, and this would be a good chance for the new players to adapt to the way we play and our style.

24 hours later, Higuain and Hobbs both agreed terms, and both went straight into the squad for the run out with Szczakowianka. I had also made two more offers for players, both loan offers, for Valencia midfielder Fabian Estoyanoff and Villarreal cental defender Cesar Arzo. The quicker those two agreed to join us for the season then the squad would be looking more and more like how I wanted it to. Our opening friendly proved to be an easy game, the lads just cruising through the match in 2nd gear before wrapping up a comfortable victory. Dagoberto opened up the scoring on 11 minutes, slotting the ball underneath the on-rushing 'keeper. Niko Kranjcar, starting his first game in Portsmouth colours since before christmas, was superb, dominating the game down the left hand side, crossing balls to the strikers and creating chances constantly. It was the Croatian who scored the second just before half time, volleying home from the edge of the box after a deflected cross. Esposito and Higuain came on at half time, and it was the former Cagliari man who put the seal on the game, heading home Kranjcar's cross on 71 minutes to seal a simple and easy pre-season win

---

With Curtis Davies moving to Chelsea, a centre back replacement was a necessity, and when Cesar Arzo agreed to join us at Fratton Park for the season, I instinctively had views of making it into a permanent move. Estoyanoff also agreed to join us the same day, and the squad was really starting to get a European look to it, with players joining who had played in Europe before.

The second friendly was just 48 hours later, Pagon our opponents, and it saw a completely different eleven than the one that started the previous game. It turned out to be a simple win once again, with Manuel Fernandes opening the scoring after 157 seconds of play. Our Portuguese playmaker was the main threat of the match, and it was his through ball that allowed Benjani to collect the pass and cleverly dink it over the 'keeper. More good chances came in the second half, Higuain hitting the post and Bocaly heading just over, but it was another confortable run out for the team, the new signings fitting in well and slotting into the team quite easily, which I was happy about, and the team were looking good early on in the season