FM2014: The Blue Army Rises Again

[Grover]

Harry Redknapp. European competition. The 2008 Football Association Cup. Nwankwo Kanu's historic goal, triumphing over Cardiff. It seems as though a lot can happen in the short span of five years, especially for a football club. When Harry left the club for Tottenham at the beginning of the 2008/09 season, it signaled the beginning of a sharp downward curve for the club.

A combination of Tony Adams and Paul Hart led the club to 14th in the table for that fateful 08/09 season. Greater things were promised in May 2009 when U.A.B. Businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim purchased the club. Alarms were raised when star players Peter Crouch, Sylvain Distin, Glen Johnson and Niko Kranjcar were sold. In October 2009 it was revealed that players hadn't been played in four months. The club was placed under a transfer embargo.

With a nine point deduction for having gone into administration staring them in the face, the club went down to the Championship. New owner Balram Chainrai discovered that the club were £135 million in debt and fears the club could cease to exist starting churning the daily rags as a real possibility.

After two seasons in the Championship and numerous management changes and another bout with administration, the club prepared for their season in League One with the entire professional player leaving the squad. Then the manager left and the club were set to toil and face relegation once again.

However, despite dropping all the way to League Two, just four seasons after winning the FA Cup and performing in Europe, surviving three stints in administration with various crooked owners, managers who refused to show loyalty to what they believed was a sinking ship, the club was saved.

In April the club finally exited administration when the new ownership group's deal to purchase the club was finally completed. Now finding themselves in England's fourth tier, they turn to a virtually unknown manager from Barrow-upon-Soar to lead them back to the bright lights and massive stadiums of Premier League football.

The owners, coaches and managers may have all lost faith in Portsmouth Football Club over the course of the last few years, but the supporters didn't. They own this football club and are determined to see them reach the heights they once achieved. Battling in Europe, competing at Anfield and Old Trafford.

They have decided to hand the reigns to Alfie Heathcote, a 31 year-old novice manager, as wet behind the ears as they come. Can he deliver what this south coast fan base so desperately wants? Can he become the loyal football manager they need?

[Grover]

Season Expectations, Playing Squad & Tactics
The absolute minimum expectation is that Alfie Heathcote achieves promotion from Sky Bet League Two this season. The young manager is expected to achieve this without a transfer budget and the club spending £35,225 of their allocated £40,000 per week for the squad.

Goalkeepers
Phil Smith (33), John Sullivan (25)

About equal in talent, Smith will likely get the nod most weeks out due to his experience.

Defenders
Bondz N'Gala (23), Joe Devera (26), Danny East (21), Marcos Painter (26), Dan Butler (18), Sonny Bradley (21), Yassin Moutaouakil (26)

Painter will be the left back and is the most talented of this group. Devera is equally adept in the center or on the right, but will likely pair with DM/DC candidate Johnny Ertl, if a defensive midfielder is not utilized. This is an area to be upgraded through a Bosman signing.

Midfielders
Shaun Cooper (29), Johnny Ertil (30), Jed Wallace (19), Ricky Holmes (26), Simon Ferry (25), Romain Padovani (23), Andy Barcham (26), Tom Craddock (26)

Ferry and Ertl are the stars here and are likely to pair together while other options are exercised in the back four. Barcham and Craddock could form a strong pair on the wings.

Forwards
David Connolly (36), Patrick Agyemang (32), Ashley Harris (19), Ryan Bird (25)

Plenty of options, though none of them really get the blood pumping. Four forwards gives the option of playing two up top with a an off-center midfield.

Tactics
The club will be playing a variation of a 4-2-4 with two central defenders flanked by supporting full backs. A defensive midfielder will hold deep, looking to tick over the attack and recycle possession. He will be played with a central midfielder in an advanced play-making role. They will be flanked by two attacking wingers, who will be working to a pair of forwards. An attacking forward and a supporting target man who will look to hold up possession and bring others in to play.

[collegesportsfanms]

Grover, glad to see an FM14 dynasty on these boards, especially since the beta version is now out. Question... is Steam a requirement to play FM 14? Do you have to have steam installed and running?

I have no issue with steam personally, but my computer tech (who is about 70 years old and always grumpy anyways), absolutely hates Steam. Any time he does anything to my computer and finds Steam on there, I hear about it for days upon days. Hearing him gripe and complain for weeks is just not worth the price to get FM14 if I have to have Steam to run it.

[Grover]

Ah, betas may result in corrupted files. Fun. I have a back-up copy saved but it's for July 11 at the takeover. I'll write a bit into the season this time before posting!

[Grover]

Into the Swing of Things – Friendlies and Preparation
Sat. 13 July, 2013
Pompey Make First Loan Signing
In a bid to bolster competitiveness throughout the squad we have started by signing 30 year old right back Alan Dunne on season long loan from Millwall.

This was perhaps our weakest position on the field and the veteran's presence should greatly improve the quality there.

Mon. 15 July, 2013
McDermott Joins
We have signed Bournemouth's attacking left midfielder Donal McDermott on a season loan. McDermott will immediately start on the left and give Bachram some serious competition.

Tue. 16 July, 2013
Rossi Added to Strike Force
Stoke City's 19 year-old forward Karim Rossi has joined the club on season long loan. He'll inject some much needed youth and pace to our forward lineup and could see time immediately as a starter.

Friendly
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Brentford

Wed. 17 July, 2013
Dolan Added to Midfield Mix
Middlesbrough's Matthew Dolan has joined us on a season long loan. The 21 year-old central midfielder looks to add competition to Simon Ferry for the starting position and may make it possible for us to play two MC instead of off-setting the DM and MC.

Kiernan Bolsters Defense
Wigan's Rob Kiernan has joined the club on a season-long loan. The 22 year-old central defender will likely start.

We're feeling good about all these free players.

Thu. 18 July, 2013
Friendly
Portsmouth 1 – 4 Sheffield Wednesday

Tue. 23 July, 2013
Friendly
Gillingham 2 - 1 Portsmouth

News & Notes
Patrick Agyemang will be tutoring U18 forward Jack Maloney.

Youth team member Bradley Tarbuck has signed a professional contract.

Thu. 25 July, 2013
Pompey Sign Mossaoui
Karim Mossaoui has agreed terms with us on a two year contract. The 25 year-old right winger had been a free agent, having previously played for Helmond Sport in the Jupiler League.

I like his technical skills, he may not have gotten a chance to play regularly over the past few years, but he'll have a chance here.

Sat. 27 July, 2013
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 4 Portsmouth

Mon. 29 July, 2013
Friendly
Port Talbot 0 – 3 Portsmouth

Fri. 2 August, 2013
Profit
We've been given £1,500 because of a sell-on clause for a player awesomely named Andrea Mutombo. We'll also rake in an extra £4,500 over the next 18 months.

Scouts
We have signed Jan Heijkers as a scout. He'll provide a presence in Holland.

We have also signed Ben Stevens, he'll provide a continued presence in England.

[Grover]

Sat. 3 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #1
Stuck in the Mud: Pompey and Bulls Grind Out Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Oxford United
12 – A chance! The ball is worked in beautifully after 12 consecutive passes. Karim Rossi heads at the keeper.

15 – GOAL! David Connolly! It's the captain receiving a pass from midfield and weaving his way into the box, firing it home.

25 – Connolly nearly nets a brace, just whisking it past the post.

34 – GOAL! Andy Whing has leveled the affair. Hunt's long throw-in bounces around in the box and lands favorably for the Oxford midfielder to slot into the net.

45 – McDermott struggled in the first half. If we're to win, he needs to contribute down the left.

56 – We're being restricted to long-range shots, Connolly blasts one wide from 35 yards. McDermott has a chance inside the six yard box, but the Oxford keeper does well to parry the shot.

70 – Perhaps too late to make effective changes, McDermott and Rossi come off for Barcham and Agyemang. We need something from wide positions.

90 – Connolly floats in a wonderful ball, but Agyemang is just a step offside as he scores. The ground was on their feet for the winner, but it wasn't to be.

Oxford won the midfield battle for possession, though we held the overall edge 52-48. We had 12 shots , 5 on target to their 2/2. We really should have won this game, but most of our shots were wayward and from outside of the 18. We've got to do a better job of working the ball in and creating quality shots that have a chance. Not a bad result for our first match, but better things have to come.

Patrick Agyemang picked up an injury, sustaining whiplash after he fell heavily against Oxford. Incidentally, this was after his goal was ruled offside. He'll miss 6-9 days while he pouts about it in a corner.

Sun. 4 August, 2013
Ticket Sales
The club has announced they've sold 10,980 season tickets this year. Not bad for a club in the fourth division.

Mon. 5 August, 2013
Pompey Sign Keeper
We have signed 22 year-old Dutch keeper Delano van Crooy on a one year deal. He is highly rated by our Dutch scout and we're hoping he can provide some competition to the position.

Tue. 6 August, 2013
Capital One Cup (First Round)
Swindon Win 4-1 on Penalties
Swindon Town 0 – 0 Portsmouth
12 – Our first attack that comes to anything. Rossi lays off a nice pass for McDermott cutting in from the left, but the winger fires into the side netting.

22 – Ashley Harris loops in a free kick that's just too far ahead of Rossi.

27 – Rossi launches a shot 40 rows deep. We are surprisingly spending a fair amount of time in the Swindon third. Intercepting passes, making solid tackles and keeping the possession ticking over. We're just not getting shots on goal.

56 – Not much had happened in the past half-hour, but Rossi puts in a perfect cross, Moussaoui can only run it into the post.

70 – Moussaoui comes off for Barcham, with McDermott switching to the right.

90 – Scoreless and headed to extra time. Craddock will come on for the exhausted Ashley Harris.

91 – van Crooy does well to parry a blast from Simon Dawkins.

105 – Swindon get unlucky as Mohamed El-Gabas strikes the post.

105 + 2 – Alan Dunne is injured. Butler moves to right back and Painter comes on to the left.

107 – Swindon open the second half of extra time with some dangerous set-pieces and we're able to clear out three consecutive corners.

120 – And the match will go down the drama of penalties. Rossi and Craddock both misses and it's easy for Swindon to win the shootout.

A tough loss, but we showed we can play with a League 1 side all the way through. Bondz N'Gala, who is trying to earn a contract put in a 9.00 rating and was Man of the Match. He might see a contract come his way after that performance.

Thu. 8 August, 2013
N'Gala Seals Deal
I offered N'Gala a deal, extending it through the remainder of the season and he has happily signed on. He's got potential, let's see if he can develop it.

[Grover]

Sat. 10 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #2
Connolly and Barcham Pull The Strings
Accrington Stanley 1 – 5 Portsmouth
19 – GOAL! And what a finish it was by David Connolly. Barcham cross from the left and the captain dives in with his left foot to drive it past the keeper.

34 – GOAL! Accrington have a number of dangerous corners, failed marking on our part, but they can't finish any of them properly. Winnard has pass intercepted by Barcham, who gets it back inside for Rossi and it's 2-0.

45 – What a half for Andy Barcham. Two superb assists, but he is exhausted. I'll try and get him to the hour mark before replacing him.

47 – GOAL! Rossi and Connolly combine this time with the captain getting his second of the match. The pressure is really starting to pile up on Accrington.

57 – GOAL! Simon Ferry's indirect free kick is crossed to the edge of the 6 and Bondz N''Gala cooly slots it home. We're putting on a show now!

59 – GOAL! Barcham intercepts a pass and bursts down the left flank, he crosses in for Connolly and that's the hat trick!

70 – We make some changes with Ferry, Barcham and Connolly coming off. All had wonderful games and deserve the rest. Craddock, Dolan and Holmes to replace them. We'll look to play it a little more cautious and attempt to preserve the clean sheet.

74 – Great save from van Crooy has he stretches out to stop a curling shot. The corner and resulting pressure are dealt with accordingly and a goal kick eventually ends Accrington's small spell of dominance.

79 – GOAL! Danny Webber pulls one back for the hosts. Wilson sends in a long corner from the left flank toward the right post and the forward taps home his first goal for the club.

90- Full time. Connolly was Man of the Match because of his hat trick, but Barcham's three assists were close behind. Ferry and N'Gala were also fantastic and Karim Rossi showed he can form an effective partnership with Connolly. We were attacking in spades today and it was beautiful. Van Crooy has looked excellent in his two starts.

Tue. 13 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week
Bondz N'Gala, Andy Barcham, Simon Ferry and David Connolly have all been named to the team after their hugely impressive performance last week.

Sat. 17 August, 2013
Johnstone's Paint Trophy Draw
We will be facing Plymouth Argyle in the JPT South first round. The match will be at Home Park on September 3.

Similarly to Portsmouth, Plymouth had deep financial troubles and have fallen from the Championship to League 2.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #3
Dunne Does in Shrimpers
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Morecambe
4 – GOAL! Alan Dunne with a laser beam off a free kick from the top of the box. That's the fullback's first goal from the club.

25 – Simon Ferry raced into the box and unleashed a shot that rattled the crossbar. McDermott gets on the end of a cross, but chips it over. We are playing with the some verve.

45 – Half time. We are holding 63% possession and have shown no signs of letting up. 12 shots with 5 on target in the half, Morecambe have had to commit 11 fouls just to keep us in check. The lads need to press on and get the second goal that they deserve.

51 – McDermott is still struggling to get his shots on target. He has another opportunity sent into the side netting.

53 – GOAL! Alan Dunne send in a cross to the back left post from deep on the right and Andy Barcham continues his blistering form, directing a header toward the right post and in.

69 – Both fullbacks, Dunne and Painter have been putting in some tantalizing crosses from deep on their respective flanks. Dunne is getting much more space from McDermott being utilized as an inside forward.

81 – With time winding down and some tired players out there, Ertl, Ferry and Connolly come off for Cooper, Harris and Padovani.

82 – A scare as Keith Ellison is called offside for a goal that would have pulled the Shrimpers within one.

90 – Full time. A fantastic win fueled by right back Alan Dunne's early goal and later assist. Ferry was excellent again as the deep lying play maker and Barcham has been terrific on the left.

Tue. 20 August, 2013
Dunne Named
Alan Dunne was named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week after his storming performance against Morecambe.

[Grover]

Sat. 24 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #4
Stout Mansfield Take the Spoils
Mansfield Town 1 – 0 Portsmouth
17 – We are showing signs of that free flowing football again. Barcham is able to work his way in from the left, but his shot hits the outside of the left post.

36 – Simon Ferry forces a tough save from Mariott on his direct free kick.

42 – Mansfield has an attack snuffed out by Painter and he finds Connolly moving down the left flank. He passes inside for Barcham, but his shot is miles off target.

45 – Half time. Dominating possession, but only 4 shots (2 on target). Need better penetration.

60 – Early changes to try and get on the front foot with a goal. Ferry, McDermott and Rossi come off for Mossaoui, Wallace and Harris.

62 – Connolly has a goal disallowed from a set pieces, just offside when heading in Jed Wallace's cross.

78 – The team is finally coming alive, winning corners and set pieces and putting tremendous pressure on Mansfield's defence but they are resilient.

81 – GOAL! Murray finds Holman cutting through the Portsmouth defenders and he puts the ball past van Crooy to give Mansfield a deserved 1-0 lead.

90 – Full time. We couldn't break Mansfield down and in the end paid the price as their dogged defending and persistence paid off in a goal. It's our first loss of the young season, and while disappointed in the players, there's a long way to go yet. We controlled posession, had 7 on target shots, but had to rely on fouling Mansfield, who managed 13 shots (3 on target). A frustrating loss for sure.

Sat. 31 August 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #5
Ten Men Pompey Hold Off Late Surge
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Chesterfield
9 – Chesterfield with the first real chance as Darikwa crosses for Ugwu who puts it over goal.

27 – Some nice interplay finally gets a shot on target, but Connolly's shot is easily parried away.

29 – Painter gets a yellow card and gives away a free kick in a dangerous area, but the set piece flies harmlessly over goal.

35 – Dunne takes a free kick and skims the top of the crossbar. So close!

45 – GOAL! Ertl dances around a tacking defender and passes to Connolly in the box. The captain turns from a defender and fires left-footed in the left corner of goal. Great work all around! That's his sixth goal this season.

46 – Right off the whistle van Crooy is forced to make a save as Chesterfield break to begin the half.

49 – GOAL! Connolly finds Rossi who takes a chance from the top of the box and sends the ball past a diving keeper. 2-0 Pompey!

51 – RED CARD! Marcos Painter's second yellow gets him sent off. Senseless! We have the lead, but this makes trying to win that much harder.

Connolly will come off. McDermott and Mossaou will drop back to midfield, rather than an attacking position. Wallace replaces the forward as a central midfielder. Alan Dunne comes off for Sonny Bradley and we play with three center backs. A 3-1-4-1, if you will.

We adopt a more defensive approach and will look to get players behind the ball, waste time and try and keep things narrow.

56 – Typical Donal McDermott. Steals the ball from inside our own half, storms down the left, cuts inside and fires 20 rows deep. The broad side of the barn remains untouched.

80 – We're getting chances, despite playing down a man. McDermott skimmed the bar with a header and Wallace put a free kick over.

86 – GOAL! Setting up for a nervy finish. Bradley heads a corner away but Eoin Doyle seizes it in the center of the box and strikes it pass van Crooy.

90 – Full time. After seven minutes of pure hell from Chesterfield the final whistle blows and we walk out winners. Connolly was Man of the Match scoring and setting up a goal. It's a good bounce back after the Mansfield loss, but now we've lost Painter for one match through suspension.

In other news, Karim Rossi sustained a stubbed toe (what?) and will miss 9-12 days.

[Grover]

Sun. 1 September, 2013
Loan Repayments
Glorious news in club finances as we have two loans we are now expected to pay back at £120,000 per month.

Board Confidence
The board is satisfied with my coaching of the club. They are disappointed with the team's performance in the Cap One Cup.

The club recorded a loss of £313,000 last month. Which is awesome considering we are now paying £240,000 a month back to the lovely banks.

Tue. 03 September, 2013
Agyemang, Craddock Injured
The Ghanian forward twisted his ankle in training and is expected to miss up to seven weeks.

Tom Craddock suffered a thigh strain and is expected to miss a month.

Now we're a bit light in the forward department.
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (First Round)
Plymouth Dominate Penalties 4-1
Plymouth Argyle 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Connolly and Harris up top, Matthew Dolan gets his first start in midfield. Butler is at left back for the suspended Painter.

7 – Harris has the first chance on goal, but it's harmlessly into the keeper's hands.

14 – The hosts earn a corner after a strong shot is deflected out by Kiernan.

41 – GOAL! Ruben Reid puts the hosts up front with a ferocious right-footed shot that finds the bottom corner of goal.

43 – Harris misses two chances in two minutes to level affairs.

45 + 1 – GOAL! Holmes plays a pass to Alan Dunne who crosses deep and it's Connolly with a running header to equalize. That's seventh this season!

57 – Ashley Harris sends a free kick over goal. He has a great work rate. He's all over the pitch, but the barn door evades him.

64 – GOAL! And it's Harris providing the assist. McDermott slides a pass to Harris, who slides one for Holmes charging in from the right. He slots it past the keeper and we've got the edge.

67- GOAL! Very briefly. Lane wins a header to Boco who is alone down the left. He fires a shot that beats the shocked van Crooy.

80 – Harris with a shocking miss. Dolan gets him the ball in perfect position and he fires wide.

84 – Dolan comes off with a knock, replaced by Padovani.

90 + 1 – Plymouth's Allen with a terrific effort that grazes the crossbar. That ends regulation and we're off to the thrill of penalties once more this season.

Plymouth go first with Fioro and Harris surprisingly hits his to equalize. Young beats van Crooy and Connolly hits the cross bar, giving the hosts the edge. Reid goes to make it 3-1 and Padovani is very easily saved with a weak effort. Nelson steps up and confidently sends Plymouth into the next round.

We are clearly terrible in penalties. Ousted from two cup competitions because of them. Frustrating. Holmes was our best player down the right wing and Dolan was very good until his injury. Bradley was our rock in defense today and while Harris was solid, like McDermott needs to work on his finishing.

Sun. 08 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #6
Wing Dings! Pompey Wingers Have a Field Day
Cheltenham Town 2 – 5 Portsmouth
Painter is back in the starting XI, McDermott moving back to the left with Mossaoui in on the right. Both are playing as out and out wingers.

4 – GOAL! It's the two wingers linking up. Connolly wins the ball in deep midfield and gives it to McDermott. He storms inside from the left and crosses for the back post. Mossaoui is there to head it past the diving keeper.

9 – Brilliant save! Van Crooy rushes off his line as Barker sprints into the box solo. The forward goes to take his shot, but the Dutch keeper's body is there to block the ball.

23 – GOAL! Connolly approaches the box, as the two center backs close in, he shunts the ball left for McDermott. The winger strikes at goal and it whizzes by the keeper. We're showing signs of dominance on the road.

41 – GOAL! The hosts pull one back on a corner. Van Crooy dives, but the ball strikes the crossbar. N'Gala attempts to head clear, but it's onto the foot of Troy Brown who slots it into an empty net.

51 – We are struggling with Cheltenham's deep crosses. They've had another go off the crossbar and van Crooy is struggling with his positioning resulting from their bounces.

58 – Looking for a repeat of the first, McDermott crosses for Mossaoui, but it's safe hands from the keeper.

71 – van Crooy impresses again tipping a shot out for a corner after N'Gala was beaten by his name.

76 – GOAL! Ashley Harris has found the barn door! Connolly frees Mossaoui down the right and he centers a cross for Harris who toes it in with a wonderful volley.

84 – GOAL! McDermott with a brace! Mossaoui crosses from the right, Connolly flicks it back slightly and McDermott is right behind him to smash it into goal.

90 + 1 – GOAL! Mossaoui with a brace. The wingers have been terrifying Cheltenham all day long and it's McDermott who crosses low for the Moroccan.

90 + 2 – GOAL! It's merely consolation, but Gornell beats our defense to make it 5-2.

Full time. McDermott picks up Man of the Match with his two goals and assists. Mossaoui adds two goals and an assist of his own, while Connolly also had two assists. Passing was the name of the game here and we were at it beautifully.

The win moves us to fourth after six games, right in the thick of the promotion race with 40 games to play.

Sat. 14 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #7
Pompey Wake Up In Final 15
Burton Albion 1 – 3 Portsmouth
Rob Kiernan has been a bit jaded, so Sonny Bradley will start with N'Gala in central midfield. We're still waiting for the majority of our forwards to get fit, so Harris goes alongside Connolly.

7 – GOAL! Rene Howe scores an odd one. Cook sends in a short cross and Howe heads it past a completely stumped van Crooy. The Brewers take the early lead.

26 – A slow game since the Burton goal and Bradley has come down with an injury. Danny East replaces him.

36 – Connolly has had four good chances over the course of the game so far and has sent all of them wide.

45 – Half time. With the struggles offensively we make two changes. Johnny Ertl comes off because of a knock, the DM replaced by Matthew Dolan. Connolly is coming off for Karim Rossi, who is returning from his dire stubbed toe.

57 – McDermott has taken a knock, but we've already used all three subs. He'll have to suffer through. He does get in a nice cross for Ferry, who earns a corner from his shot.

66 – Now Mossaoui has picked up a knock. We might be slightly less effective on the wings from here on out.

78 – GOAL! Ashley Harris levels the affair! He takes Mosaoui's pass as he's striding into the box, takes one touch and fires home. Get in!

82 – GOAL! Karim Rossi on his return from injury nets his fourth of the year! Ferry pass in, Rossi split s the defenders and the keeper's legs!

86 – GOAL! Now it's raining! Harris sends in a corner that bounces around and is blocked three times before falling for Donal McDermott. The winger slots it home easily and we are cruising in these last 15 minutes.

90 – Full time. Fantastic comeback as we score three goals in the final 15 minutes to take a stunning win from Burton. Bondz N'Gala continues to impress and was named Man of the Match. McDermott, Rossi and Harris also put in fantastic performances.

Bad news though. After taking five or so games to get going, McDermott twisted his ankle and is going to miss 6-7 weeks. I think we'll be okay with Andy Barcham starting, but this is definitely a blow.

[Grover]

Tue. 17 September, 2013
Wallace Wants Out
Jed Wallace has rocked the club by handing in an official transfer request. Wallace doesn't believe he can get first team football here and right now he's probably fourth on the central midfielder list. We've accepted his offer and will look to see if we can make some profit from him.

Sat. 21 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #8
Ten Men Pompey Hold Fleetwood
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Fleetwood Town
Rossi and Kiernan are back starting for this match. Barcham will indeed start on the left in place of the injured McDermott.

12 – Johnny Ertl picks up a yellow card for a cynical tackle in our half. Fleetwood's movement ends with a nice save from van Crooy.

18 – GOAL! What sumptuous football! Connolly to Mossaoui to Rossi who slots past the diving keeper. 1-0 to the hosts. That's Rossi's fifth this season.

28 – GOAL! Frantic defending as we're in sixes and sevens on the corner. It bounces free from van Crooy and Ikpeazu is there to level the visitors.

45 – Half time. Dunne is struggling at fullback. But he'll stay in. We're doing OK, but need to push on to get three points.

50 – RED CARD! Bad news as Johnny Ertl is shown an early bath. He makes another ill-advised tackle at the half-way line and the referee is right there to send him making. Connolly comes off for Dolan. N'Gala shifts to right back and Dunne is replaced by Sonny Bradley.

53 – Rossi earns a corner, now operating as a loan striker. He couldn't unlock the defense, but his shot did enough. Fleetwood is definitely trying to stretch us wide on the pitch, but we are handling the crosses quite well.

65 – Dolan forces a save from an excellent free kick.

71 – Simon Ferry has taken a knock and will be replaced by Romain Padovani.

74 – Fleetwood have had two free kicks from the top of the box in the last few minutes and Schumacher has sent them both over goal.

85 – Fleetwood starting to press with the advantage. More and more crosses coming in. van Crooy and the back four have handled the pressure very well. N'Gala is putting in another Man of the Match performance.

90 – Full time. N'Gala is named Man of the Match once again with a fantastic game. Mossaoui was our second best player with his assist on Rossi's goal. The Karim to Karim connection on display. We need to cut out the cautions. Second match this year we've had to deal with ten men. We move to second with 17 points, four behind Plymouth.

Johnny Ertl has been suspended for one match.

Tue. 24 September, 2013
Craddock Back
Tom Craddock has returned to full training after missing three weeks with a thigh strain. He's made two substitute appearances and has a 6.70 rating.

Wed. 25 September, 2013
Wallace Crocked
In bad news for club and player, Jed Wallace has sustained a broken toe. The wantaway player will need to see a specialist and is expected to miss 2-3 months.

Sat. 28 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #9
Josh Carson Brace Sees Off Blue Army
York City 2 – 1 Portsmouth
With Ertl suspended, Dolan will play as a halfback in the defensive midfield position. N'Gala is averaging a 7.98. To think, I almost released him.

9 – GOAL! N'Gala was ever present heading away corner after corner. Carson heads home a cross for the hosts after he lost two defenders and the keeper.

15 - GOAL! The captain! Barcham crosses to the top center of the box and Mossaoui nods it down for Connolly. He coolly passes the ball into goal.

39 – GOAL! Josh Carson has a brace. He gets free in the area and easily finishes Jarvis' cross.

41 – Connolly is injured. Ashley Harris will replace.

45 – Half time. The back four, aside from N'Gala are putting on a shocker. Absolutely terrible. N'Gala is a rock.

52 – Harris is getting opportunities, but is once again being wasteful.

59 – We are not closing them down quickly enough.

61 – Dunne is exhausted and Kiernan has been terrible both are subbed. Bradley and Cooper in at DC and N'Gala is shifted to fullback.

66 – PENALTY! Cooper brings down Carson in the box, but Howard strikes the penalty off the crossbar!

85 – Harris grazes the bar.

90 – Full time. I tell the team I'm disappointed in them for the loss. I praise N'Gala and the team reacts angrily. Interesting to note. York rises to 3rd and drops us to 4th with their victory.

Simon ferry suffered a dead leg after an accidental collision and will miss 6-8 days. The midfielder has a 7.33 rating in 9 games. He is arguably our best overall player in terms of skill.

David Connolly has suffered a groin strain and is expected to miss 4 weeks. The hits just keep on coming. He's averaging a 7.52 with 7 goals and 4 assists in 10 appearances.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 October, 2013
Board Update
The board is satisfied with the coaching of the team. They are extremely pleased with the signing of Karim Mossaoui, the fans love him. They are disappointed with the loss to York. So am I.

The club recorded a loss of £521,000 last month. However, we sold 824 kits and made £55,550 in merchandise!

Devera Back
Good news! Joe Devera has returned to full training following a double hernia.

Sat. 05 October, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #10
Rochdale Steal Win at Fratton Park
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Rochdale
Harris come into the fold again with Connolly out for the semi-long term. Dolan starts at MC for the exhausted Simon Ferry.

25 – It's been a slow match. Ertl has picked up a knock, but should be okay. It'll be assessed at the half.

33 – There's no penetration past midfield for either team.

34 – GOAL! Spoke too soon. Henderson puts Rochdale up one nothing, nodding one back to Jenkins, receiving the return past and beating van Crooy.

45 – Half time. We've been on the back foot and look uninspired. Nobody looks terrible, but they don't look good either.

62 – Cooper on for Ertl and Craddock on for Harris. Looking for a goal.

72 – Barcham hits the elbow of the goal frame. Heads drop across the ground.

90 – Full time. A turgid performance. N'Gala pulled in a 7.9, but the attack was disappointing. We only managed 4 shots with 2 on target. Simply unacceptable.

Agyemang Back
Patrick Agyemang has resumed full training after recovering from a twisted ankle.

Ertl Injured
More bad news as defensive midfielder Johnny Ertl has suffered a groin strain. He is expected to miss four weeks.

Sun. 13 October, 2013
Sky Bet League Match Day #11
Ashley Harris Stars in Pompey Win
Plymouth Argyle 1 – 3 Portsmouth
Third hosting seventh. The match is being televised. We're winless in three, two losses on the trot. Rossi is unavailable on international duty, so Craddock and Harris form an uninspiring starting duo up top. Dolan starts at DM for the injured Ertl.

13 – GOAL! Barcham crosses from the left flank and Harris heads it home. The visitor's section is going wild!

17 – GOAL! Harris again! Ferry takes a headed passes from Mossaoui and threads it through to Harris. The keeper gets a hand on it, but isn't strong enough to keep the ball out.

45 – We look great at the half. Some excellent pressure in the Plymouth half. Harris has been phenomenal.

53 – GOAL! Barcham cuts inside and lays off for Mossaoui who one times his shot on the volley to beat Cole.

54 - Padovani is on for the injured Ferry. He's only taken a knock, but better to be safe than sorry.

61 – Plymouth go close when van Crooy comes out a bit too far. Harvey shoots, but drills the bar.

72 – Great save from van Crooy! He tips a headed effort just over goal. N'Gala clears the corner away.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Merely consolation, but Marvin Morgan cuts inside N'Gala and unleashes a brilliant left-footed shot that beats van Crooy near side.

Full time and a terrific win. A great way to come back after a draw and two losses. Harris picks up the deserved Man of the Match with an 8.9. Barcham an 8.3, Mossaoui and Kiernan an 8.4. A team effort all around. Just need to start beating the teams we are clearly better than.


Mon. 14 October, 2013
Moutaouakil Wants Out
After a chat with the fullback, it's been decided we'll try and find a new club for him.

[Grover]

Fri. 18 October, 2013
Painter Signs Deal
Marcos Painter has signed a new 2 year contract with the club. He has been quite good as our left fullback. 7.22 rating in 12 matches.

Sat. 19 October, 2013
Sky Bet League Match Day #12
Harris Penalty Seals the Points
Portsmouth 1 - 0 Bury
Rossi back in for Craddock. Everything else remains the same from the previous match.

This is one of those danger matches we really should win. Bury is 19th in the division and has struggled mightily.

14 – Shot from distance by Rossi is sent out for a corner. Bury deal with the set-piece.

37 – Rossi pulls back a cross in the box for Barcham, but Jensen does well to get down and save. He's looked quite good when called upon for the visitors.

56 – Ferry wins the ball in midfield, out for Mossaoui and his cross bounces off the crossbar and out for a Bury throw.

63 – Harris' free kick nails the crossbar. We're getting a touch unlucky here.

75 – Padovani is on for Ferry and Holmes for Mossaoui. Both are tired and Ferry had picked up a caution.

76 – PENALTY! A foul on our corner and Bury concede. It's Ashley Harris stepping up and sending it into the top right corner of goal! 1-0 Pompey! Cool and collected finish.

90 – Full time. The penalty seals a nervy win in which we never really got going. To no one's surprise, Bondz N'Gala is once again Man of the Match in a tight affair. He's been incredible.

The win moves us into second with Plymouth drawing and York losing. Oxford drew with Accrington.

Sun. 20 October, 2013
Connolly Back
Big sigh of relief. David Connolly is back in full training after recovering from his groin strain.

Tue. 22 October, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #13
Wycombe Take the Spoils with Comeback Win
Portsmouth 2 – 3 Wycombe Wanderers
McDermott is back and starting on the left. Cooper is back and starting at DM. N'Gala gets a day off and Bradley will pair Kiernan at DC.

4 – Alan Dunne has taken an early knock, but should be able to shake it off.

8 – GOAL! Mossaoui with a great individual effort. Works his way from the right to the top center of the box and blasts it right-footed past the keeper.

29 – Rossi has the entire defense beat by about two yards, but the side official judges him offside.

38 – PENALTY! Mossaoui concedes near the edge of the area. Matt Bloomfield steps up and levels the match at one.

45- Half time. We're level because of a silly penalty. Let's get back in front. The majority of the squad is motivated for the second half.

52 – GOAL! McDermott picks up a yellow card in midfield, Arnold sends in a looping free kick and Stewart puts a powerful header past van Crooy.

83 – GOAL! Wycombe seals it with Tom Hopper skirting around the defence and slotting home neatly into the bottom right corner of goal.

89 – GOAL! Maybe not! Rossi is freed down the left, jinks past Hause and hits a hopeful looking shot that finds its way in.

90 – Full time. Rossi's goal was merely consolation and we slump to a disappointing home loss to Wycombe. Cooper was dreadful with a 5.7 rating at DM. Rossi and Ferry were our best at 7.3.

We fall to fourth, four behind Plymouth who are once again first and level with Mansfield on points at 26.

Sat. 26 October, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #14
Up and Down, but Pompey Eventually Win
Torquay United 3 – 5 Portsmouth
Connolly is back in the lineup, pairing with Rossi. East starts for a tired Dunne.

4 – GOAL! It comes from a cross on the left. Barcham to the far post, it's Mossaoui heading home. His fourth goal of the season.

7 – Connolly just misses right. Ferry is battling hard in midfield to win possession back.

10 – GOAL! Connolly! Rossi wins possession and attempts to shoot. The shot is blocked by the Torquay defender, but Connolly volleys it past the keeper.

22 – GOAL! Torquay pull one back as Asante slots past van Crooy.

28 – GOAL! And a brilliant one at that. Mansell skips over a tackle and loops one over van Crooy from 20 yards.

33 – East is cautioned for protesting us not being given a penalty. Nice. Real smart.

45 – Half time. Ferry has a knock and is coming off. So is East. Devera will make his first appearance at fullback. Padovani is on for Ferry.

61 – GOAL! Asante is the fox in the box. Van Crooy saves the first shot, Asante taps it home. Torquay take the lead.

71 – PENALTY! Torquay concede as Rossi breaks into the area. Devera steps up and calmly slots it past the keeper. The match is level once more!

73 – GOAL! Mossaoui breaks into the area, cutting in from the left. He evades three defenders it passes it past the keeper! Pompey back in front!

90 + 1 – GOAL! Barcham ends it with style, drifting in from the left and firing from the top of the box.

Full time. Great comeback win to seal three points. 2-0 to 2-3, to 5-3, we'll take that. Great resilience from the team to get back and win it. Mossaoui's two goals earn him player of the match. Padovani came on at half time and provided two assists from midfield. We managed 15 shots on target and 25 overall. Fantastic. That's what I want to see every match.

We're up to third on 26 points, just one behind Plymouth and Mansfield.

Sun. 27 October, 2013
FA Cup Draw
We will play League 1 side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first round of the FA Cup. We won it in 2008! Wolves find themselves in League 1 after falling from the Premier League and Championship in successive seasons. We will be playing at the Molineux on 9 November.

Ertl Back
Johnny Erl has resumed full training after missing three weeks with a groin strain.

Tue. 29 October, 2013
N'Gala Blow
We've taken an injury hit to Bondz N'Gala who will miss up to two weeks with a bruised head after a robust challenge in a training session. He has a 7.84 rating in 13 appearances this season. He was nearly released before starring in the Swindon Town Capital One Cup tie.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 November, 2013
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied with my coaching. They and the supporters are pleased with Mossaoui. They're still hurting over the 2-1 loss to York.

The club recorded a loss of £442,000 last month, but sold 646 kits and £40,780 in merchandise.

Sat. 02 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #15
Butler's Blast Wins the Day
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Exeter
Painter is out due to yellow card accumulation and N'Gala is out due to his head injury. Butler steps in a left back, Bradley at center back. Will we be up and down, or can we string together a pair of wins. It'd be nice to see one at home again.

4 – McDermott has a chance, getting a wild ball in from the right, but he fires straight at the keeper. Rossi then works his way in and puts it just to the wrong side of goal.

32 – Connolly has to come off injured and it's Ashley Harris coming on for him. He has an immediate chance with a free kick and fires over.

37 – Exeter make a nice cross in the box and a shot. Van Crooy makes a great diving save.

45 + 3 – GOAL! Dan Butler! The left back bursts iside and fires a shot that is saved by the Exeter keeper. The persistent defender pounces on the rebound and fires it into goal.

51 – McDermott and Rossi miss an opportunity inside the six yard box.

58 – Dolan has taken at a knock and Padovani will replace him at DM.

74 – McDermott has gotten into good positions all day, but continues to struggle with his shooting.

90 – Full time. Butler's injury time blast is the winner and we're grateful to put two wins in a row together for the first time in awhile. Butler is Man of the Match and deservedly so. Sonny Bradley was nearly as good, dominating defensively.

The win moves us into second on 29 points, one behind Plymouth.

Dolan and Connolly Injured
Central midfielder Matthew Dolan 6.98 in 10 appearances has sustained a bruised thigh and will miss up to 2 weeks.

David Connolly is injured once more with a bruised thigh and will miss up to 2 weeks. 12 appearances and 8 goals, 4 assists for the 36 year-old.

Wed. 06 November, 2013
Butler Named
Dan Butler has been named to the League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 09 November, 2013
FA Cup First Round
Wolves Battle Past Pompey
Wolverhampton 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Connolly and Dolan are out, so Harris plays as the false nine and Ertl is back in at DM. Wolves are certainly a better side than we are. Chances are we'll have to cope with them for most of the afternoon.

6 – Ashley Harris had a free kick in a decent area and you can probably guess where he sent it.

14 – Ertl works into the box and takes a shot. We're showing some promise.

21 – Harris sends in a corner that bounces to McDermott, his shot is wide.

26 – Kevin Doyle is in for Wolves, but his shot lands harmlessly on top of goal.

37 – We concede a corner from a bad pass and a good save by van Crooy. We are playing very well in our own half.

45 – Harris is having a bad game at half time. We tell him to prove a point.

57 – Subs. Harris comes off for Barcham, who moves to left wing. McDermott moves to AMC. We'll play with one forward. Kiernan comes on at DM for the exhausted Ertl. Ferry may be our next sub.

64 – Wolves starting to assert themselves in the match. Stephent Hunt has a goal ruled offside after a great build up.

70 – The back four continues to cope and excel. Bradley and N'Gala standing out.

79 – GOAL! Wolves finally take the lead they deserve. Ricketts crosses from the left to Zofcak who heads past van Crooy.

88 – A half chance! But Hennessey easily holds onto Kiernan's shot.

Full time. It's a tough loss, but we were outplayed for the majority and Wolves goal was very, very well deserved. The entire back four played extremely well and should be applauded. Wolves took 19 shots and had 8 on target, compared to our 5/2. Completely outplayed.

And that runs me into another first round cup exit.

Wed. 13 November, 2013
Duo Resume Training
Matthew Dolan and David Connolly have both returned to full training after missing a couple of weeks with bruised thighs.

Thu. 14 November, 2013
Butler Injured
Dan Butler is expected to miss four weeks with a thigh strain.

[Grover]

Sun. 17 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #16
Bottom of the Barrel Wimbledon Snatch Win
AFC Wimbledon 1 – 0 Portsmouth
We're televised against bottom Wimbledon.

Rossi is on international duty with the Swiss U21 team, so Connolly and Harris will pair up top. And we're wearing our away whites for the first time this year.

5 – Sweeney has a free kick for Wimbledon hit the bar.

16 – GOAL! Jack Midson puts the hosts in front. Sweeney puts him between two defenders and the rest is easy.

33 – We are being overrun.

45 – Half time. No changes, except swapping Harris and Connolly's roles.

61 – Padovani on for Ferry, Barcham for Connolly.

67 – McDermott wastes an opportunity by misfiring wide.

90 – Full time. Well, it doesn't get much more embarrassing than losing to the team at the foot of the table on national television, does it?

Kiernan and N'Gala were solid as always, but the attacking players struggled heavily. We'll need to look at this moving forward. Not a good result. We hang on to fourth position, three behind Oxford.

Wed. 20 November, 2013
Moutaouakil Wants to Stay
Now the fullback wants to be removed from the transfer list. We'll accept the request.

Sat. 23 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #17
Pompey Dominate, Held to Draw
Portsmoth 0 – 0 Scunthorpe
Dolan starts at DM, Rossi and Harris up top.

4 – PENALTY! McDermott gets a shot on, chases the rebound and is tackled in the process. Ferry steps up and drives it right at the keeper. So disappointing.

31 – Plenty of shots on target, but all of them directly at the keeper.

66 – Padovani and Connolly are on for Ferry and Harris.

82 – Almost! Padovani hits the cross bar, but Rossi is offside as he puts the rebound home.

84 – Connolly hits the post and then heads a cross into the keeper's arms. He then wins a corner off the counter attack.

90 – Full time. Marcos Painter is Man of the Match, but overall it's a disappointing draw with a team well below us in the pecking order.

Tue. 26 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #18
Rossi Assists Twice in Pompey Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Southend United
Southend are 19th in the league and have lost four of their last five away games. This is an absolute must win for us.

Typical lineup with Rossi and Connolly up top, McDermott and Mossaoui on the wings. Ferry at MC, Ertl at DM, Painter, Bradley, N'Gala, Dunne at the back and van Crooy between the sticks.

We'll attempt a higher tempo and to get the ball into space against their 4-4-2. We're at Fratton Park, we want to put on a show.

4 – Some nice early build up passing from Ertl and Ferry, ultimately Mossaoui is ruled offside.

8 – GOAL! David Connolly! Ferry tackles the ball from Laird into Connolly's path and he slots it past the keeper.

10 – van Crooy makes a low save from a shot at the top of the box and another from the right. He's responding well to Southend's immediate pressure.

31 – GOAL! Oh my! Rossi puts in Mossaoui who dribbles into the six yard box from the right and nutmegs the keeper. What a goal!

37 – Hurst needs to be closed down on the left. He's put in two strong shots, van Crooy has done well to save both.

45 – Up two goals at the half. We need to continue the pressure.

54 – Mossaoui has picked up an injury and has to come off. Bad news. McDermott will move to the right and Barcham will come on as the left winger.

65 – Rossi takes a shot from distance, but the Southend keeper easily holds.

72 – GOAL! Southend have found a way back in through Barry Corr. Thompson cross from the right and finds Corr at the near post.

75 – Rossi is worked in well, but the shot fizzes just wide of the post.

90 – Full time. It's a deserved 2-1 win for the club. Even after giving up the goal and moving to an entirely defensive and negative tactical stance, we managed some excellent possession and attacking verve. Unfortunately we weren't able to add to the scoreline. Finally able to beat a bottom of the table club, as odd as that sounds. Alan Dunne was Man of the Match, silent but strong at right full back, shutting down the Southend left all day long.

Mossaoui Injured
As feared, Karim Mossaoui will miss around two months with a sprained ankle. The right winger has been a revelation since signing with the club on a free transfer in July. He has made 18 appearances, scoring 7 goals and making 4 assists.

Sat. 30 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #19
Portsmouth Just Hang On For Draw
Hartlepool United 1 – 1 Portsmouth
With Mossaoui out, Barcham on the left and McDermott as an advanced playmaker on the right. Joe Devera starts for a very tired Alan Dunne at right back and Kiernan starts for N'Gala in the center. Also, Dolan in for Ertl at DM.

16 – GOAL! Harris steals the ball in the Pompey half and finds Rossi as the outlet. Rossi runs in all alone and fires it in! Great counterattacking football from our side.

26 – Post! Harris hits it and a wayward bounce could have seen another goal. They are really working hard for one another in the final third.

45 – Half time. We look good, moving the ball around fairly freely. When on the back foot, we have looked sturdy. Van Crooy has come up big a couple of times. Bradley has picked up a caution and Painter a knock, so we'll keep an eye on the back four to start the second half.

46 – GOAL! Not even 30 seconds into the second half and Joe Ironside has tied the affair for the hosts.

52 – Distribution is poor and it feels as if another Hartlepool goal is coming.

56 – van Crooy making some fantastic saves as we can't seem to get out of our own end. We finally manage a shot and Ashley Harris loops it over goal.

75 – Harris has a free kick on the edge of the box and fires it into the wall. He fires the rebound harmlessly wide of goal.

90 – A draw. We probably deserved to lose with the way Hartlepool manhandled the second half, but we'll escape with the point. Painter and Sonny Bradley were fantastic in the back four, with van Crooy disappointing with a 6.0 rating. I thought he was a fair bit better than that, though I suppose he gets fault for the Ironside goal. His passing was atrocious as well.

We finish November in 3rd, just two behind Oxford.

[Grover]

Mon. 02 December, 2013
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied with my coaching of the team. They and the fans are still super pleased with Karim Moussaoui. However, they are disappointed with the 1-0 loss to Wimbledon. As am I.

Sat. 07 December, 2013
N'Gala Injury
Ugh. Our star player has suffered a calf strain in training. He'll miss up to five weeks with the injury. Bradley and Kiernan will be relied on more and more. N'Gala has a 7.81 rating in 17 appearances.

Sat. 14 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #20
Ashley Harris Plays Super Sub With Brace
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Newport County
Typical lineup with Rossi and Connolly up top. Newport sit in 10th, so a home win here would be good business.

2 – Great work in the first minute to get the ball into the box. Dunne comes out of nowhere to force a shot and win a corner. Very positive start.

20 – GOAL! Ferry with a superb back heel to McDermott cutting down the right. His left-footed shot beats the keeper at the near post. That's McDermott's fourth goal of the season.

45 – The half ends with a corner. Ferry finds Sonny Bradley wide open, but his volley is straight at the keeper who parries it away.

56 – Harris coming on for Connolly, who had picked up a knock.

64 – Harris sends a free kick into the wall, Ertl wins the rebound and fires over goal.

70 – Moving the ball around the park from right to left and back very well. Ferry gets a shot on goal from the movement.

75 – GOAL! Rossi with a lovely ball puts Ashley Harris through one on one. The keeper comes out and Harris chips it by!

90 + 2 – GOAL! Harris again as he slips by the defense and makes it 3-0 for good measure.

Full time. Rossi picks up Man of the Match with his pair of assists, but Ashley Harris did a bang up job coming on with just over a half hour remaining. Painter, Bradley, Dunne, Ferry and McDermott were also excellent. Solid team performance and we're up to second position.

Injury Report
Fullback Alan Dunne, who has a 7.39 rating and one goal in 20 appearances sustained a bruised rib and is expected to miss 12 days.

David Connolly, who is really starting to break down has suffered from a gashed leg and will be out for 3-4 weeks. Ashley Harris will not mind more playing time in his stead.

[Grover]

Tue. 17 December, 2013
Team of the Week
DC Sonny Bradley, AMR Donal McDermott and MC Simon Ferry were selected in the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 21 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #21
Pompey Just About Beat Rovers
Bristol Rovers 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Rovers are 23rd in the league. Another must win match for us. No offense to Bristol.

With Connolly injured again, Harris starts. He would have anyway with his form in the second half last weekend. Everything else is basically the same. Devera at right back with Devera needing a rest.

13 – Ertl and Harris have picked up knocks.

18 – Barcham works in one on one for a shot, but it's parried away.

20 – Failing to impress ourselves upon them. We win the ball back, and turn it over the next pass and they work in a shot. Frustrating football so far from us.

37 – Kiernan goes really close with a header from Harris' corner.

45 – Half time. And level with a far inferior team than us. We need to push on.

47 – Norburn gives away a dangerous free kick and Harris forces a good save. Another foul and the same situation. We're starting to dominate with this, but one wayward pass and it fizzles out.

57 – Ertl coming off for Dolan because of the knock he took early on. Craddock on for Harris who is tired and has struggled.

68 – We're getting some chances, but the end result is lacking.

80 – GOAL! Rossi! And what a build up. Dolan and Ferry involved in midfield, push it to Rossi, who sends it left for Painter. His cross comes back and lands at the feet of Rossi. Portsmouth with the breakthrough.

90 – Full time. Stringing together some wins at the right time. When the matches are going to come thick and furious through the holiday period. Painter was our best player today with his defending and superb assist on Rossi's goal. Bradley wasn't far behind him though.

Thu. 26 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #22
Late Penalty Gifts Dag & Red Victory
Portsmouth 2 – 3 Dagenham & Redbridge
East will be the right back, as we seem to be rotating a trio of them quite freely recently. The rest of the squad is about as you would expect.

9 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley rises above all defenders to bury home the header from Ashley Harris' corner.

19 – GOAL! Ogogo works in a pass to Woodall who takes a clean right-footed shot to beat van Crooy low.

27 – GOAL! Woodall threads a pass to Murphy who gets in one on one with van Crooy and beats the keeper.

45 – Half time. It all started so well, but quickly went downhill. We've got to regroup and get a goal back in the first 20 minutes or so. My assistant believes our recent form has led to some players being a bit over confident.

47 – GOAL! Andy Barcham quickly levels this game! Ashley Harris sends a cross through the defense and the left winger converts his chance.

49 – Harris has to go off injured. Craddock comes on for him. Ferry and Ertl are struggling in midfield, so I pull them off for Padovani and Dolan.

73 – Painter picks up a caution for excessive fouling.

75 – PENALTY! Kiernan concedes and Rhys Murphy makes us pay. 3-2 Dag & Red.

84 – Craddock goes close off the side netting. Half the ground thought it was in.

90 – Full time and I am furious. This is a match we should have never lost. Most of the team was okay. Van Crooy, Kiernan and Rossi were abhorrent. Sonny Bradley was great again. We need to beat teams in the lower half. No excuses.

Sun. 29 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #23
Bird is the Word in Portsmouth Win
Portsmouth 3 – 2 Northampton Town
A home match against a bottom half side. We should win this. Like the last match. Bird starts up top with Rossi. Holmes also gets a start.

6 – GOAL! Bird lays off for Rossi and the Swiss forward powers it in.

13 – GOAL! Embarrassment for Delano van Crooy as he turns the ball into our net from a Northampton corner. The own goal levels the match.

18 – GOAL! And now the visitors are firmly in front. Widdowson's corner comes in for Morris and he volleys it in.

22 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes! Some fancy work between he and Dunne to evade defenders and Holmes rockets it in from just outside the six yard box.

45 – Half time. It's been thrilling. Action at both ends and anyone could go in front. We need to go in front.

51 – GOAL! And we do go in front! Rossi finds McDermott who can cross from the left onto the head of Bird. Easy goal!

90 – Full time. We slogged the game down in midfield to be certain we would take three points. Ugly, but every win is crucial. Ryan Bird was Man of the Match. He and Holmes did well coming on cold off the bench to start today.

Mon. 30 December, 2013
N'Gala Back
Bondz N'Gala has returned to full training after missing 3 weeks with a calf strain.

Tue. 31 December, 2013
Contract Extensions
GK Delano van Crooy and DC/DR Bondz N'Gala have signed contracts with the club through 2015.

Chief Scout Mark Kelly and youth coach Mark Chamberlain have also signed deals through 2015.

[Grover]

http://i.imgur.com/pj20own.png

[Grover]

Wed. 01 January, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied and pleased with the Mossaoui signing. They are also still upset with the 1-0 loss to Wimbledon.

Connolly Back
David Connolly has returned to full training after missing 3 weeks with a gashed leg.

Youngster Turns Professional
Pompey youngster Fahad Rwakarambwe had signed his first professional deal. He's rated at 5 stars potential for League 2. He's a central midfielder and will be one to watch.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #24
Pompey Overcome Corr for Draw
Southend United 3 – 3 Portsmouth
Padovani and Dolan start in midfield. East at right back.

2 – McDermott drifting inside from the right, takes a shot that misses wide left.

10 – McDermott looking threatening cutting in. This team he forces a save from the Southend keeper.

15 – Barcham firing over goal. Our wingers seem to be getting the best chances early on.

16 - GOAL! But it's Karim Rossi converting his chance! McDermott breaks him free through the center of the defense and Rossi easily beats the keeper.

23 – East has been dominating his man on the right. He's been winning the ball, intercepting passing and tackling with verve.

26 – The ground oohs and aahs as Barry Corr has a goal ruled out.

34 – GOAL! Andy Barcham takes a pass from Rossi and cuts in from the left. His first attempt is saved by Urwin, but he persists and kicks the ball over the line.

35 – GOAL! Barry Corr has his goal now. Atkinson hits the post and the rebound lands right at the feet of the Southend forward.

41 – Joe Devera's header from a corner is cleared off the line.

42 – GOAL! Southend hit on the break. Yussuff crosses for Atkins who heads past a diving van Crooy.

45 – Half time. Ugh. What a turnaround. East looked very good in the first half of the half, but awful in the next 22 minutes. We need to pick it up.

57 – Pressure in the final third amounts to a missed shot from Dolan.

63 – Rossi, having a solid game has to come off injured. Agyemang comes on. With East continuing to be bad, Moutaouakil comes on for him.

70 – GOAL! Corr is the fox in the box and easily puts Hurts's cross past van Crooy. Bad news with that goal.

79 – GOAL! Joe Devera thumps home Ashley Harris' corner with his head. Tie game!

90 – Full time. We had to fight tooth and nail for that one. Barry Corr dominated and deserved another goal or two. Another tough point here. Time to press on in the new year. Barcham was quite good. East was ugly.

Rossi Injured
And as feared, Karim Rossi will be on the sidelines for up to 2 months after spraining his ankle. The forward, on loan from Stoke has 9 goals and 6 assists in 23 appearances.

Sat. 04 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #25
Second Half Goals Crush Accrington
Portsmouth 4 – 1 Accrington Stanley
It'll be the pairing of Craddock and Harris up top. A lot of tired players in this one on just three day's rest.

Accrington are playing with 3 attacking central midfielders. No wide players at all in the attacking phase for them. We'll have to be wary of Joao Teixeira.

15 – Despite their midfield numbers, we're moving the ball quite easily. An attack is worked in and Craddock shoots wide.

23 – GOAL! Eugen Bopp with a tidy strike from the left side of the box off a nice pass from Will Hatfield.

36 – Harris works in and McDermott earns a corner. Bradley heads it wide of goal. Good chance there.

45 + 1 – GOAL! A long free kick from Harris is headed out from Hatfield. Unfortunately for the visitors it ends up on the left foot of Donal McDermott and this game is level.

50 – A good work into the box from Accrington results in a shot from Pericard that is held by van Crooy.

56 – GOAL! Andy Barcham with a fine individual effort! His first shot from the left is saved, but he gets his own rebound and slams it in!

64 – GOAL! We've been waiting all year to see one of these go in! A laser beam from an Ashley Harris free kick about 25 yards from goal on the right.

83 – GOAL! Tom Craddock's first for the club! McDermott holds well in midfield, turns and passes to Craddock in the box. The forward pivots and fires. We've put this well out of reach.

90 – Full time. What a win! Great comeback from the goal at the end of the half all the way through to the finish. McDermott was Man of the Match, Barcham, Harris, Craddock and Dunne all put in terrific performances. Not too bad for a tired team!

Webster Back From Loan
Finally a decision I've been waiting for. Central defender Adam Wesbter has returned from his loan spell out at Aldershot where he made 22 appearances for the Skrill Prem team. He has a ton of potential and every chance to step into our starting XI.

Tue. 07 January, 2014
Mossaoui Returns
Good news everyone! Karim Mossaoui has returned to full training after being out with a sprained ankle. In 18 appearances the right winger has contributed 7 goals and 4 assists.

Sat. 11 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #26
Oxford Feeling Bullish, Trample Pompey
Oxford United 4 – 2 Portsmouth
We travel to Oxford locked in with them on points for second. We've got the slight edge on goal differential, but let's not be bashful. We want to win this.

Connolly is starting up top with Harris. Bradley and Kiernan pair in defense. Adam Webster will be on the subs bench, I may try and get him involved.

Much like at the start of the year, we need to watch out for Constable, Whing and Rose.

13 – Kiernan makes a couple of nice tackles in the box and forces a shot wide.

16 – A bad clearance leads to a shot on the volley from Connolly that forces a corner.

26 – Most of our shots coming from a distance. Any time we try and work it in the ball is dispossessed and cleared away.

39 – GOAL! It's Jake Wright from Hunt's throw-in. Wright finds himself unmarked for the easy header and the hosts take the lead and second place for the time being.

43 – GOAL! Double your fun. Townsend's corner is right on Onyenuga's foot.

45 + 1 – GOAL! It looks hopeless for Pompey as we concede our third from set-pieces. This time it's another Hunt throw-in, with Constable heading it in. We looked a shambles in those last six minutes.

46 – GOAL! Wow. Bradley misses the ball on a hoof in from Oxford, it skips by and Constable races on to it and beats van Crooy. This has turned ugly.

70 – With the game out of hand, we take off Bradley, Ferry and Ertl. Coming on will be Webster, Dolan and Padovani. This will be Webster's debut.

74 – GOAL! A mere consolation, but some nice work from McDermott and Connolly to work the ball in for Harris, who beats the keeper to his left.

90 – GOAL! Harris adds another when he volleys Newey's botched clearance into goal.

Full time. Ugly. We even injured three of their players. We drop to third, Chesterfield is in fourth, level on points. It's going to be a battle for promotion. At least Harris looked good toward the end of the game. Really our only bright spot.

Mon. 13 January, 2014
Mossaoui Out Again
Bad luck for Karim Mossaoui as he's set to miss another 2-3 weeks with a virus.

Wed. 15 January, 2014
Cooper Exits Club
Shaun Cooper has departed Portsmouth after his contract expired. The defensive midfielder averaged a 6.17 in four appearances this season.

[Grover]

Sat. 18 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #27
Back Four Provides Foundation for Big Win
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Mansfield Town
Mansfield is 8th, just outside of the playoff positions. This would be a good rebound win for us.

Webster will pair with Bradley in defense. I want Webster to get playing time, probably has the best potential of anybody we've got.

5 – GOAL! And it's Webster on his full debut! He takes the corner from Harris and turns it into goal with a curling right-footed shot.

12 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with his 11th of the season. Barcham crosses from the left, it deflects off Black's foot and into the path of the Pompey forward.

23 – Mansfield nearly pull one back through Holman but it rockets off the crossbar.

32 – More possession from Mansfield. They work in a shot, but Crooks' effort goes wide.

45 – GOAL! Unlucky for Mansfield. Harris tries to shoot, but is dispossessed on a diving tackle by Watson. The ball goes straight to Connolly and he powers it through.

52 – Camp Pompey in Mansfield's final third to start the second half.

59 – With a comfortable 3-0 lead, we make some changes. Dunne is tired and N'Gala will replace at right back. Dolan will replace Ferry at MC.

69 – Connolly is sprung free, but can only shoot into the keeper's body. Great chance.

90 – Full time. Sonny Bradley wins Man of the Match, but plaudits go to the back four all around. Webster a 7.9, Painter an 8.3 and Bradley and 8.5. Can't ask for much more from these players. Harris was excellent again at an 8.2 as he continues to develop. Barcham added two assists.

Fleetwood slip up at the top and Oxford takes first. We hang onto third as Chesterfield also win.

Wed. 22 January, 2014
Wallace Signs Deal
In a 180 from his previous stance of wanting out, Jed Wallace has signed a new one year contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June, 2015.

Sat. 25 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #28
Shrimpers Eke by Pompey
Morecambe 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Away to 19th in the league. Important fixture to take all three if we want to avoid the hassle of promotion playoffs.

Same starting lineup as the previous game. Let's stick with what works for now.

3 – GOAL! Portsmouth heads drop across the field. A ball gets away deep in our end, nobody chasing by Amond and he easily beats van Crooy one on one.

21 – We look timid at best when defending. Sheepish. Letting them get to the byline to send in crosses. Another Hyde performance to follow last week's Jekyll.

42 – The game had slowed down for a stretch, but livens up with some great work around the area, but we shoot wide.

45 – Down 1-0 to a terrible goal. Need to regroup and win this match.

47 – Connolly is into the box, but fires into the side netting.

66 – Connolly has picked up a knock. We'll bring Craddock on and move to an attacking philosophy.

85 – Ferry goes close, but shoots over goal.

90 – Full time. Ugh. Marcos Painter is Man of the Match, but it's little consolation. Webster was credited with making the error on the game's only goal, but came back with a strong second half performance. Once again dropping points to the teams we HAVE to beat. So disappointing. We fall to fourth, six points off of Fleetwood.

Mon. 27 January, 2014
Mossaoui Returns
Once again, Karim Mossaoui has returned to full training.

Painter Honored
Marcos Painter was selected to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week

Tue. 28 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #29
Connolly the Star in Pompey Clean Sheet
Wycombe Wanderers 0 – 3 Portsmouth
We're away to dead last in the league. If we lose to them again, heads will roll.

Dolan starts at MC, Butler at DL and N'Gala with Bradley at DC.

18 – GOAL! It's Connolly's 11th of the year. Barcham to Dolan to Connolly cutting into the box and he passes it into the back of goal.

26 – Thought that was leveled, but Sam Wood gets it all wrong and puts it wide and over.

45 – Seems like a total free-for-all any time we're near the box. Wycombe in sixes and sevens in defense, but we can't get it through or past anybody. Up a goal at the half, but it should be more.

61 – Former Portsmouth youth player Paris Cowan-Hall hits the post driving in from the right.

69 – Wycombe can do nothing right, every shot they take heads wide.

75 – GOAL! Connolly's 12th of the year and second today! Harris' corner is headed away by Ridehalgh, but Connolly pops up to send it home.

78 – GOAL! Matthew Dolan's first! Harris takes a free kick into the wall, but passes the rebound low to Dolan who dribbles forward and pushes it past the keeper. Dolan putting a stamp on a fine performance with his goal.

90 – Full time. Well deserved and we're definitely in Jekyll and Hyde mode. Big win, big loss, big win. What's next for us? Connolly, Dolan, Dunne, N'Gala, Bradley, Butler and Kiernan all manage 8.0+ ratings. That's where we want to be.

Oxford have fallen to fourth, level on points with us. Chesterfield is one up on us in second and Fleetwood lead the way with 59.

[Grover]

Sat. 01 February, 2014
Board Confidence
Not much has changed. The board is still satisfied with the coaching of the team. They are still tickled pink with the signing of Mossaoui, who hasn't played in two months. They're also upset with the 4-2 loss to Oxford. Aren't we all?

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #30
Pompey Struggle in Bore Draw
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Torquay United
Torqauy are 18th. Let's hope the right version of our squad shows up today.

McDermott is a bit jaded. He'll get a rest and Holmes will start at AMR. Mossaoui is about a week away in terms of fitness.

16 – We win a couple of corners through some excellent positioning and heading. We've had it in a dangerous position a couple of times.

24 – Harris smashes the crossbar with a corner.

32 – Connolly is set free by Harris, but can only shoot wide.

44 – Holmes has been doing a very nice job of running straight at his marker. He's turning him inside-out.

60 – Connolly isn't even trying. Perfect pass to him, rather than work into the box, he fires wide.

62 – We move to a classic 4-5-1 with Dolan replacing Connolly and moving to midfield.

69 – Harris works Holmes in from the right, but the winger sends it off target.

90 – Full time and a smattering of boos from across Fratton Park as we walk off the field with a disappointing nil-nil draw. Painter picks up Man of the Match, Dunne and Ertl also put in 8+ performances, but it's not enough when three points aren't included. Should not be losing to teams like this.

Tue. 04 February, 2014
Players Named
Marcos Painter and Matthew Dolan have been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 08 February, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #31
Exeter Fight to Earn Draw
Exter City 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Mossaoui is back! He'll be on the right, McDermott on the left. Otherwise, we're pretty much as one would expect. Exter sit in 13th, we'll see how it goes.

1 – Mossaoui is inches away from getting his head to a cross and a first minute goal. He looks up for this.

21 – GOAL! Donal McDermott! Mossaoui is the assist man, running his man ragged down the right and sending the cross for the back post. McDermott is there for an easy tap in.

38 – GOAL! Sam Parkin finds the equalizer for Exter, heading home Barkhuizen's cross from the top of the six yard box.

44 – GOAL! Arron Davis is unmarked on a corner and is able to easily shuttle the ball into the gaping net. We're letting ourselves down here.

45 + 1 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley with a replay of what happened at the opposite end just under two minutes ago!

Half time. We're lucky it's 2-2 and unfortunate we don't have more. It's been that kind of game.

68 – Mossaoui is injured again. McDermott moves to the right as an inside forward, Barcham will come on to the left. We'll also bring Dolan in at MC and N'Gala at right back for Ferry and Dunne.

74 – A certain goal is saved as Barcham crosses in for Harris, but his shot is right into the keeper's chest.

85 – We're working hard for the winner, but Exeter and their keeper, Krysniak are stopping us at every turn.

90 – Full time and it's a draw. Bradley is Man of the Match, with Painter also putting in another 8+ performance. We have to hope Mossaoui's injury isn't too serious, he was having a great game before going down. There's no story about his injury, so we assume he'll be okay.

Back to back draws knocks us to 4th with 55 points. One out of third, 5 out of second and 8 out of first. Ouch.

Wed. 12 February, 2014
Rossi Back
Karim Rossi has returned to full training after missing six weeks with a sprained ankle. The forward, on loan from Stoke City has scored 9 goals and added 6 assists in 23 appearances.

[Grover]

Sat. 15 February, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #32
McDermott Paces in Win
Portsmouth 3 – 1 AFC Wimbledon
We dropped three points to them in the road fixture when they were bottom of the table. Now we need three points more than ever.

Mossaoui is a bit tired, so McDermott and Barcham will post the wings.

16 – Harris forces a terrific save from Worner on a free kick, the rebound falls for Ertl, but it's well wide of the target.

31 – RED CARD! Harry Pell is given his marching orders for Wimbledon after taking down Ferry with a studs up tackle. Can we impress ourselves upon the match with the extra man? Barcham has a chance alone in the box, but shoots wide.

38 – We're really taking control of the match, but the quality in shot selection is lacking.

45 + 3 – GOAL! The breakthrough comes in the waning moments of the half, but it's there. McDermott crosses from right to left for Barcham who runs onto the ball and strikes it home.

Half time. The only change is bringing on Matthew Dolan for a struggling Simon Ferry.

54 – GOAL! We catch Wimbledon napping and launch a counterattack through midfield. Dolan passes on to Harris, who outlets to McDermott. Worner gets a hand on the shot, but it still squirms through.

59 – Ertl is injured and Kiernan will come on. Barcham has also picked up a knock. Mossaoui will come on as his sub, shifting McDermott to the left.

84 – GOAL! Dolan outlets to Dunne who crosses for McDermott at the back post. He heads it home and celebrates his brace.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Francomb beats van Crooy at the near post. The only black mark on an otherwise terrific game.

Full time. McDermott contributed in all three goals and was Man of the Match. We hang on to fourth and create some distance to fifth. We're three points out of second with games against both Chesterfield and Fleetwood remaining.

Seems as if Ertl is fine, which is good news.

Barcham and Connolly Injured
Andy Barcham suffered a bruised rib after a strong challenge and is expected to miss 9-12 days.

David Connolly sustained a bruised shin and is expected to miss 9-12 days.

Wimbledon inflicts their casualties upon us.

Sun. 16 February, 2014
Portsmouth Sign Parrett
We have signed midfielder Dean Parrett on a free transfer from Bristol City. The player will join on a contract until June 2016 and will sign with us on 9 June, 2014.

Tue. 18 February, 2014
Players Named
Alan Dunne and Donal McDermott were both selected to theSky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

He's a bit slower than we'd maybe like, but is very good mentally and can pass the ball. He will provide good competition for Simon Ferry next year.

Padovani Unhappy
Romain Padovani has stated that he would like to leave the club. Limited chances behind Ferry and Dolan and the signing of Parrett have led the French midfielder to make up his mind. We'll do our best to find a club for him.

Sat. 22 February, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #33
Irons Deny Pompey, Roll Them Over
Scunthorpe United 3 – 0 Portsmouth
We're playing at essentially full strength. Rossi and Mossaoui are both starting. This is certainly a game we need to take all three from. Though I can say that from here on out, I suppose.

11 – GOAL! What a free kick from Deon Burton! From just outside the 18 on the right hand side he sends in a beautiful curling shot to give the hosts the lead.

25 – McDermott has to come off injured. We have no ample left wing players riding the subs bench, so Craddock will make due.

41 – Mossaoui has a solid chance from the right, but his shot is headed for the sidelines rather than goal.

45 – Half time and though we've dominated proceedings, find ourselves behind.

65 – Ashley Harris with an opportunity, but it goes begging.

75 – GOAL! That should be it as Callum Ball doubles the Irons lead from Burton's excellent cross.

87 – GOAL! One more! Lussey with a phenomenal 25 yard free kick sends it right down the pipe.

90 – Another soul sucking loss to a team well below us. Completely outclassed. We stay om fourth, but are now four points out of 3rd and six points out of an automatic promotion spot.

McDermott seems to have just taken a knock in game. He's fine and not showing up in any post match news feeds.

Painter Reaches Limit
Marcos Painter has picked up an automatic 2 match suspension after collecting 10 yellow cards.

Tue. 25 February, 2014
Dunne Injured
Alan Dunne has suffered a strained wrist after overexerting himself during training. He'll miss two weeks.

Maksimenko On Trial
With one eye on the future, we're trialing some free agents. The first of which is 23 year-old center back Vitalijs Maksimenko of Latvia. I like a lot of what he can offer, but his anticipation rated as a 4 is a big red flag for me. Not too great with positioning or stamina either. But he can mark and tackle decently and is quite determined. He'll be on trial for 3 weeks.

Assistant manager Steve Allen thinks he'd be a leading League 2 player with the potential to be a leading Championship defender. I'm skepitcal.

Fri. 28 February, 2014
Barcham Injured
Injuries hitting the squad at precisely the wrong moment. Andy Barcham sprained an ankle and will miss up to 2 months. In 27 appearances Barcham has 6 goals and 8 assists.

[Grover]

Sat. 01 March, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied with the coaching of the team. This has been underlined with the fans believing I am getting the best out of Marcos Painter. Still unhappy with that loss to Oxford.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #34
Pompey Secure Vital Road Victory
Chesterfield 0 – 2 Portsmouth
Most important match of the year number one. Chesterfield is second in the league, six points above us. Let's cut the gap in half.

Ertl is on the bench with Kiernan at DM in his place. Butler, Bradley, Webster and N'Gala make up the back four. Painter is on suspension and Dunne is injured, so it's a bit of a different look for us there.

5 – A real chance for Rossi as he's put in alone, but it's fired well over goal.

11 – Rossi denied by Lee this time as he gets a shot on right at the keeper.

15 – Buzzing in the attacking end, a goal is sure to come.

21 – Chesterfield being restricted to long shots. Delano van Crooy would be happy to see those all day long.

30 – Rossi has to come off injured. Connolly will replace him.

45 – Lee makes some fantastic stops leading up to half-time to keep Chesterfield level. We've got the edge in shots and possession. Just need to keep pressing.

47 – PENALTY! Edwards concedes. It's Simon Ferry stepping up and putting it into the top left corner! Pompey lead!

61 – Mossaoui has taken a knock and we're not going to take any chances. Ricky Holmes will replace him.

66 – GOAL! Holmes makes an instant impact skipping down the right with no marker and crossing into the center for a leaping Donal McDermott. That's his ninth of the season.

79 – Chesterfield working hard to try and get back into this, but they're still being held to long distance shots.

90 – Full time. Brilliant victory. Exactly the win we needed. The back four was huge today and Adam Webster was Man of he Match with his performance. N'Gala and Butler were excellent against the opposing wide players. Our attack was lacking, but McDermott was exceptional. We need to find a way to get him permanently.

With our win, we succeed in making the table that much messier. We're fourth and four points separate 2nd and 5th. Fleetwood are six up on Chesterfield now.

Sun. 02 March, 2014
Connolly Injured
Again. Connolly suffered a gashed arm and will miss 6-9 days. He must be the most injury prone player ever. It's a miracle he's played 24 matches for us. It really is.

Tue. 04 March, 2014
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 08 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #35
Pompey Dominate Cheltenham
Portsmouth 4 – 1 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham is down in 17th. We'll use the same lineup that beat Chesterfield.

16 – Rossi picks up an errant back pass and glides into the box, but can only shoot wide.

27 – Another excellent move in and the best Harris can do is side netting.

29 – GOAL! Harris crosses deep from the right and finds Donal McDermott at the back post for his 10th goal this season!

45 – A good lead at the half, but we need to do more with our possession.

55 – GOAL! Teddy Gornell has just scored his 22nd goal of the season for Cheltenham.

60 – GOAL! Harris' corner finds its way in to Sonny Bradley and the lead is restored.

67 – N'Gala has had to come off injured. Webster moves to DR, Kiernan to DC and Ertl is on at DM. Harris is waning, so we bring on Craddock for him.

81 – GOAL! Marvelous free kick into the top right corner of goal from Johnny Ertl!

90 – Dan Butler has been injured. We throw on Jed Wallace because he complains about playing a lot.

90 + 4 – GOAL! Craddock with a great ball over the top for McDermott who slides it over to Rossi. The on-loan forward has 10 goals now!

Full time. Fantastic win! Sonny Bradley picks up Man of the Match, with Simon Ferry and Donal McDermott being excellent as well. We're still three back of second, but we're four up on fifth. Eleven games to go and we're hoping to hit our stride.

Sun. 09 March, 2014
Dunne Returns
Alan Dunne returns to full training after missing 12 days with a strained wrist.

Tue. 11 March, 2014
Bradley Named
Sonny Bradley was named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #36
Pompey Shoring up Title Ambitions
Portsmouth 5 – 2 Burton Albion
Dolan will start over Ferry at MC. Devera is also in at right back.

2 – GOAL! McDermott is off to the races and in the clear with only the keeper to beat. Easy side-footed finish to give the hosts the lead.

28 – Great work around the area and it falls for Dolan at the top of the box, but his shot is over.

35 – Rossi is worked in alone, but shoots wide.

45 – We look good at the half. Keep on keepin' on.

46 – Dolan is getting some chances to shoot, but he is just missing over goal. Rare to see my central midfielder taking so many chances.

48 – GOAL! Howe plays a pinpoint pass over the top and Eaves has the defense and keeper beaten. This game is level.

51 – GOAL! But not for long! Pompey are back on the attack with Ertl and Harris combining to find Rossi inside. He blasts it past the keeper. The hosts are back on top.

67 – GOAL! It's Rossi again! This time Dolan puts him through. Rossi takes a pair of touches before unleashing his shot.

73 – Tired players galore. Bradley, Dolan and McDermott coming off for Webster, Wallace and Craddock.

75 – GOAL! Mossaoui gets a loose ball on the edge of the area for a corner and drives it past the keeper.

77 – GOAL! Billy Kee pulls one back for the visitors with a nice right-footed shot.

82 – GOAL! Magical day for Karim Rossi! That's his hat trick. Harris puts the ball onto his foot, he dribbles past his marker and fires.

90 – Full time. Rossi was amazing, so was Harris. Ertl, Mossaoui and Kiernan had terrific performances. We are on our way. What a hat trick.

Rossi Injured
Karim Rossi, fresh off a fantastic hat trick, also suffered a bruised thigh and will miss 2 weeks.

[Grover]

Sat. 15 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #37
Fleetwood Continue Title March
Fleetwood Town 2 – 1 Portsmouth
And here we go. Facing the top team in the league.

Connolly up top with Harris. Both fullbacks are back. Kiernan and Webster in the center of defense.

8 – Mossaoui has to be removed injured and we bring on Ricky Holmes. That's not good for us.

24 – They're trying to bully us off the park. Connolly and Ertl have picked up knocks. Connolly's is not so surprising, though.

29 – GOAL! The breakthrough comes from Chris Dagnall. He's been a constant thorn in our side and finally makes us pay.

33 – GOAL! From the corner it's Chris Dagnall heading home.

45 – We have a long way to go to get back into this.

50 – Ashley Harris scores, but is adjudged offside.

76 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes hits Fleetwood on the counterattack and halves their lead! Great assist from Ashley Harris to set him up.

90 – Full time. We got close, but couldn't get close enough. Dunne, Webster, Painter and Ertl all put in really good shifts, but van Crooy and Connolly really, really disappointed. We're playing for second or third now.

Mossaoui Injured
Karim Mossaoui has sustained another twisted ankle and is expected to miss the next seven weeks.

Tue. 18 March, 2014
Rossi Nammed
Karim Rossi was selected to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Maksimenko Trial Ends
He trained with us for three weeks, but I just don't like his lack of anticipation. He won't offer him a deal.

Sat. 22 March, 2014
Rossi Returns
Karim Rossi has returned to full training after recovering from a bruised thigh.

Tue. 25 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #38
Pompey Show Steel Resolve in Comeback
Rochdale 2 – 3 Portsmouth
Fifth hosting fourth. We're three out of third, four out of second. Oxford is at Southend and Chesterfield is hosting Morecambe.

Connolly will start. Holmes will go in at AMR.

12 – First on target shot comes through Ricky Holmes.

16 – GOAL! Héry puts Rochdale in front. Vine flicks a header to the outside of the box and the midfielder is there to volley it home.

19 – Big save van Crooy! It's coming across from a corner and he tracks it well, just getting his fingertips onto the ball.

45 – GOAL! Jamar Loza doubles the host's lead before the half. Vine is the assist man again, crossing to the center of the box for Loza's one-time volley.

60 – GOAL! David Connolly! Harris crosses from a throw in and Connolly is dead center of the six yard box to head home.

77 – GOAL! Connolly finds Ferry around the edge of the box and his shot squirms through! We're level late!

78 – Dolan is on for Ertl and Rossi for Harris. Let's go!

84 – GOAL! It's Karim Rossi and Pompey have the lead! Ferry's corner would have gone out, but the Rochdale defender heads it back into play and Rossi strikes it on the volley. Great goal!

90 – Full time. What a second half comeback! It wasn't looking good for awhile. Dunne picks up Man of the Match, but Connolly, Ferry and Webster also deserve plaudits for their play today.

In other news, we're still fourth, but one point back of Oxford with a game in hand.

Connolly Injured
In unsurprising news, David Connolly has picked up yet another knock. He'll miss three weeks with a damaged elbow.

Let's take a look at Connolly's injuries this year.

28/09/13 – Missed three weeks with a groin strain.

02/11/13 – Missed 11 days with a bruised thigh.

14/12/13 – Missed three weeks with a gashed leg.

15/02/14 – Missed 9 days with a bruised shin.

03/01/14 – Missed 7 days with a gashed arm

Sat. 29 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #39
Pompey Get Lucky in Monumental Comeback
Newport County 3 – 3 Portsmouth
Jed Wallace starts at AMR, Matthew Dolan at MC. Bradley and Kiernan pairing at DC.

24 – GOAL! Poor defending on set-pieces as Plummer gets his head through a corner to put the hosts up a goal.

38 – GOAL! Richie Wilmott from a corner and Pompey are having all sorts of trouble defending set-pieces this afternoon.

41- GOAL! Doherty continues the scoring for Newport. This one from open player, a header from a nice cross.

56 – Wallace has put in some good effort from the right, but his crosses just go a bit off.

57 – GOAL! McDermott finds Rossi and with a half-hour left Pompey have a lifeline!

58 – GOAL! An interception off the restart and Wallace puts a ball over the top for Harris. Pompey within one!

72 – N'Gala on for Kiernan and Ferry for Ertl. Dolan will move to DM.

90 + 4 GOAL! GET IN! Sonny Bradley from a late, late corner, runs onto the ball and blasts it past the keeper.

Full time. Holy crap what a match! Did not think we were going to earn a point out of this. Was resigned to the loss until McDermott earned that late corner. Wow. Fun note, Ashley Harris' goal in the 58th minute was his first in 16 hours.

Bradley is named Man of the Match. He went from a 6.3 to an 8.2 half to half. Harris went from 5.4 to 7.9. Just an incredible turnaround.

Along with Chesterfield, we have a game in hand over everyone else in the top seven, save York, whom we play next. We are now in third, a point up on Oxford and two behind Chesterfield. Fleetwood is nine up on us, we won't worry about them now.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 April, 2014
Players Named
David Connolly was selected in the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Board Confidence
The board is satisfied with my coaching of the team. This has been underlined by good performances from Alan Dunne. The club is unhappy with the 2-1 loss to Fleetwood.

Wed. 02 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #40
York Dominate Pompey
Portsmouth 1 – 4 York City
We need some revenge after losing to them in this fixture earlier in the year.

Rossi and Craddock up top. Holmes at AMR. N'Gala at DR.

Curious to see if it's the tactics stifling our recent first half play. When making changes, I've been playing a more direct style to get back into the previous two games.

18 – Our first real chances comes as N'Gala crosses for McDermott, but the winger hits the bar.

31 – Webster has taken a knock. He should be able to run it off, but we'll keep an eye on his fitness.

45 – Half time. A pretty tame half. York dominated possession, so we'll look to turn that around.

46 – GOAL! Ertl gives up a free kick from a dangerous spot and Jarvis finds the top left corner for his 16th of the year.

67 – Craddock just shoots wide. Our first shot in ages it feels like.

69 – GOAL! Richard Cresswell is free into the area and blasts it in. That's his 23rd and we're looking really disappointing at home.

73 – PENALTY! Platt concedes and Ferry converts. We're within one! That's Ferry's third of the year and his second converted penalty.

77 – GOAL! So much for that. Jerome Fyfield has his second of the year after he loses his man in the box and volleys home a cross.

86 – GOAL! Jarvis with another, this one is flicked on from a throw by Fyfield and Jarvis converts.

90 – What a let down. Ferry and Ertl were our only two players over 7.0. Terrible loss with a few games left. Not going to help our automatic promotion bid.

Injury Blow
Karim Rossi suffered a twisted ankle and our bad luck with forwards continue. He will miss 6-7 weeks, basically the remainder of the season.

Fri. 04 April, 2014
Webster Gets Rewarded
Adam Webster has been rewarded for his recent fine performances with a new two year, £170,000 contract.

Webster is delighted to stay on as he has an admiration for the manager.

Sat. 05 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #41
Pompey Turn Around Another Deficit
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Hartlepool United
We come into the match fourth. Oxford beat Fleetwood through an own goal to advance to third.

A real rag-tag lineup today. Butler at DL, Dolan and Padovani in midfield, Wallace at AMR, a very tired McDermott at AML and Josh Bird with Harris up top.

7 – GOAL! Joe Ironside takes a cross from Jonathan Franks and heads it in. Not a good start for us.

20 – Bird has a chance after some great movement between McDermott, Dolan and Padovani. The shot goes wide.

26 – GOAL! We're on level terms. Butler throws in to Dunne, receives the pass and crosses for Josh Bird who heads it past the keeper.

45 – Half time. An interesting match so far, for sure. We look okay, but tired. This could be a concern as the game gets deeper. Just need a goal to leapfrog Oxford back into third.

59 – McDermott wins a corner, but nothing comes of it. We're playing some eye catching football in the attacking third.

63 – PENALTY! Harris is fouled in the box by Jack Baldwin and steps up to take his chance. GOAL! Into the bottom left of the old onion bag. We're back on top and into third for the time being.

72 – Jed Wallace with a terrific shot to force a corner.

75 – GOAL! Pinball in the box. Franks tries to head clear, but it finds McDermott who blasts it into goal with a left-footed shot.

90 – Full time. Vital win with Butler being our best player on the park. With just five games remaining we are in the driver's seat for automatic promotion.

Harris and McDermott are in serious need of rest, but I don't see it happening in the stretch run.

Fri. 11 April, 2014
Players Back
Andy Barcham and David Connolly have returned to full training.

Sat. 12 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #42
Pompey Edge Closer to Promotion
Dagenham & Redbridge 0 – 2 Portsmouth
Dag & Red are at the edge of the playoff places and will want to put on a good showing at home. Chesterfield is at Hartlepool, Oxford at Plymouth and Fleetwood are hosting Morecambe.

2 – Holmes has already picked up a knock.

6 – McDermott has a goal ruled offside.

27 – GOAL! It's Kiernan! Harris sends his free kick off the wall, gets the rebound and passes over to the defender along the edge of the area. He sends in a thunderous right-footed shot and gives Portsmouth the lead.

45 – A good half, though Sonny Bradley is not having his best game. We'll press onward.

69 – We need to make some subs, get some fresh legs on. Kiernan, Holmes and Harris are coming off for N'Gala, Wallace and Agyemang.

82 – Bingham takes a rocket of a shot from 25 yards, but van Crooy parries it away for a corner. The attack finally ends when Dag & Red hit the side netting.

87 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley's fifth of the year from a corner may have just given all three points to us! Get in!

90 – Full time! Bradley ends up being the Man of the Match with his late goal. Rob Kiernan was also the star. Our two central defenders were the best players on the pitch for us tonight and it showed in their goals.

Playoff Spot Secured
At the very least we have secured a League 2 playoff position.

Harris Injury
Bad news as Ashley Harris is set to miss 2 weeks with a bruised thigh.

[Grover]

Thu. 17 April, 2014
Mossaoui Back
Karim Mossaoui has returned after missing 5 weeks with a twisted ankle.

Sat. 19 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #43
Pompey Hold On, Tighten Grasp on Third
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Bristol Rovers
Connolly will pair Bird up top. Otherwise it's pretty much business as usual.

2 – GOAL! Off to a flying start as Holmes comes in down the right and crosses centrally for Connolly. The injury-prone captain heads it in.

6 – Nervy! Van Crooy has to work hard to clear off his line as the attack comes fast and furious from Rovers.

35 – Bird has a chance as Connolly frees him, but the shot is aimed at the keeper.

40 – GOAL! Connolly gets an assist this time, crossing to the far post for McDermott who heads it in.

61 – An hour gone and Rovers are struggling to mount any time of comeback. We are currently in cruise control.

85 – GOAL! A glimmer of hope for Rovers. Dunne misplays a header and it bounces toward goal. Van Crooy comes out too far to grab it and Eliot Richards is there to make Pompey pay.

90 – Full time. It got a bit nervy in the last five minutes as Rovers pushed for an equalizer. It never came and we sigh a big sigh of relief.

Sonny Bradley was our Man of the Match. Alan Dunne also had a solid game, as did Connolly and McDermott.

And we've got a game on Monday.

Mon. 21 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #44
Second String XI Earn Draw
Northampton Town 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Another match with a bottom of the table squad, but on only one day rest. This is a very tricky tie.

In order to keep ourselves healthy it's a pretty different look eleven. Van Crooy, Butler, Webster, N'Gal, Devera, Dolan, Wallace, Barcham, Mossaoui, Craddock and Agyemang.

8- GOAL! Jed Wallace with a terrific flick on to Craddock who has both defenders beat. He aims for the right corner of goal and finds it with ease.

17 – GOAL! Town are level. Widdowson passes for Grant who crosses in for O'Donovan's left-footed volley.

22 – Joe Widdowson is having his way with Mossaoui down our right wing so far.

31 – GOAL! Town are in front from some bad Pompey defending. O'Donovan hits the crossbar, gets the rebound, is dispossessed, but Grant pops onto the ball and pushes it by van Crooy.

45 – Half time and we're down a goal. Need to take at least one point from this.

58 – We're playing a more direct game now, hoping to pull the goal back.

61 – PENALTY! Agyemang is fouled just inside the area on a really questionable call. Joe Devera steps up and sends it into the left corner. We're on level terms!

80 – Four corners back to back and Town does well to keep all of them out of their net.

90 – Well. It could have been a lot worse considering we used a second string XI almost all the way across the board. I knew coming in with one day of rest would make this a struggle, but we're still in third with two games left.

Teams Promoted
Fleetwood Town and Chesterfield have won promotion to Sky Bet League 1.

Tue. 22 April, 2014
Bradley Named
Sonny Bradley has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Wed. 23 April, 2014
Harris Back
Ashley Harris has returned to full training.

Sat. 26 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #45
Ferry Penalty Earns Pompey Point
Bury 1 – 1 Portsmouth
The penultimate fixture. Points here will just about guarantee our promotion.

Bird and Connolly are up top, McDermott and Holmes flanking them.

8 – GOAL! Osman Sow puts the hosts in front, heading in Keenan's deep corner from the left wing.

21 – Sow nearly has another as Bury continue to take it to us in our own zone.

29 – Unbelievable miss from Showunmi. He pulls in with van Crooy and just shanks the shot wide.

41 – Painter and Ertl have picked up knocks. Webster and Dolan coming on for them.

45 – Half time. Down a goal and trying to win some promotion.

55 – We are winning the possession battle, but it matters naught when we can't put shots on target. Every cross seems to find the first defender.

63 – PENALTY! Tommy Miller tugs on Bird's shirt in the box! Simon Ferry steps up and drives it down route one! This match is level!

64 – The rather ineffective Ricky Holmes is off for Karim Mossaoui.

90 + 3 – What a tackle from Bradley! Van Crooy falls and the ball is loose, Showunmi pounces, but Sonny Bradley makes an inch-perfect tackle that preserves the draw.

Full time! A draw may put us over the top to League 1! Alan Dunne is Man of the Match, only Sonny Bradley had an exceptional game beside him.

Ertl Injured
DM Johnny Ertl with miss 9-12 days with a bruised rib.

Tue. 29 April, 2014
Dunne Named
Alan Dunne has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Thu. 01 May, 2014
Hillier Signed
We have signed 32 year-old English scout Sean Hillier to a one year contract.

Sat. 03 May, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #46
Two Goals in Three Minutes Promote Pompey
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Plymouth Argyle
Here we go. A win and we're definitely promoted. Usual XI for the most part.

2 – GOAL! Harris' corner is sent in to the near post and Sonny Bradley is there to capitalize!

3 – GOAL! It's a mistake Cole, the Plymouth keeper. Mossaoui tries to pass across and the keeper knocks the ball into his own goal. What a dream start for Pompey!

45 – What an opening first five minutes. The rest of the half was dull, but Ashley Harris is starring with two assists.

62 – Dunne and Mossaoui coming off for N'Gala and Holmes.

80 – Tick-tock. Ten minutes left.

90 – Full time! Ashley Harris was outstanding in the victory! What a way to win it, in the first 180 seconds. Brilliant stuff.

PORTSMOUTH PROMOTED
The supporters of Pompey are overjoyed that the club have secured promotion from Sky Bet League 2. The board and supporters have praised me and all are looking forward to seeing us back in League 1.

We have been given a whopping £5,000 for finishing third in Sky Bet League 2.

Tue. 06 May, 2014
Team of the Week
Adam Webster and Sonny Bradley have been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sun. 11 May, 2014
Preseason Date Set
We have set our preseason to begin on 16 June, 2014.

Wed. 14 May, 2014
Playoff Final Set
York City will face Oxford United for the fourth and final promotion spot to League 1.

Mon. 26 May, 2014
York Earn Promotion
York City have won the playoff final on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Oxford at Wembley.

Financial Information
We have paid out £145,000 to be shared among the squad for our third place finish.

And as part of League 2's solidarity payment scheme, we have received the sum of £250,000 for participating in the league.

[Grover]

Mon. 09 June, 2014
Parrett Deal Official
We have completed the signing of 22 year-old central midfielder Dean Parrett on a free transfer.

Steve Allen, my faithful assistant believes that Parrett would be a decent signing for most League 1 sides, with the potential of becoming a decent Premier League midfielder.

Fri. 13 June, 2014
World Cup Begins
The World Cup has begun in Brazil. Here's a look at the groups.

Group A: Brazil, Iran, Ivory Coast, Russia

Group B: Argentina, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria

Group C: Algeria, Colombia, Japan, Portugal

Group D: Holland, Paraguay, Slovenia, United States

Group E: Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany

Group F: Australia, England, Italy, Uruguay

Group G: Costa Rica, Croatia, Tunisia, Ukraine

Group H: South Africa, South Korea, Slovakia, Spain

We'll check in again when the group stages finish, to see how the knockouts go.

Wed. 18 June, 2014
Sullivan Out
We have sold 26 year-old goalkeeper John Sullivan to Chesterfield for a fee of £17,750.

Mon. 23 June, 2014
Re-Signing With Pompey
I've been offered a new contract from the board at Portsmouth and I've delightfully accepted.

The stipulation in the deal is that we merely consolidate our position in League 1. My only stipulation to the club is that they find a suitable parent club so we can get some free loans in.

Wed. 25 June, 2014
Best of the Best – Pompey
Sonny Bradley has been voted Portsmouth's Player of the Year by the fans.

The club's best XI has been announced and is as follows:

GK: Delano van Crooy
DL: Marcos Painter
DC: Bondz N'Gala
DC: Sonny Bradley
DR: Alan Dunne
DM: Matthew Dolan
MC: Simon Ferry
AML: Donal McDermott
AMR: Karim Mossaoui
ST: Karim Rossi
ST: Ashley Harris

League 1 TV Rights
We have been given £444,000 for Sky Bet League 1 TV rights.

Players Released
The first of a few announcements coming. We've released U18 players Kane Cook and Kim Jae-Heon as their contracts have finished.

Mon. 30 June, 2014
Player Movement
The following loans have finished and the players will report back to their clubs.

DR Alan Dunne, AMR/L Donal McDermott, DC/DM Rob Kiernan, MC Matthew Dolan and ST Karim Rossi.

The following players have been released:

GK Phil Smith, DR Yasin Moutaouakil, DL Liam Triggs, AMR Jack Maloney, MC Nick Awford, Josh Warren, George Branford and ST Ryan Bird. Nicholas Tarasenko, Harry Medway and Ben Close have failed to earn contracts with the club.

The following staff have been released.

Paul Hardyman, Alan Knight, Paul New and Ian Buckman.

In addition, we will look to sell a few players to get our wages back under control.

[Grover]

http://i.imgur.com/qGt9ppU.png

http://i.imgur.com/0fwdOCg.png

[law90026]

Congrats on the promotion!

[Grover]

Congrats on the promotion!

Thanks mate! Good to see someone is following along.

[britrock88]

Hard not to at least skim through any of your dynasties, Grover.

[Grover]

Hard not to at least skim through any of your dynasties, Grover.

Thanks, britrock! Much appreciated.

[Grover]

Wed. 02 July, 2014
Capital One Cup
We will host Yeovil Town in the first round of the Capital One Cup on 5 August.

Thu. 04 July, 2014
Painter to Wigan
We have sold Carlos Painter to Wigan. Despite his phenomenal season, we really needed to free up the salary and the £325,000 fee is more than we could have hoped for.

Simon Ferry, Bondz N'Gala, Karim Mossaoui and Sonny Bradley are all immediately popping up in my inbox asking why I've sold Painter.

Padovani to France
We have also sold Romain Padovani to Le Poiré-sur-Vie VF for £70,000. Again, this is for the salary space. There's a couple of young men I'd like to bring in who can really help us push forward.

Fri. 11 July, 2014
Keeper Signed
We have signed 20 year-old Chilean goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux to a one year deal.

Sat. 12 July, 2014
Arsenal Announce Link
Arsenal have announced a link between their club and Portsmouth. Arsenal will be able to send players on loan to Pompey and the salary will be paid in full by Arsenal.

Friendly
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Sheffield Wednesday

Sun. 13 July, 2014
World Cup Final
Ivory Coast 1 – 2 Holland

Fun stuff, England knocked out in the second round (again) on penalties (again) by Canada.

Mon. 14 July, 2014
Defender Signed
We have signed 18 year-old left back George McLennan to a two year deal on a free transfer. McLennan was previously part of the Reading setup.

Tue. 15 July, 2014
McLennan Injured
It only took one day, but George McLennan overexerted himself in the weight room and suffered aback strain. The new signing will miss 4-5 weeks.

Wed. 16 July, 2014
Forward Signed
We have signed 31 year-old French forward Mickael Antoine-Curier to a one year deal.

Sat. 19 July, 2014
Toral Signs
Arsenal midfielder Jon Toral has agreed to join the club on season-long loan. The 19 year-old is a highly touted prospect.

Friendly
Kettering 0 – 5 Portsmouth

Tue. 22 July, 2014
Friendly
Nuneaton Town 0 – 4 Portsmouth

Sat. 26 July, 2014
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 2 – 3 Portsmouth

Sun. 27 July, 2014
Webster Honored
Huge honors for Adam Webster as our central defender was named to the European U19 Championship Dream Team.

Van Crooy Named
I have appointed Delano van Crooy as captain. Johnny Ertl will be his vice-captain.

Mon. 28 July, 2014
Friendly
Portsmouth 0 – 2 Arsenal

Wed. 30 July, 2014
Injuries
Danny East will miss 5-6 weeks with a sports hernia.

Dean Parrett will miss 3-4 weeks with a pulled hamstring.

Thu. 31 July, 2014
Allen Leaves for City
A big blow to the coaching staff as assistant manager Steve Allen has accepted a physio position with Manchester City's youth squad.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 August, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is satisfied with the coaching of the club. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the locker room. However, they are slightly disappointed with the departure of GK John Sullivan.

Sat. 02 August, 2014
New Assistant In
I have signed Steve Jones to be the new assistant manager of the club. He might actually be a better choice than Allen was.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #1
Bradley Header Starts Pompey Off With Win
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Gillingham
Opening day! This is how we'll line up.

Van Crooy ©, Butler, Bradley, Webster, N'Gala, Ertl, Ferry, Barcham, Mossaoui, Antoine-Curier, Harris

8 – We earn a couple of corners, but nothing comes of it. Ferry seems indecisive on the ball. Had some opportunities to find an outlet, but dawdled on the ball.

30 – GOAL! Just like old times! Ashley Harris' corner from the left finds Sonny Bradley at the near post and we're in front.

38 – Harris sends in a free kick from the left for the back post. Mossaoui heads it in, but is just offside.

45 – Half time. A good lead. Ferry will come off for Wallace because he's lookin' fairly tired.

55 – Mossaoui has picked up a knock. Ricky Holmes will come on for him.

61 – Barcham with a half-chance, but he heads it right into the keeper's arms.

81 – Jon Toral will come on for Simon Ertl, who has picked up a knock.

87 – Gillingham are almost level, but McDonald's goal is adjudged offside. We dodge a bullet here.

90 – Full time. A solid win for our first match back in League 1. Bradley and N'Gala were our best players. Every starter managed to average at least a 7.0. That's excellent news. A goal from open play would have been nice, but there's 45 games left.

Sun. 03 August, 2014
The club have announced that they have sold 11,550 season tickets this year. An increase of 600 from last season.

Tue. 05 August, 2014
Capital One Cup (first round)
Heathcote Gets First Cup Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Yeovil Town
Toral will start at MC. Agyemang and Connolly up top.

8 – Tough luck! Agyemang takes a shot that is deflected onto the post by the keeper.

19 – Two excellent saved by the captain. Including a highlight reel diving tip with the hand.

31 – GOAL! Set-pieces are our friend! Mossaoui sends in a free kick from the right. Ricky Holmes is completely unmarked by the near post and heads home.

37 – Toral looks assured and is bossing in midfield.

45 – We head into the half with a well deserved lead. The team is playing quite well, though Agyemang has struggled a bit. As such, we'll bring on Antoine-Curier for him.

57 – Connolly tries to chip the keeper, but finds the ball going 20 rows deep.

64 – Yeovil are coming into the game, starting to own possession and make runs down our touchlines.

72 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley at the near post. Butler sends in a low cross, Bradley stops it and fires it into goal.

75 – GOAL! Yeovil are within one through Sam Foley. The winger works his way into the box and lets a howitzer go. Van Crooy is utterly powerless to stop it.

90 – Full time. Am excellent performance all around. Dan Butler picks up Man of the Match for his assist and superb defending throughout. It's my first cup win with Pompey. Exciting.

Capital One Cup Draw
We will travel to Oakwell to face Barnsley on 26 August in the Capital One Cup second round.

Fri. 08 August, 2014
Fernandez In
We have signed Blackburn's 20 year-old defensive midfielder Hugo Fernandez on a season-long loan. He will provide some depth for Johnny Ertl.

Sat. 09 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #2
Butler Red Dooms Portsmouth
Doncaster Rovers 2 – 1 Portsmouth
Hugo Fernandez is thrust into the lineup with Ertl badly needing a rest.

6 – GOAL! Terrific 1-2 from Antoine-Curier to Harris and back. The Frenchman places the ball past the keeper and has his first goal for the club.

13 – PENALTY / RED CARD! Dan Butler pulls down the Doncaster winger in the box. It's a very obvious penalty. Jordan Graham converts and we are level.

Devera comes off for N'Gala. We're playing with 3 DC and the wingers have moved to a more standard ML/MR position. Time to hang on for a draw.

30 – Barcham's clearance does enough for Antoine-Curier to force a shot and earn a corner.

45 – We head into the half level. Just where we need to be.

50 – GOAL! Jordan' Graham's second off a cross from Grimmer. That might be it for us today.

86 – Bradley and N'Gala have had terrible games today.

90 – Full time. About what was expected after the red card. We'll be better than this. Fernandez posted a 7.3 in his bow. Webster was terrific as an 8.0.

Dan Butler has been suspended one match for the red card and has received a warning.

De Leeuw Loan
We have loaned 26 year-old Dutch left winger Melvin de Leeuw from Ross County. He'll provide some cover for Andy Barcham.

Sun. 10 August, 2014
McLennan Back
George McLennan has returned full training. Let's hope he can make it through day two.

Fri. 15 August, 2014
Coaches Added
We have signed 37 year-old Richard Naylor as a coach and 40 year-old Danny Coyne as a goalkeeping coach.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy
We will be hosting Northampton Town in the JPT South first round on 2 September.

[Grover]

Sat. 16 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #3
Posh Earn Draw With Dramatic Equalizer
Portsmouth 2 – 2 Peterborough
With Butler suspended, Webster will make his first start at left back. Bradley, N'Gala and Devera make up the rest of the defense. The rest of the team is the same as it always is.

Peterborough apparently have Shaun Wright-Phillips.

19 – GOAL! Trouble at the back for the Posh. Antoine-Curier heads forward, but Enda Stevens fails to clear and shuttles it right to Ashley Harris. The forward puts Pompey ahead.

43 – GOAL! Leigterwood with a rocket from 25 yards that takes a deflection on its way. Van Crooy never had a chance once the ball changed its trajectory.

64 – GOAL! Get in! Simon Ferry gets to the touch line and crosses. Andy Barcham slips in behind the defender and buries the volley. Pompey back in front!

69 – Ferry takes an incredible left-footed shot that juuust goes over goal. So close!

75 – Harris picks up and injury and has to come off. Too bad, he was about to be subbed anyway. We move to a 4-5-1 in hopes to retain the lead. Toral comes at a MC for Harris. Hugo Fernandez replaced Ertl and McLennan replaces N'Gala, with Webster shifting to his natural central position. Webster has been our best man on the field today. The kid is special.

This is McLennan's debut in a Portsmouth shirt.

84 – Barcham has a great headed goal at the back post, but is judged offside.

90 – GOAL! At the death Peterborough have leveled from a corner! Newell's corner is in and Little was unmarked. An easy finish.

Full time. The ups and downs of League 1. We thought we had the win and it just slipped away. Just like that. Webster was phenomenal again, putting up an 8.2. Nobody had a bad game today.

Tue. 19 August, 2014
Orr Signs
We were looking to strengthen the right back position so N'Gala can primarily play DC without having to cover on the right. We sign 31 year-old Bradley Orr to play the position. He immediately becomes a big upgrade over Devera. Webster, Orr and Simon Ferry are the best overall players at the club.

Fri. 22 August, 2014
Parrett Back
Dean Parrett has returned to full training after his hamstring injury.

Sat. 23 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #4
Total Domination as Thrilling Pompey Roll
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bournemouth
Connolly will pair with Antoine-Curier. Butler is back from suspension. Webster will pair with N'Gala. It's disappointing to see that Donal McDermott will not be facing us.

2 – GOAL! A twisting-turning run through midfield, Antoine-Curier shoots past three defenders and the keeper. Andy Barcham with the assist.

11 – Simon Ferry picks up a caution for tripping a player.

12 – Adam Webster picks up a caution of his own. Bournemouth are coming into the game and starting to cause some issues.

30 – Ertl picks up a caution. We're doing well with that today. The visitors still setting up camp in our half. Robert Koren, who was a midfield maestro for West Bromwich-Albion for years is part of this side.

37 – The fans are booing every completed pass by Bournemouth. There's a lot of booing.

38 – GOAL! Quickly turned to cheers! Andy Barcham is having a storming half. Antoine-Curier heads onto him down the left. Barcham shakes two defenders, slips into the box and scores. These two are linking up quite well on the left.

48 – Rob Kiernan has come into the game for Bournemouth. You may remember he was a stalwart center back for us last season. He's dispossessed Connolly and Barcham already. He's tackling well.

54 – Butler picks up a caution.

64 – We make some changes for tired legs. Connolly comes off, replaced by Jon Toral. Ertl comes off for Hugo Fernandez and Devera is replaced by Orr. We switch to a 4-5-1.

70 – N'Gala picks up a yellow. The resulting free kick forces a great save from van Crooy.

81 – We have taken complete control of midfield since the formation change. We may have to work on this some more in training.

82 – GOAL! El-Abd heads away, but it's onto Ferry. He makes a terrific diagonal pass across the pitch for Mossaoui who side-foots the ball into goal.

90 – Great result. Maybe the best total team performance since I've taken over the club. Antoine-Curier was Man of the Match, but Barcham, Buter and N'Gala were also exceptional. Ferry and Mossaoui also had very good games. All three subs impressed and I'll be adding the 4-5-1 into the training mix.

Sat. 26 August, 2014
Team of the Week
Simon Ferry was selected in the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Capital One Cup (second round)
Controversial Penalties Send Barnsley Through
Barnsley 4 – 3 Portsmouth
The highest 'ranked' team I have managed against. Barnsley is a Sky Bet Championship squad playing a true 5-3-2. Three central defenders, 5 across midfield and two forwards. No wingbacks or defensive midfielders.

De Leeuw will start at AML, along with Bradley Orr both are making their full debuts.

6 – A lot of empty seats here, but all of our supporters are sequestered in their little corner of the ground.

14 – Good work from Mossaoui to cross from the right, but Harris' header stays wide.

20 – GOAL! Ash Harris comes good this time! Antoine-Curier provides the assist as Harris comes from the right side of goal and takes a 20 yard shot.

25 – Fun fact: Barnsley forward Dale Jennings is a former Bayern Munich youth product.

27 – GOAL! Barnsley are level through Chris O'Grady. It's already his sixth goal of the season.

31 – O'Grady gets a pass from Jennings on the left this time and forces a diving save from van Crooy.

39 – GOAL! And what a beauty.! De Leeuw chips one from the center line toward Ash Harris. The forward catches the keeper too far out and lobs him! That's the brace Harris.

45 – Half. Time.We are getting run over a bit in midfield by Barnsley's 3-5-2. I'd like to bring on another midfield if we can hold this one goal lead.

53 – GOAL! Wayne Brown levels it again. O'Brien's corner lands at his feet. He tangles with the defender, but eventually pushes it through.

64 – We've got to make changes in midfield. Ashley Harris, despite his 8.8 rating has to come off. He's flagging. Wallace will come on in midfield. Hugo Fernandez will come on for Ferry as well. Joe Devera will replace Bradley Orr.

80 – van Crooy makes a brilliant diving save to his left to keep the game level. A fierce shot from O'Brien.

90 – Full time and we're gonna play another 30 minutes to try and decide this. Butler and Webster have been fantastic at the back and we'll need them to keep it up. I really hated taking Harris off so early, but he would have never lasted this long.

98 – PENALTY! Wayne Brown converts it. We swear it was never a penalty. Sonny Bradley was called for a push as he and O'Grady jumped for a ball.

103 – PENALTY! Another absurd call! Wayne Brown has his hat trick, but the players are giving a go at referee Mark Clattenburg. This is unbelievable! We played so well for it to all come to this.

120 + 1 – PENALTY! This time it's in our favor as Cranie fouls Antoine-Curier. Devera converts, but is it too late?

Full time. To be honest, I completely expected to loss to a team a division above us. But not like that. Horrible, horrible loss and way to go out of a cup tie. Bradley and Webster have both vowed to make up for their errors. I love the resolve from these kids.

Sat. 30 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #5
Blades Show Cutting Edge in Fine Display
Sheffield United 4 – 0 Portsmouth
Connolly starts with Antoine-Curier, Holmes at AMR, Fernandez at DM. McLennan makes his debut at DL, while Devera and N'Gala will pair at DC.

United have the almost, but not quite forgotten David Bentley starting. Former West Ham captain Matty Upson is also n defense.

14 – GOAL! McFadzean crosses for the center and Bentley rises above with a header.

17 – Great work in midfield and we break for goal. Connolly gets on the end of one and hits the elbow of goal.

45 – We look decent against a side that is clearly better than we are. We have had two great chances, but have been denied by the woodwork twice.

48 – We strike another post, this time it's Ferry. Bad luck today.

64 – Connolly is having a terrible game and is coming off for Patrick Agyemang.

68 – Toral has come on for Simon Ferry. He's tired and has taken a knock.

70 – GOAL! That might do it for us today. Baxter crossed from the far right and Jamie Murphy heads home to beat van Crooy.

78 – GOAL! Murphy has a second as McFadzean's passes into the middle finds the forward alone in the box.

82 – Ricky Holmes hits the crossbar. It's been that kind of day.

86 – GOAL! Bentley takes a rocket of a free kick from 25 yards. It finds the top right corner. Van Crooy never had a chance.

90 – Holmes hits the bar again. Insane.

Full time. Eesh. That was a tough one to take. We were outclassed across the pitch. Hugo Fernandez and Antoine-Curier put in good shifts, but that was about it.

We finish September sitting in 13th.

At least we can feast on Northampton Town in the JPT next. I hope.

[Grover]

Mon. 01 September, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is pleased with my leading of the team. They are pleased with the signing of Mickael Antoine-Curier, but a pretty unhappy with that nasty little loss to Sheffield United.

Tue. 02 September, 2014
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (first round)
Webster Scores Winner in 5-4 Penalty Kicks Shootout
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Northampton Town
We'll employ the 4-5-1 for the first time in a full match. Parrett will make his debut. De Leeuw, Wallace and Connoly also get starts.

2 – GOAL! Dream start for the visitors. Morris' free kick avoids everybody but the foot of Cristian coming in from the left.

30 – Not a lot going on in match. We're getting some possession, but no real quality out of it.

37 – Some good pressure results in four straight corners. Wallace's delivery leaves something to be desired at times.

52 – Wallace has a free kick graze the top of the bar. We can't seem to find the net.

66 – Agyemang is on for Connolly and Toral is on for an exhausted Parrett.

77 – Wallace's free kick hits the wall, bounces onto him for a volley and sails hopelessly wide.

84 – GOAL! An equalizer! De Leeuw starts the move, cutting in from the left, passing back from Toral who pushes ahead for Mossaoui cutting into the box. The winger puts it away for his second of the year.

87 – We've come alive. The ball is worked around and Toral makes a run into the box, but shoots wide.

90 – Full time. We go directly to penalties.

Both clubs convert their first two, but Northampton's Jamie Tank's attempt is blocked by van Crooy. Wallace makes his and we go up one. With penalties at 4-4, Adam Webster was the man to step up. He shot low to the right, past the diving arms of the keeper.

He has atoned for his conceded penalty against Barnsley.

We have been awarded £2.83K for the win. Wow!

We have also drawn Torquay United in the second round. The match will be on 7th October here at lovely Fratton Park.

Sat. 06 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #6
Pompey Back in Winner's Column
York City 0 – 3 Portsmouth
Harris is back in the lineup. Hugo Fernandez starts at DM . I have not yet beaten York City in my career. Now's a good time to do it.

9 – Great flowing football that results in a Harris header being saved by Oxley.

27 – Ferocious 25 yard shot by Ben Pringle is knocked aside by van Crooy

31 – Harris in the picture again as he forces a corner.

34 – GOAL! Superb assist from Harris, knocking it into the box for Mickael Antoine-Curier to run onto. Oxley is unable to stop the shot.

45 – Half time. Are we ever on the front foot. We are attacking in waves and Oxley is the man standing tallest of all. Save after save. Boy should we ever have more than one goal right now.

47 – GOAL! Disaster at the back! Harris corners in, Fernandez flicks for Webber who heads for the far post. Doughty tries to head it back, but it's off the underside of the bar and in! Pompey double their lead.

79 – GOAL! Andy Barcham is the recipient of Mossaoui's touchline cross. Great stuff!

80 - Sub time. Ferry, Mossaoui and Barcham come off for Parrett, Holmes and de Leeuw.

90 – Full time. Excellent recovery after a rough run of results. N'Gala was a rock at the back and deservedly the Player of the Match. Webster, Butler, Antoine-Curier were all over 8.0, with Orr and Barcham on the cusp. Great team performance.

Mon. 08 September, 2014
New Contracts Signed
Simon Ferry, Dan Butler, Ashley Harris and Delano van Crooy have all signed contract extensions through 2016.

Tue. 09 September, 2014
Barcham Honored
Andy Barcham was named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 13 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #7
Hardworking Yeovil Earn Yeoman's Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Yeovil Town
We're completely healthy and at full strength for once. Yeovil are currently 23rd and you know how these matches usually go for us...

1 – We are off on the front foot, with some fast attacking football through midfield. Harris shoots over goal, but it's promising.

12 – GOAL! Diop tackles the ball away from Harris in the box, but it ends up with Mossaoui. He one-times the shot past Mannus and the hosts are up.

34 – We could do a little bit better marking. They're getting shots, but they're outside and around the box. Dangerous though.

45 – We go into the half with good value for our lead, but it could be more. We've got to buck up and close down at the back a little better and we'll be fine.

58 – GOAL! Yeovil are level as the ball bounces off heads and off Eaves and past van Crooy. Disappointing to give that one up.

67 – Barcham has struggled for form today, we'll bring on de Leeuw.

90 – Disappointing result to a bottom of the table club. Typical for us though, playing up or down to our opponents.

[Grover]

Sat. 20 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #8
Mossaoui Brace Takes Points in Thriller
Bristol City 2 – 3 Portsmouth
Jon Toral will start over Simon Ferry at MC. That's the only change.

2 – Toral is involved immediately, setting up a shot from Barcham on the wing.

8 – van Crooy makes a diving stop to his right and then easily handles the corner.

30 – GOAL! Bristol City find themselves ahead as Nick Blackman's header bounces off the underside of the bar and trickles over the line.

32 – GOAL! Nearly an instant equalizer. Great possession in the final third, the ball finds Toral out on the right and he passes in for Mossaoui. The Morrocan winger steps into the box and fires home.

38 – GOAL! The hosts are in front from some poor marking. McClearly crosses from the left and his wide midfield counterpart Cole is at the back post unmarked. An easy tap-in.

45 – Half time. Down a goal and our fullbacks are getting outclassed by the wingers in a bad, bad way. Hugo Fernandez is going to come on for Ertl at DM and Bondz N'Gala will replace Bradley Orr who is having a tough time with McCleary.

53 – Frustrating watching my wingers constantly try and cut inside on their wrong foot. Rather than getting crosses into dangerous areas, they're losing possession before they can reach the 18.

69 – PENALTY! Gunning trips Barcham in the box! Harris' try is saved by Fielding, but he converts the rebound! Ashley Harris' confidence needed that goal. We're level again!

86 – GOAL! Harris plays a ball into the box for Mossaoui, the winger cuts in from his wide position and fires it past Fielding!

90 – Full time. Great win! We were underdogs and knew it, played our hearts out and came away with three points. Mossaoui puts in a Player of the Match Performance with his brace. Harris wasn't far behind, adding a goal and assist. Very big early season win propels us into the top 10, at least for now.

Tue. 23 September, 2014
Team of the Week
Karim Mossaoui was named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week for his two goal performance at Bristol City.

Wed. 24 September, 2014
East on Loan
Danny East will join Barnet on loan for one month.

Sat. 27 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #9
McGurk Hat Trick Wins Fantastic Match
Brentford 4 – 3 Portsmouth
Same lineup from the Bristol City match. Toral will start again. Much like Bristol, Brentford have terrific wingers, both on loan from Arsenal.

1 – GOAL! 24 seconds in and Adam McGurk has the hosts in front. A quick chip over the top from midfield sprung the forward and he easily beats van Crooy. Talk about a nightmare start.

6 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! A beautiful lobbed shot completely fools the out of positon keeper to level the match.

22 – Orr comes into the box with the ball cautiously. He looks to cross, but intelligently cuts it back for Harris. The forward thunders it off the bar and out for a corner.

30 – I have no idea how this match is still 1-1 for either side. End to end non-stop action. It's insane.

45 – Half time. Doesn't feel like either side is creating their own chances. It feels like possession is being gifted in the defensive half and the attacking side is ready to pounce every time.

49 – GOAL! Phenomenal individual effort from Wellington Silva. He wins van Crooy's clearance on the wing near the half-way line. Works his way through the defense with a fantastic run and finishes the move with an expert goal.

53 – GOAL! McGurk has a second and Brentfofd are really starting to capitalize on our errors. Forshaw with an excellent assist.

61 – GOAL! Karim Mossaoui pulls the match to within one. Butler lobbed a pass for Orr, he heads it down onto Mossaoui who takes a turn and fires left-footed into goal.

66 – Time to make some changes. Webster and Butler are having shockers at the back. N'Gala on centrally, with Hugo Fernandez playing left back. Jon Toral will also come off for Simon Ferry.

69 – N'Gala's header at the backpost from a corner just grazes the crossbar and goes over. So close!

77 – GOAL! And this match is tied! Terrific flick from Mossaoui sets up a dashing run from Simon Ferry. He goes in close and fires home!

80 – GOAL! It's short-lived as Adam McGurk is on the end of a cross to net his hat trick. Fantastic day for the forward.

85 – We're up in arms as Barcham is ruled offside after scoring at the back post.

90 – Full time. Wow, what a match. We were underdogs, did not expect to win, but we were so close to taking a point. Brentford are second in the league, so it's a good showing. A few players, specifically in defense should have played much, much better.

[Grover]

Wed. 01 October, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is pleased with my leading of the team. They are still pleased with the signing of Antoine-Curier, however they are upset with the 4-0 loss to Sheffield United.

Sat. 04 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #10
Pompey Downed by Hardworking Shrewsbury
Portsmouth 1 – 2 Shrewsbury Town
It's good to have a match back at Fratton Park. Typical starting eleven, though we'll give de Leuuw and Ferry a start.

5 – GOAL! The visitors are in front from a corner. The initial shot is stopped, but it bounces to Wilkinson and beats van Crooy.

26 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier earns a corner. Harris floats it to the near post for Sonny Bradley and he powers it past the Shrewsbury keeper.

45 – Half time. Once again our fullbacks are struggling mightily. Orr will come off for N'Gala.

65 – Johnny Ertl is flagged offside after scoring from Ashley Harris' free kick.

71 – GOAL! Shrewsbury take the lead through Jon Taylor. A nice little move to work him in down the right.

90 – Full time. We slump to our second straight defeat. Our defense has been really poor the past two games. Orr, Butler and Webster need to pick it up.

Tue. 07 October, 2014
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (second round)
Pompey Advance Over Ten Man Torquay
Portsmouth 5 – 2 Torquay United
We'll put in some faces who haven't seen much time this year. Connolly, Holmes, Toral, McLennan, Fernandez and Devera all start.

5 – GOAL! The visitors are in front and our poor defense form continues. Jordan Sinott with his first of the year, heading it over van Crooy.

9 – Antoine-Curier has hit the crossbar twice already.

12 – GOAL! David Connolly levels the affair. He works into the box alone, beats the right back and passes it past the keeper.

36 – RED CARD! Griffiths trips Holmes on the right and is sent off!


38 – GOAL! An absolute laser beam from Jon Toral at the top of the box. The keeper never had a chance.

52 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier finally finishes a chance. We have probably put this one out of reach.

68 – Jed Wallace will replace Ricky Holmes.

75 – GOAL! Andy Barcham is freed down the center of the pitch and works it in all alone. The keeper is way too far out and is beat easily.

85 – GOAL! Torquay pull one back through Courtney Cameron's header at the far post.

86 – GOAL! Right from the kick-off! Wallace crosses centrally for Antoine-Curier. His diving header beats the keeper.

90 – Run of the mill win made even easier by the dismissal.

We have been given £5,200 for the victory.

Sun. 12 October, 2014
JPT South Draw
We will be hosting Brentford in the JPT South quarterfinal. The match will be on 11th November at Fratton Park.

Sat. 18 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #11
Superb Harris Leads Pompey Over Crewe
Crewe Alexandra 0 – 3 Portsmouth
We'll play our usual XI, though Bradley Orr has to improve quickly or N'Gala is going to take his place.

15 – Not quite sure how Antoine-Curier missed the shot he just took.

23 – PENALTY! Adam Webster concedes. Daniel Kearns steps up, fires to his right, but van Crooy is quicker than the ball and knocks it out for a corner. Brilliant!

28 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier side-foots a pass over for Mossaoui who races into the box and smacks it past the keeper.

45 – Half time. A well deserved lead for the lads. De Leeuw has struggled, we give him 15 minutes or so before making a decision on whether to pull him or not.

49 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with his 5th on the year. He's put in through Antoine-Curier who now has assisted on both goals today.

59 – Subs time. De Leeuw has improved, he'll play this out. Butler will be replaced by N'Gala, with Webster moving to left back to accommodate Bondz. Hugo Fernandez will replace Johnny Ertl.

65 – GOAL! De Leeuw with a great diagonal pass to pick out Ashley Harris. The forward moves past two defenders and fires to his near side. The keeper can only watch the shot go past.

80 – Harris has picked up a knock. We'll go to a 4-5-1 for the last 10 minutes. Jon Toral is the two-goal forward's replacement.

87 – Delano van Crooy makes another save on a long distance shot. The Crewe supporters have begun booing their clubs efforts.

90 – Full time. Ashley Harris picks up a well-earned Man of the Match award. Karim Mossaoui, Sonny Bradley and Antoine-Curier also get the plaudits. A fantastic team performance for us today. Hopefully we can build some momentum from this.

Harris Injured
But here's the bad news. Harris suffered a knock around the hour mark, it turns out he has a twisted knee and will miss up to three weeks with the injury.

We have called up 17 year old Conor Chaplin from the U18 squad. He will absolutely get a chance to play.

[Grover]

Sun. 19 October, 2014
FA Cup
We will host old friends Northampton Town in the first round of the Football Association Cup on 1st November.

Tue. 21 October, 2014
Team of the Week
Ashley Harris and Karim Mossaoui were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #12
Pompey Eke It Out
Fleetwood Town 0 – 1 Portsmouth
A few changes for this one. McLennan at DL, Devera and N'Gala starting at DC. Fernandez and Toral at DM and MC, Barcham back at AML, Holmes at AMR and Chaplin with his first team debut in Harris' false nine position.

9 – Jon Toral takes a shot that surprises everyone from the top of the box and earns a corner.

18 – Chaplin takes his first attempt on goal.

40 – GOAL! Barcham crosses in, but it's intercepted. The defender fumbles it through his feet and Antoine-Curier is the sly fox to nab the ball and rush into the area for a beautiful top corner shot.

45 – Half time. On the momentum of that goal. Barcham and Holmes have been terrible though.

58 – Antoine-Curier and Chaplin seem to have a fairly good understanding with each other. Chaplin looks very confident for his first league match.

90 – Full time of a drab match. We'll take those three points all the way to the bank though. My first win over Fleetwood as a manager. Solid performance from the entire team. Bradley Orr was Man of the Match as a 7.6. Chaplin managed a 7.1 in his debut. Very pleased with that.

Sat. 25 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #13
Confident Defense Continues to Stymy Opposition
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bradford
Our regulars are back, de Leeuw on the left wing and Chaplin starts up top again.

5 – GOAL! Oh my! What a strike! Ferry passes to Mossaoui. The winger cuts inside and unleashes one hell of a howitzer on goal. The back of the net bulges, the crowd cheers and we're up a goal.

24 – GOAL! Horror at the back for Bradford. Bradley shoots from Ferry's corner, but it's stopped by Darby. Unfortunately he trips over the ball and spins it into his own goal.

43 – Fantastic save from van Crooy. He gets his fingertips on a ball that's whipped toward goal. He's able to deal with the resulting corner as well.

45 – Half time. Ferry and Ertl are tired. I'll try and get 15-20 minutes out of them here.

62 – Chaplin will come off and we'll move to a 4-5-1. Toral on for him and Wallace for Ferry.

77 – PENALTY! Taylor puts a wrong foot on Antoine-Curier in the box! The French forward steps up and drives his shot dead center. The keeper dives wide and we're up three goals.

90 – Full time. Excellent win at home and that's three straight clean sheets in the league. Bradley is Man of the Match, though Mossaoui was also fantastic. His goal was something else. Hopefully a goal of the month or better candidate.

Toral Injured
Jon Toral had picked up a knock late in the match and it appears to be a twisted ankle. He'll miss 4-5 weeks. The Arsenal midfielder has made 12 appearances (5 starts) and has scored one goal.

Tue. 28 October, 2014
Team of the Week
Sonny Bradley and Karim Mossaoui have been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 29 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #14
van Crooy Keeps Another Clean Sheet
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Crawley
Fernandez will start at DM, Barcham at AML and Connolly as the false nine.

16 – Andy Barcham cuts inside nicely and takes a shot that is fought off by Spiegel.

37 – van Crooy is putting in another strong performance.

40 – Bradley hits the post with a header.

44 – Connolly takes a running shot and just misses wide.

57 – Mossaoui's header grazes the crossbar.

58 – GOAL! Hugo Fernandez's first of the season! Ferry crosses in, Bradley heads it back for the Spaniard who boots it into the onion bag.

63 – Kenji Gorré is causing all sorts of problems for us down our left.

77 – Subs. We'll bring on N'Gala for Orr and Parrett for Ferry.

90 – Full time. Another clean sheet for Delano van Crooy. That's four in a row. He put up his best rating in a Portsmouth shirt, an 8.5. However, Dan Butler was named Man of the Match at an 8.7. Sonny Bradley has assists in two straight games. We're rolling.

Third in the table, one point off Brentford at the top. Heady days, boys.

[NoSkillz]

Enjoying this dynasty. Keep it up!

[GoldenEagle]

Reading along as well.

[Grover]

Thanks guys!

[Grover]

Sun. 02 November, 2014
FA Cup Draw
We will host League 2 side Newport County in the second round of the FA Cup. The match will be on the 29th of this month.

Tue. 04 November, 2014
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy, Sonny Bradley, and Dan Butler were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 05 November, 2014
Parrett Wants Out
Dean Parrett has requested a transfer. He's upset that he hasn't been good enough to get into my team.

Harris Back
Ashley Harris has recovered from his twisted knee and is back in training. The forward has been excellent this year with six goals and five assists in 10 appearances.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #15
Sixth Clean Sheet is at Sixfields
Coventry City 0 – 1 Portsmouth
We're going to go with a 4-5-1 for this match with Antoine-Curier up top alone. Wallace, Ferry and Fernandez will be the midfield triumvirate. N'Gala will give Webster a spell in the back four.

Our scouts told us that Coventry struggle against this formation. We'll see.

2 – We spent the first 76 seconds in and around their box, making havoc, but only getting one shot on goal.

11 – GOAL! Jed Wallace slides around a defender and takes a deft left-footed shot that sees its way to goal.

45 – Half time. A good lead, but it could and should be more. We're stifling them in midfield.

66 – Daniels has a golden opportunity to level Coventry, but his shot is smothered by van Crooy.

90 – This back four and Delano van Crooy have really found themselves. A sixth straight outstanding performance. Hugo Fernandez was Man of the Match, a rock as the anchor man sitting just ahead of that back four.

We are now top of League 1!

Butler Reaches Limit
Dan Butler has picked up an automatic one match suspension after collecting 5 yellow cards.

Tue. 11 November, 2014
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (Quarterfinal)
Brentford Advance 5-4 on Pens
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Brentford
Chaplin will get a start up top, Fernandez as the anchor man.

18 – Chaplin takes a wicked shot from 30 yards that just misses the post.

30 – GOAL! Melvin De Leeuw's first for the club! He cuts inside of the right back and fires from 20 yards out.

45 – Good lead at half time. We should be able to do enough to keep the lead.

62 – GOAL! Will Grigg is the first man in nearly seven matches to put the ball past Delano van Crooy.

90 + 3 – An unbelievable sequence of saves from the Brentford keeper to keep the ball out of goal. Four saves in about fifteen seconds. Wow.

This match is going to penalties.

Van Crooy saves Vincent right off the start! Antoine-Curier, our third shooter is saved and it evens things up. Mossaoui, our fifth shooter is saved and we're out of the Cup.

Sat. 15 November, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #16
Swindon Bring Pompey Back to Earth
Swindon Town 3 – 1 Portsmouth
We'll go with our typical XI with Harris back at the false nine.

7 – Swindon are attacking the wings well early.

11 – GOAL! It's Andy Barcham! He takes the pass from Antoine-Curier, cuts inside the defender and fires for the near post. The keeper gets his fingertips on the ball but the shot is too strong.

21 – van Crooy makes a great fingertip save to force a corner.

23 – GOAL! Swindon get the equalizer they deserve through Josh Thompson. His shot from the left finds the top right corner of goal.

31 – GOAL! Coulthirst puts Swindon in front. We've looked terrible since their equalizer and it really felt like this was coming.

45 – Half time. We have not been good.

70 – GOAL! Osman Sow makes it 3-1 Swindon. We've not improved.

90 – Full time. Ugly loss. Bradley Orr puts in a 4.9. Yup. A 4.9.

[Grover]

Wed. 19 November, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #17
Chaplin Nets Brace For First Two Goals
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Port Vale
Parrett and Fernandez in midfield. Orr starts again for lack of a better, healthier option.

7 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley heads in the corner to put us in front early.

32 – GOAL! It's Conor Chaplin's first ever goal for the senior side! Antoine-Curier plays a little pass for him and Chaplin is able to round the keeper and walk it over the line.

45 – Good value for our lead at the half.

51 – GOAL! And what a shot from Mickael Antoine-Curier! Parrett tries to play a pass for Chaplin that's tackled away, directly onto the Frenchman's cultured right foot.

60 – Wallace comes on for Fernandez, who had picked up a knock.

81 – We are in complete control.

84 – GOAL! Chaplin picks up a loose ball in the box and slams it home with the inside of his left boot. That's his second.

90 – That's a nice rebound victory. Conor Chaplin's 9.1 makes him Man of the Match, but Antoine-Curier, Webster, Bradley and Butler were all over 8. Great performance all around.

Thu. 20 November, 2014
Toral Back
Jon Toral has returned to full training after a twisted ankle.

Sat. 22 November, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #18
Chesterfield Equalize Way Late
Portsmouth 2 – 2 Chesterfield
Chaplin will start with Harris up top. Jed Wallace will start at AMR. N'Gala for Webster and McLennan for Butler. Devera will start for Orr. Orr deserves some time off.

6 – Wallace works in a cross for a corner.

18 – Ertl picks up an injury. Wallace moves to MC and Craddock comes on at AMR.

28 – GOAL! Tankovic puts the visitors in front, heading home a corner.

45 – Half time. We'r enot doing much. That needs to change.

49 – Chaplin with an absolutely agonizing miss.

63 – Agyemang will come on for Chaplin.

73 – GOAL! Agyemang puts in the cross for Ashley Harris to tap in! We're level!

85 – GOAL! Ashley Harris passes diagonally for Tom Craddock who slots it past the keeper to his left.

90 +2 – GOAL! Tankovic! Chesterfield claw it back near the death. It takes a deflection and goes in.

Full time. That one should have been a loss, then a win, but was neither. So I suppose that's not awful.

Ertl Out
Johnny Ertl will miss 10-12 days with a bruised shin. The matches have been coming thick this month, so this doesn't help us out at all.

Tue. 25 November, 2014
Team of the Week
Sonny Bradley and Adam Webster were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #19
French Flair as Pompey Win Late
Portsmouth 4 – 2 Colchester United
Connolly and Parrett gets starts.

3 – GOAL! Daniel Jenner catches van Crooy way too far from his goal and easily puts it by the keeper.

This is the first new gen player I have seen score a goal.

27 – GOAL! The keeper comes out to clear by the sideline, Connolly takes it from 40 yards out and scores! Amazing!

37 – GOAL! Sanchez Watt puts the visitors back in front. He swings inside of Orr (who else?) and places it past van Crooy.

44 – GOAL! Level again! De Leeuw crosses, Antoine-Curier hits the post, but it bounces for Mossaoui! He fires into the open net!

45 – Half time. Maybe lucky to be level. Bradley Orr has got to go. We're definitely in the market for a right back on loan or by any other means.

59 – Devera comes on for Butler, who is playing at a 5.3. Barcham is on for de Leeuw and Toral is on for Parrett.

75 – Barcham has picked up a knock. That's really all the subs have done.

79 – Colchester dominating. Our old friend Matthew Dolan has entered the game for them.

82 – Jenner hits the outside of the post!

86 – GOAL! SUPER SUB! Andy Barcham gives it to Antoine-Curier, who gives it back as the winger cuts around the fullback and slots pas the keeper! What a goal!

90 – Toral comes off injured. We now have 10 men.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! Devera nods a ball on and the forward outruns the defender, shooting past the keeper.

90 + 4 – Full time. WOW! What a crazy game! Antoine-Curier is Man of the Match with 1 goal and 2 assists, 8.4 rating. What a total team effort to come back and win that match. Fantastic. I love it.

Toral & Barcham Injured
Jon Toral has been injured again and will miss up to 4-5 weeks with a fractured arm. Poor kid can't catch a... wait, that's cruel to say.

Andy Barcham suffered that contagious twisted ankle and will miss 4-5 weeks.

Sat. 29 November, 2014
FA Cup Second Round
Ashley Harris' Strike Show
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Newport County
4-2-4 with two central midfielders for us: Parrett and Wallace. De Leeuw on the left, our usual two up top.

10 – GOAL! Marvelous header from Ashley Harris on Mossaoui's cross. Breathtaking!

34 – Bradley has a header go juuust wide.

45 – Half time, but not entirely comfortable with it. A couple of players haven't look too good.

81 – Harris has a free kick graze the bar. Nothing happening in the second half.

83 – GOAL! Another fantastic strike from Ashley Harris! It's a volley from Orr's pass. He is the heartbeat of our attack.

90 – Full time. We're through to the third round thanks to Ash Harris. What a player. Good defending, though Parrett was looking complacent. Not something I like to see when he's fighting for a place.

We have been given £25.41K for the win.

[Grover]

Mon. 01 December, 2014
Parrett Skips Training
Practice!? Midfielder Dean Parrett apparently doesn't need any. The bastard has decided to skip training and has accepted his warning. Time to ship the cancer out.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities I am demonstrating. The team's performance in the league being the overall highlight. However, the fans are not happy with Bradley Orr's performances. Who is?

Tue. 02 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Mickael Antoine-Curier has been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 03 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #20
De Leeuw Steals a Late Point
Oldham Athletic 2 – 2 Portsmouth
We move back to a defensive midfielder with Hugo Fernandez healthy.

3 – van Crooy makes a great diving save to turn a shot around the post.

15 - 23rd in the table Oldham is seeing a lot of the ball here.

33 – GOAL! Dom Dwyer puts Oldham in front, threading between Butler and Bradley.

40 – Butler is off injured. Fernandez to left back, Wallace on in midfield with Ferry.

45 – Half time. Down a goal to the next to last team in the table. Unacceptable.

52 – We seem to be terrified to put a cross in.

53 – GOAL! Melvin de Leeuw! From a cross! Bradley Orr into the center of the box, into the Dutchman's feet and into goal.

66 – Terrific save by van Crooy! Dwyer breaks in and takes a high shot, van Crooy does just enough to turn it over.

77 – A Harris free kick is easily held.

82 – GOAL! Hiwula and Oldham hit us on the break. He turns Devera inside-out and beats van Crooy. Ugh.

90 + 1 – GOAL! Melvin de Leuuw squeezes between two defenders with the ball into the box and slots home. WOW!

Full tine. De Leeuw was amazing. The rest of the team was eh. We should be beating teams like Oldham. No excuses.

Butler Injured
Dan Butler has suffered a groin strain and the left back will miss three weeks.

Sat. 06 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #21
Chaplain Bosses Play, Helps Earn Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Leyton Orient
Chaplin will play for a tired Harris. Wallace at AMR, Parrett is begrudgingly at MC.

1 – Chaplin gets a crazy shot off that forces a corner.

34 – Atkinson misses just wide for Orient. Not much going on in this match so far. Shots from distance from either side, but nothing threatening.

45 – GOAL! Chaplin outlets to Wallace who fires from a great angle and runs with arms aloft to the supporters!

58 – GOAL! Ooh and it's a great one from Conor Chaplin! He's sneaks in behind two defenders and Antoine-Curier plays him in. Great movement.

64 – van Crooy makes a great save on danger man Batt.

72 – Craddock will come on for de Leeuw.

79 – We are withstanding an immense spell of pressure from Orient.

90 – GOAL! Shaun Batt pulls one back. That's the danger man, volleying home a cross.

Full time. It's a solid win, dictated by Conor Chaplin's excellent second half. Could have been better, could have been worse. It keeps us in good position.

Tue. 09 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Bradley Orr has been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 13 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #22
Pompey Show Why They're Top
Notts County 0 – 4 Portsmouth
Bottom against top. Let's do better than we did against Oldham.

Pretty standard fare in the lineup. Fernandez at DM, McLennan at DL.

8 – GOAL! There's the start we wanted! Orr crosses in, Antoine-Curier's shot is blocked, but Mossaoui pounces on the rebound and fires it in.

27 – Ashley Harris just misses with a fantastic shot.

30 – GOAL! Adam Webster doesn't miss his volley from Harris' free kick! Two goal lead!

34 – GOAL! Another Harris assist! His free kick is more of a pass for De Leeuw who volleys it in!

45 – We look great at the half and nothing will be changed.

60 – Silent first 15 of the second half. Just the way we like it.

71 – Chaplin will come on for Harris and Wallace for Hernandez.

75 – PENALTY! Leacock trips de Leeuw! Ferry steps up and nets it with ease!

86 – Magnificent save low from van Crooy.

90 – Full time. Fantastic overall team performance. Webster was Man of the Match, but just about everyone else was over 7.5. Great win on the road. We are undoubtedly overachieving at this juncture.

[Grover]

Tue. 16 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy, Adam Webster, Simon Ferry and Karim Mossaoui were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 20 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #23
Antoine-Curier Levels At The Death
MK Dons 3 – 3 Portsmouth
With the week off we're at full strength, though Fernandez is at DM again. Spirits are high among the squad, hopefully they can kick on in this and propel themselves through the holiday period.

2 – GOAL! And they do! De Leeuw cuts in from the left and works a shot, it's saved, but the rebound falls for Antoine-Cuier.

8 – GOAL! Dons strike right back! Stephen Gleeson's first of the season is a rocket from 20 yards. No chance for van Crooy who was diving low for it.

36 – De Leeuw earns a corner working in from the left again.

37 – GOAL! Samuel puts the hosts ahead. Gleeson feeds him the ball, he turns and fires.

45 – Half time. Down a goal, Harris playing very badly, as are both central defenders. They seem motivated from the team talk, so we'll give them a chance to start off here.

48 – GOAL! Harris is tripped in the box, but Mossaoui snags the ball and fires near side. No chance for the keeper!

61 – GOAL! Samuel heads in a flick on from Akpon into the net. Dons back in front.

62 – Orr, McLennan and Harris will come off for Devera, N'Gala and Chaplin.

75 – Antoine-Curier goes close, bewildering that he missed.

80 – Devera scores, but is ruled offside.

85 – N'Gala heads into the crossbar.

90 + 3 – GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! The ball bounces free, he turns a defender inside-out and unleashes a rocket into the top corner. The away fans are going wild. What an incredible goal at the death!

Full time. Mickael Antoine-Curier. That is all.

Sun. 21 December, 2014
Toral and Barcham Back
Jon Toral and Andy Barcham have returned to training. Hooray.

Mon. 22 December, 2014
Fleetwood Approach
Fleetwood Town have invited me to attend an interview with the club's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of hiring me as manager. I politely decline their request. I am quite happy here at Portsmouth.

Butler Back
Dan Butler has returned to full training.

Tue. 23 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Mickael Antoine-Curier was selected in the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Fri. 26 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #24
Rovers Take the Game to Pompey
Portsmouth 0 – 2 Doncaster Rovers
They're weakest against a 4-5-1, so that's what we'll do. Wallace, Ferry and Ertl. Harris starts alone up top.

20 – It's a slick pitch in the driving rain. We've had a few shots, but nothing threatening. Doncaster have had their opportunities as well.

36 – GOAL! Stipe Perica puts the visitors in front, volleying in Nicco's cross.

44 – An unbelievable spell of possession that led to Mossaoui hitting a post and Harris earning a corner but it comes to nothing. Some inspired play.

68 – We'll move to two forwards and Ertl will come off for Antoine-Curier.

89 – PENALTY! Orr concedes. Tony Watt converts. A tough home loss. We played ok, but below our standard. We need to be better and beat teams like this at home.

Sun. 28 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #25
Pompey Keep Finding Late Goals
Gillingham 2 – 3 Portsmouth
The classic one day off between games. Holmes and Barcham return to the lineup, along with Parret. Chaplin starts as well.

6 – Incredible long pass from Fernandez onto the boot of Antoine-Curier, the shot was pushed out for a corner.

20 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier! Orr plays in Chapin who chips ahead for the Frenchman. He takes it low and beats the keeper with the angle.

31 – GOAL! And a magical one at that from Devera! He takes the corner, spins around and fires left-footed into the top corner.

42 – GOAL! James Spencer is unmarked on the counter and he's played in from a long ball. He pulls one back for the hosts.

44 – Barcham is injured and will come off for De Leeuw. Toral will come on for Parrett who is looking complacent.

57 – Holmes is exhausted. Jed Wallace will come on for him.

72 – De Leeuw makes an inch-perfect tackle in our own half, comes up with the ball, outlets to Antoine-Curier down the left and he wins a corner. Great sequence.

78 – GOAL! Gillingham are level, it's a mistake by McLennan, he heads back and German s right there to put it in.

84 – GOAL! A huge goal from Conor Chaplin! Wallace plays it across the box for him and the left-footed forward places it in!

90 – Another late win. A good one, but I'm tired of the nervy finishes. McLennan was a 4.9, mostly for that backwards header. Devera was Man of the match with an 8.2. Nobody else really had a great game besides Chaplin's 7.7.

N'Gala Hits Limit
Bondz N'Gala will be suspended for one match after reaching the 5 yellow cards limit.

Mon. 29 December, 2014
In Demand
Bolton Wanderers President Phil Gartside wishes to speak with me about their open management position. I respectfully decline.

Tue. 30 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Joe Devera was selected to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

[Grover]

http://i.imgur.com/8wXJsN0.png

I should note that Portsmouth were predicted to finish 20th.

[Grover]

Fri. 02 January, 2015
Bournemouth Want Talks
AFC Bournemouth President Jeff Mostyn has invited me to attend an interview with their board. Another club wants me to be their manager. Why give it up when I'm ahead of these teams in the table? I decline.

Sat. 03 January, 2015
FA Cup Third Round
De Leeuw Brace Buries Bury
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bury
We'll field a strong squad for this. Except Orr, the only player below a 7.0 rating overall on the team.

2 – GOAL! - Trademark De Leeuw cutting in from the left and firing left-footed into the right corner. Great goal.

27 – GOAL! A second for the Dutchman! Harris' corner from the right finds Bradley, he spins and passes to De Leeuw who fires from just inside the top of the 18. Another great goal.

52 – GOAL! Great football from Orr and Mossaoui on the right, the winger pass across for Harris who takes a beautiful 20 yard shot and finds net.

56 – With the lead we make some changes as a few players have become complacent on the pitch. Orr, Butler and Ferry come off for McLennan, Devera and Wallace.

78 – We may concede one with the team looking so complacent at the moment. Bury is getting a lot of action and possession in our third.

90 – Chance! De Leeuw's attempt at a hat trick hits the side netting!

Full time. Great game from the left winger. Sonny Bradley was excellent as well. Positive results with a couple of tough games coming up.

We have been given £63.53K for winning against Bury.

Sun. 04 January, 2015
FA Cup Draw
We will travel to Brittania Stadium on 24th January to face Premier League side Stoke City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Wed. 07 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #26
De Leeuw Saves Pompey Again
Peterborough 1 – 1 Portsmouth
The Posh are 5th, so this is an important match. The same side that beat Bury will take the field.

11 – We've had a couple of chances, but both strikers have struck wide.

36 – A nice ball is worked in for Antoine-Curier, but the shot is saved.

44 – GOAL! Marcello Trotta puts the hosts in front, receiving a long lob from Shaun Wright-Phillips and blasting it in. Terrible time to give up a goal.

73 – GOAL! This match is level! De Leeuw slides in from the left and blasts with his right foot into the back of the net.

90 – Full time. Very good result considering the way we went down. De Leeuw picks up another Man of the Match award. Bradley Orr was fantastic in the second half. We stay two behind Brentford, but level with Sheffield United.

Sat. 10 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #27
Antoine-Curier Stunner Dulls Blades
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Sheffield United
Speaking of third place Sheffield United, here they are. You may fondly remember them beating us 4-0 earlier in the season.

David Bentley, who tormented us in the last match is injured.

Chaplin starts for a tired Harris. Everyone else will go.

2 – Wow. Florent Cuvelier has his goal ruled offside late. Well after I thought we were down a goal barely into the match.

16 – Forde makes a diving save on Antoine-Curier.

37 – Some really nice play between Orr and Chaplin to win a corner.

45 – United really came alive in the last ten minutes of the half. Dominating in our third, getting shot after shot. We need to possess the ball better.

56 – Barcham will come on for De Leeuw. Toral for Wallace and Devera for Orr.

78 – Phenomenal save from van Crooy to keep this game level. The rebound is hoofed away by N'Gala.

88 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier with the late, late goal! The sold out Fratton Park is rocking!

90 – Full time. Wow. What a great finish. I would have been content with the draw, but a win against a team level on points with us is so massive. We were dominated for the majority of the match and managed to pull that out.

Tue. 13 January, 2015
Team of the Week
Dan Butler and Simon Ferry were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 14 January, 2015
Hull City Approach
Hull City President Assem Allam has invited me to attend an interview. I decline.

[Grover]

Sat. 17 January, 2015
Ertl Injured
Johnny Ertl sustained a broken cheekbone in training. Ouch. He'll miss 4-5 weeks.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #28
Bournemouth Set-Pieces Take the Points
Bournemouth 2 – 1 Portsmouth
Fernandez starting for the injured Ertl and Harris is back up top.

9 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! De Leeuw sends him in as he tackles the ball free and the keeper is easily beat.

29 – GOAL! The hosts are level. Gordon crosses for Ritchie who had slid between the center backs. He heads it past van Crooy.

37 – GOAL! And now they're up. Harte's corner finds Pitman on the half-volley.

45 – A bad first half. We take off de Leeuw and Bradley for Barcham and N'Gala.

50 – Barcham puts two shots on goal early on.

69 – Toral will replace Mossaoui.

90 – Disappointing loss. We need to do better when we're ahead. Too many up and down performances by defenders. Van Crooy, Bradley, Mossaoui and de Leeuw were all under 6.0 today. Awful. Antoine-Curier was named Player of the Match.

Wed. 21 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #29
Pompey Scrape By York
Portsmouth 1 – 0 York City
Our typical XI. Need to press on for a victory to hold our position.

10 – Doughty has been influential down the left for York.

45 – Halftime. 64% possession, but 7 off-target shots. Have to do better.

49 – GOAL! Mossaui's 12th of the year! Harris plays him in from the right and his shot evades the outstretched keeper.

72 – Antoine-Curier, Ferry and Fernandez will come off for Chaplin, Toral and Wallace.

86 – York are putting immense pressure on our end, but the back four are remaining resilient. A team effort in defending right now.

90 – Solid. Very workmanlike 1-0 win. Nobody was outstanding. Sonny Bradley's 7.2 was Player of the Match. It's essential we win these types of games if we want to win promotion.

Sat. 24 January, 2015
FA Cup Round Three
Prem Boys Make Easy Work of Pompey
Stoke City 3 - 0 Portsmouth
Playing the big boys! Wallace will play for Ferry. Chaplin for Antoine-Curier.

10 – Brilliant save by van Crooy. It's evident we'll be on the back foot today.

22 – Stoke's shooting has been terrible. They're dominating us, but can't finish.

42 – Another strong save from van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. Somehow still 0-0. McLennan will replace Butler.

49 – GOAL! Stoke make the breakthrough from Robert Huth.

55 – GOAL! Brek Shea doubles Stoke's lead with a great blast from a tight angle.

56 – Toral comes on for Chaplin, we move to a 4-5-1.

67 – Ferry comes on for Wallace.

82 – GOAL! Tom Ince puts icing on the cake for Stoke, drifting into the middle and firing left-footed past van Crooy.

90 – About what I expected.

Tue. 27 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #30
Yeovil Score Three in Seven Minutes, Earn Draw
Yeovil Town 3 – 3 Portsmouth
A few different starters. Barcham, Holmes, Chaplin and N'Gala at right back.

23 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier's 16th of the year! Chaplin plays a pass that lets the Frenchman slips between defenders and beat the keeper.

42 – GOAL! Jed Wallace rockets a free kick off the underside of the bar.

45 – Halftime. This is comfortable.

54 – GOAL! Former Manchester City youth product Ismael Miller gets on the end of a cross and taps it past van Crooy.

55 – GOAL! Unbelievable double salvo from Yeovil. Hollands from the dot blasts it by van Crooy.

57 – GOAL! Yeovil again, but at the wrong in! Ricky Holmes crosses, Chaplin misses, but Webster knocks in the own goal.

61 – GOAL! An incredible 8 minute passage as Miller scores off a corner. It's 3-3! Can Pompey stop Yeovil in the second half.

70 – Holmes is injured and comes off for Parrett. Devera comes on for N'Gala.

90 – Full time. That seven minute period was insane. We held on, just about. Should have won, but a draw might also be considered lucky.

Sat. 31 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #31
Brilliant Harris Propels Vital Win
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Bristol City
Big match. Bristol City are fourth to our second.

11 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier is the recipient of Harris' pass. He beats the keeper to the top right corner of goal. Great shot!

45 – Halftime. Not much to report on here, but we've got the lead. Always a positive. I'd like to see more than the forwards get in on the action.

50 – GOAL! De Leeuw pounces as Antoine-Curier is dispossessed by Connolly in the box. The Dutchman picks up the loose ball and fires it home.

61 – GOAL! Milsom pulls one back for Bristol by beating the defense.

82 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley's 5th of the year! Headed home from Harris' corner.

90 – Very good win. Bradley was Player of the Match, but Harris pulled the strings with two assists. Important win over a team that is now four points behind us in the table.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 February, 2015
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They are pleased with the performances in League 1, but are disappointed with Dan Butler's recent performances.

Sat. 07 February, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #32
Stunning Win For Shrews
Shrewsbury Town 3 – 2 Portsmouth
A match we should be winning, though we lost the last encounter. It's strange to think there's only 15 matches left to the season.

23 – Drab match so far, nobody really taking control.

38 – GOAL! Jon Taylor puts the hosts in front. Wilkinson plays him in and it's an easy shot for a goal.

44 – GOAL! Ashley Harris equalizes! His free kick is headed away by Donacien, but Harris recovers it with a left-footed blast into the right corner of goal.

57 – Wilkinson heads wide of goal.

62 – Orr and Antoine-Curier are coming off for Chaplin and N'Gala.

66 – GOAL! INSTANT IMPACT! Chaplin powers through the left back and a central defender before blasting the ball off his right foot into goal. Just four minutes after coming on!

69 – GOAL! Conor Wilkinson equalizes! He's been a thorn in our side all afternoon and he finally gets a goal he probably deserved.

80 – GOAL! March scores and Shrewsbury improbably take the lead!

90 – Terrible loss. Van Crooy was especially bad. We go from a 2-1 up to a 3-2 loss. We fall to third, level for second, but behind on goal differential.

Wed. 11 February, 2015
Ertl Returns
Johnny Ertl has returned to full training after recovering from a broken cheekbone.

Sat. 14 February, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #33
Harris and Co Roll Over Crawley
Crawley 0 – 3 Portsmouth
We're able to use our regular XI with the week between games.

15 – Orr crosses for Harris, it's flicked to Mossaoui and he drives it straight at the keeper.

20 – GOAL! Ashley Harris! More beautiful, flowing football from Portsmouth. Mossaoui passes to Harris who rips it from 20 yards. Great stuff.

32 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier! Partridge misjudged the flight of the ball and headed it straight down to the Frenchman. An easy finish from there.

45 – Halftime. Good lead on the road. Need to keep the levels up play in the match up. No let downs.

65 – Crawley have dominated possession this half, but we're defending quite well.

68 – GOAL! Ashley Harris' second! Assisted by Simon Ferry.

69 – Wallace and Chaplin will come on for Ferry and Harris. Of course, the order to sub them had been made before the goal.

72 – Butler is off injured, Devera comes on.

90 – Full time. Great road victory. An impressive one at that. Bradley struggled and so did Devera when he came on, both under 6. To be fair, Devera was playing out of position at left back. However, Harris was Player of the Match for his 2 goals and 8.8 rating.

Butler Injury
Dan Butler has sustained a damaged elbow and will miss two weeks.

[Grover]

Tue. 17 February, 2015
Team of the Week
The injured Dan Butler has been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 21 February, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #34
Pompey Just Earn Draw
Portsmouth 2 – 2 Brentford
Number two hosting number one. Brentford are six points above us, but we can halve that lead, or fall to nine back. It's one of those “six point” games. Remember, we lost the first encounter 4-3 in Brentford.

Same XI as the Crawley match. However, Webster will be the left back, with N'Gala at center back with Bradley.

33 – First real action of the match is Grigg getting a shot in on van Crooy. It's knocked out for a corner. The resulting play into the area forces another save from our keeper. Up to the task.

45 – We make it to halftime level. The team looks confident, they want to avenge the loss to Brentford from earlier in the year. Unfortunately, we need to do a little more. We've got a slight edge in possession, but we're being outshot.

54 – Jed Wallace will have to come on for a knocked Karim Mossaoui.

71 – GOAL! Jed Wallace crosses from the right after skipping by the fullback, Antoine-Curier leaps and heads it by the keeper. The ground erupts!

76 – GOAL! Will Grigg's 24th goal is a rocket past van Crooy that ties the match.

86 – GOAL! Grigg again! He loops it over van Crooy, great goal!

90 – GOAL! Jed Wallace takes a pass from Harris, he's in all alone and takes the chance on his right foot and scores!

Full time. I'll take that point any day. What a performance from Wallace as a sub out of position. Couldn't ask for much more than that. We just about hang on to second. Peterborough are a point behind with a game in hand.

Sat. 28 February, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #35
Crewe Snatch Late Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Crewe Alexandra
Same lineup as the Brentford match. I've got confidence in this group.

8 – Taylor has a goal ruled offside. The back line held well there.

19 – Some good pressure on the Crewe goal. Good spell of pressure. Took a few shots, forced a couple of corners. Won the ball back in midfield.

45 + 1 – GOAL! Harris outlets for De Leeuw. The Dutch winger storms into the box and fires left-footed pass the diving keeper!

68 – de Leeuw looking lively, takes a chance from 25 yards. It sails over.

77 – Taylor has a volley rocket off the foot of the goal post and out. That's a close call.

90 – GOAL! Thomas cuts through the defense on the right and receives a pass, the volley is clean and through on goal. Crewe with a killer equalizer.

Full time. Wow. That one hurts. There's still time in the season to move up the table.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 March, 2015
Player Awards
Congratulations to Ashley Harris for winning the Sky Bet League 1 Young Player of the Month award.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The performance in League 1 is of particular highlight. They are disappointed with the performances of Bondz N'Gala.

Thu. 05 March, 2015
Birmingham City Approach
Birming City president Simon Blitz invited me to attend an interview to discuss their open position. I've declined. Let's get Pompey up.

Sat. 07 March, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #36
Harris Stars In Pompey Victory
Bradford City 1 – 3 Portsmouth
A game we would like to win, but definitely not a gimme. Our usual group will go again.

21 – A lot of action in this match so far. Chances at both ends, but shooting has been fairly inaccurate.

36 – GOAL! What a venomous strike from Ashley Harris! It bulges the top left corner of goal and he sprints away with his arms aloft.

41 – GOAL! Ilesanmi has leveled it with his first of the season. Eccleston plays him in and he fires from a narrow angle past van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. Antoine-Curier has struggled, so we'll bring on Barcham for him.

61 – Mossaoui is tired. Chaplin will come on and move up top, Barcham will move to the right.

67 – PENALTY! Papa Diop fouls Chaplin in the box! Simon Ferry steps up and shoots into the bottom left corner of goal!

76 – GOAL! Oh my! What a strike! Ashley Harris free kick from 35 yards! Stunning into the near side. The keeper never had a chance!

90 – Excellent win. Harris picks up Player of the Match with his two goals and that free kick was something else. What a shot. Bradley also had a really good game with an 8.6. We hold second by a point with a midweek match at Port Vale.

Tue. 10 March, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #37
Toral Strike Powers Pompey On
Port Vale 1 – 2 Portsmouth
Toral and Ertl will start in midfield. We tell the lads to kick on from that great win over Bradford.

15 – Harris in the middle of our attacks. We've had five corners and he's set up a couple of shots. He's been all over the final third of the pitch.

28 – Antoine-Curier has picked up an injury. He'll be replaced by Chaplin.

40 – van Crooy makes a fantastic save low and to his right.

42 – GOAL! Ashley Harris taps in a cross from Melvin de Leeuw.

45 – GOAL! Vale pull level before the break. Green crosses from the deep right and Daniel Jones slide tackles the ball past van Crooy.

56 – Incredible miss from Chaplin. Harris floats in a perfect ball for him, he takes a shot and it sails over the right elbow of goal.

59 – GOAL! Jon Toral! De Leeuw outlets back toward the edge of the area, Toral races in and fires. It hits the keeper, but deflects in.

67 – de Leeuw and Webster are coming off for Barcham and Bradley

76 – van Crooy makes a couple of really excellent saves to preserve the lead.

78 – Toral has picked up a knock, but we're out of substitutions.

90 – Solid second road win on the trot. De Leeuw assisted on both goals. Toral and Harris were our best players on the pitch. We've opened a four point lead in second, three behind Brentford with 10 games left.

Toral Injured
Jon Toral suffered a thigh strain ad will miss 2-3 weeks.

Sat. 14 March, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #38
Chaplin Leads Pompey to Third Straight Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Fleetwood Town
Antoine-Curier will pair with Chaplin. Holmes at AMR.

9 – We are showing an element of control here in the early going.

14 – Antoine-Curier has a goal ruled offside.

18 – Hugo Fernandez rockets off the crossbar, Holmes heads the rebound into the keeper's arms.

30 – GOAL! What football from us! Holmes for Chaplin and an easy side-footed finish from an out of position keeper.

45 – Halftime. Not a bad half, but we can play even better.

56 – Playing wide, working it in. De Leeuw and Antoine-Curier worked down the left and passed back inside for Fernandez, who passed centrally for Ferry. The central midfielder took the shot.

57 – GOAL! Mozika levels this match for the visitors! Too many passes in the box for us to keep up with and Mozika gets free to fire past van Crooy.

65 – GOAL! Chaplin flicks it on for Antoine-Curier who races past the two central defenders and onto the ball. He passes it by the keeper for his 20th of the season.

90 – Fleetwood controlled for long spells after we went ahead, but we held firm. Another good win as they all are at this stage in the season. Chaplin was Player of the

Match, but Butler was also very good. Brentford lost, the win brings us to the top of the table.

[Grover]

Sat. 21 March, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #39
Four Goals For Fourth Win On The Trot
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Coventry City
Back to our usual XI, we're looking for our fourth straight win.

Coventry have one of my favorite FM09 players, John Fleck.

17 – Butler's throw-ins are becoming something to be reckoned with. Rory DeLap-style.

20 – GOAL! There's the breakthrough we've deserved. Antoine-Curier crosses for an unmarked Mossaoui at the back post. It's an easy volley for a goal.

25 – GOAL! Harris with an easy finish! De Leeuw in for Antoine-Curier again, who leaves off for Harris. The forward turns and fires, doubling the lead.

45 – Halftime. We look good value for our lead and were threatening to add another before the whistle. Pressing right on.

64 – PENALTY! Coltorti concedes and Ferry converts! It's a three goal lead!

67 – Ferry, Mossaoui and Antoine-Curier will come off for Holmes, Wallace and Chaplin.

82 – GOAL! Hugo Fernandez pops up in the box to fire home an Ashley Harris corner. He runs unmarked through the center of the box, right on to the ball.

90 – Full time. Bradley Orr was a 9.1 and Player of the Match. Seriouslly. Bradley was also a 9.1 with Webster, Fernandez and Harris all over 8. Great win, four in a row.

Can we win the league?

Tue. 24 March, 2015
Team of the Week
Bradley Orr and Sonny Bradley have been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #40
Three Goals In Opening 20 Minutes Set Tone
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Swindon Towns
Wallace, Chaplin and Ertl will start.

1 – PENALTY! Antoine-Curier is fouled in the box and he slots the penalty past the keeper! Dream start for us!

13 – GOAL! Adam Webster is at the near post to head in Butler's throw-in!

19 – GOAL! Magic from a Jed Wallace set piece about 23 yards from goal. Top right corner, no chance for it to be stopped.

45 – Halftime. We look great. Like a title winning team. Keep the pressure up.

62 – Parrett will replace Chaplin, who has struggled. We'll move to a 4-5-1.

73 – GOAL! Joe Thompson pulls one back for Swindon, but is it too late for them?

90 – Full time. Another good win, our fifth straight. Six matches to go with a three point edge on Brentford. Wow.

Wed. 25 March, 2015
Toral Returns
Jon Toral has returned after missing two weeks with a thigh strain.

Sat. 28 March, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #41
Pompey Marching Toward Title
Chesterfield Town 2 – 3 Portsmouth
Chaplin and Harris pairing up top. N'Gala will start for Webster who is a bit tired.

5 – GOAL! We'll be seeing that one for some time! Harris with a 20 yard chip right over the keeper's head!

22 – GOAL! Karim Mossaoui is on the end of a headed pass from Bradley, firing in from the top of the box! Commanding two goal lead for us now.

36 – van Crooy does well to tip a Tankovic shot around the post.

45 – Halftime. Harris looking fantastic as always. Looking to add another three points ahead.

61 – Ferry and de Leeuw will come off for Wallace and Barcham.

66 – GOAL! Gary Roberts streaks through the box unmarked and volleys home Paul Konchesky's cross. Chesterfield have pulled one back!

73 – Antoine-Curier will come on for Chaplin.

79 – GOAL! Barcham restores the two goal advantage. He pounces on a rebound, runs parallel with the six yard box and smashes the ball past the keeper.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Eoin Doyle scores for Chesterfield. He rises high above the defender to head in Gary Roberts' cross.

90 – Full time. Harris is Player of the Match. The lad is incredible. Dan Butler with an 8.2 and Barcham with an 8.1. Strong performances from that trio. Good team performance and with five games left we have secured a Sky Bet League 1 playoff place.

Tue. 31 March, 2015
Team of the Week
Adam Webster and Ashley Harris have been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Wed. 01 April, 2015
Awards
I have been named the Sky Bet League 1 Manager of the Month.

Huzzah for Alfie Heathcote.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The team's fantastic overall performance in Sky Bet League1 being a particular highlight.

Thu. 02 April, 2015
Coaches Re-Sign
We've resigned the majority of our coaching and scouting staff. In fact, all of them that were up have been re-signed.

Sat. 04 April, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #42
Ten Man Colchester Claw Out Draw
Colchester United 1 – 1 Portsmouth
My 100th game in charge.

We play Oldham in two days, so we'll use our full strength squad here, but there may be some subs to keep some ready for Monday.

17 – RED CARD! Mikel Alonso is sent off for a professional foul on Bradley Orr!

19 – GOAL! Melvin de Leeuw assisted by Antoine-Curier. We are already making the man advantage count!

40 – van Crooy has to dive left to make a fantastic fingertip save. Colchester looking to equalize late here.

45 – Halftime. We're up a man, we need to add goals now.

55 – Mossaoui crosses for the back post, but de Leeuw hits side netting with his shot.

68 – Ferry, de Leeuw and Harris will come off for Parrett, Barcham and Chaplin.

74 – GOAL! Ten man Colchester draw level through former Pompey loanee Matthew Dolan! He wriggled free in the box and took a great shot that beat van Crooy.

90 – Full time. A disappointing end to a game we should have always won. Giving up a goal while having a man advantage is unacceptable and I let the players know.

Mon. 06 April, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #43
Defensive Error Leads to Oldham Draw
Portsmouth 2 – 2 Oldham Athletic
Oldham are 23rd. We have already relegated Notts County after this. These two games are we win the title and promotion.

Chaplin, Wallace, Holmes, Ertl and Devera start.

11 – de Leeuw has a goal ruled offside.

23 – N'Gala heads just over. We're creating chances, but our accuracy is, as always, questionable.

28 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes is broken free on the right, slides into the box and beats the keeper. Ashley Harris on the assist.

45 – Halftime. We have the lead, but we could be doing much better.

48 – Conor Chaplin just can't get it right on the finish today. At least he's still looking motivated.

57 – GOAL! Oldham equalize as a free kick thunders off the bar and Tarkowski is there to put it home.

63 – Chaplin has to come off. Antoine-Curier will replace him.

83 – Adam Rooney has a goal ruled offside. We got lucky there. On the other end, Holmes crosses early and it's easy for the keeper to collect.

87 – GOAL! Adam Webster from Ashley Harris' corner! He puts his leg through the shot and it finds the bottom corner of goal!

89 – PENALTY! Bondz N'Gala is the villain as he fouled Volpe in the bx. Adam Rooney steps up and equalizes.

90 – Full time. Not pleased with the way this one ended at all. We had the match won and N'Gala fouls like that a minute from time. Very frustrating. Harris was Player of the Match for his two assists.

Butler Suspended
Danny Butler has picked up an automatic one match suspension for his 10th yellow card.

Sat. 11 April, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #44
It's All Routine At Fratton Park
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Notts County
We're hosting the bottom squad who are already relegated. We had better win this.

10 – Antoine-Curier picks up a slight knock, but he'll be fine.

15 – Bradley's header lands on top of goal. Half the ground that it was in!

21 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier with a beautiful turn and fire on the right foot. He took it near side, Bialkowski never had a chance.

24 – GOAL! Johnny Ertl from the corner! Ince tries clearing the danger, but Ertl heads it back and the ball slips under the bar!

45 – Great half of football as we assert our dominance. Strangely, Harris is our only player under 7 at 6.4.

64 – van Crooy makes a good diving stop and holds the ball.

70 – Chaplin will come on for the woeful Harris. Barcham is on for the 7.5 de Leeuw and Wallace is on for the 7.0 Ferry.

77 – Mossaoui's shot fizzes inches wide from the post.

87 – Webster is injured. We're down to ten men after using all three subs.

90 – Good win. Exactly what we needed. Nobody was exceptional, it was a gritty team performance. We've almost got it.

Webster Injured
Adam Webster has suffered a thigh strain and will miss two to three weeks.

[Grover]

Sat. 18 April, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #45
Ten Man Pompey Hang On To Win Title
Portsmouth 3 – 2 MK Dons
The penultimate match. A sellout. Three points wins the title.

Can you feel the pressure?

Van Crooy 6.82, McLennan 6.78, Bradley 7.27, N'Gala 7.08, Orr 6.91, Fernandez 7.08, Ferry 7.13, De Leeuw 7.10, Mossaoui 7.10, Antoine-Curier 7.28, Harris 7.52

We drew the first account which was an away fixture.

6 – GOAL! Terrible start! Scott Barron drifts in from the left and receives the ball. He fires right-footed as van Crooy dives the wrong way.

8 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with an amazing 25 yard free kick! WOW!

13 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier gets a rebound and hoofs it at goal from the top of the box. The back of goal bulges and the Frenchman's arms raise in triumph.

34 – GOAL! A bizarre own goal as Fanagan passes back to the keeper Pinto. Pinto inexplicably kicks the ball into the net!

42 – RED CARD! Bradley Orr is shown a straight red for a two-footed tackle. Antoine-Curier will come off for Joe Devera.

45 – I guess we're a bit lucky we've got a two goal lead here. Orr is shown off, ridiculous. That own goal from Pinto was a gift, it was amazing. I've never seen anything like it.

53 – van Crooy has made a couple of nice saves to start the half. He'll be tested.

67 – GOAL! Clarke-Reed's shot is deflected, but sends van Crooy diving in anticipation.

68 – Barcham and Wallace will come on for Ferry and de Leeuw. Lewington takes the ball at the back post and taps it in.

We're set for a nervy finish!

90 – Full time! We've won the League 1 title! I can't believe it! Predicted to finish 20th, we've proved everyone wrong and we'll be in the Championship next year! Wow! Harris was Player of the Match. Hell, Player of the Season! What a ride!

Orr Suspended
Bradley Orr has been suspended for three matches for his red card. One for the card, two additional for the nature of the foul.

PORTSMOUTH WIN SKY BET LEAGUE 1
Portsmouth have won the Sky Bet League 1 title. Portsmouth fans are in a jubilant mood and a fans' spokesman announced that I'm one of the best head coaches around.

Why thank you.

The board are very happy with victory and are grateful of me for doing the club proud. They wish to thank me for this 'unexpected success.'

Club favorite and former defender Ricardo Rocha has declared this was a proud day for the club and fans. He stated that I'd done wonders to win the league with the players at my disposal and that the board should be very grateful to have such a talented manager.

Sat. 25 April, 2015
Webster Back
Adam Webster has returned to full training.

[Grover]

Sat. 02 May, 2015
N'Gala Out
Bondz N'Gala wil miss the next 8-9 months with a serious viral illness. We are saddened by the news. His contract is up at the end of June and unfortunately he will not be back with us.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #46
Pompey Finish With Draw
Leyton Orient 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Final game of the season. Really just a run out, but we'd like to win. Chaplin, Toral and Devera will get to play this one.

20 – Orient have controlled the majority of the opening 20 minutes. Van Crooy has made some very good saves to keep it nil-nil.

22 – GOAL! Chaplin and Harris hit Orient on the break! Chaplin won the ball and midfield, waits for Harris to run in front of him toward and goal and chips a pass for him. Harris does the rest from there, shooting past a diving keeper.

40 – Chaplin comes rushing for the back post to head Mossaoui's cross, but it's agonizingly off the right elbow of goal.

45 – Good lead at the half on the road.

64 – GOAL! Orient finally break us down and it's through a corner. Dobbs swings it in and Mooney directs it past van Crooy.

90 – De Leeuw fizzes one just wide.

Full time. Hugo Fernandez wins Player of the Match. Disappointing result, but we had to expect a bit of a let off from some players after winning the title. Like it or not.

Financials
We have been given £23.52K for achieving first place in Sky Bet League 1.

Sat. 09 May, 2015
Wallace Re-Signs
We've re-signed Jed Wallace to a new deal through June 2017.

Wed. 20 May. 2015
Squad Payouts, Financials
The club have paid out £230K to be shared among the squad for winning League 1.

We have received £325K for participating in League 1.

Thu. 21 May, 2015
Heathcote Wins Award
I've been named Sky Bet League 1 Manager of the Year. Fantastic award.

Bradley Named
Sonny Bradley was selected in the Sky Bet League 1 Players' Select first eleven.

Sun. 24 May, 2015
Leeds United Approach
Leeds United have offered to interview me for their management position. I have declined.

Sun. 31 May, 2015
Financials and Initial Budget
The club have announced a new 2 year sponsorship deal worth £110K per year. The previous deal was worth £50K per year.

The board have set the initial payroll for the coming season at £76K and the transfer budget at £522K.

[Grover]

http://i.imgur.com/SEtKrkd.png

http://i.imgur.com/sCzQKls.png

[Grover]

Mon. 01 June, 2015
Board Confidence Update
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They haven't forgotten about the successes of last season and they still play a mall part in reviewing current performances.

The club's fantastic overall performance in League 1 has been a particular highlight.

Orr Signs New Deal
Bradley Orr has signed a new two year contract with the club.

Tue. 09 June, 2015
Connolly Stays On Board
David Connolly is retiring from football at the end of the month, but has accepted a contract offer as a coach.

Fri. 12 June, 2015
Pompey Sign Leon Owen
Bangor City's Leon Owen is delighted to have successfully negotiated terms with us. The 18 year old fullback will join us on a contract until 2017. We will pay Bangor City £42.96K.

Sat. 13 June, 2015
Pompey Sign Adrian Darkes
We have signed 16 year-old forward Adrian Darkes from Connah's Quay. We have paid £16.26K in compensation.

Thu. 25 June, 2015
Portsmouth Awards
Ashley Harris has been voted Player of the Year by the fans.

Best XI was: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Bradley, Orr, Ferry, Wallace, de Leeuw, Mossaoui, Antoine-Curier, Harris.

Financials
Portsmouth will receive £2.86M for Sky Bet Championship TV rights over the upcoming season.

Tue. 30 June, 2015
Contracts Expire
The following players have had their contracts or loans expire and they have left the club. We thank them for their service.

Jon Toral, Hugo Fernandez, Melvin de Leeuw, Tom Craddock, Bondz N'Gala, Danny East, Lawrence Vigouroux, Joe Devera, Bradley Tarbuck, Lewis Horsburgh, Karim Mossaoui and Ricky Holmes.

[Grover]

Wed. 01 July, 2015
Fee Paid to Club
Arsenal have paid us £92.7K as part of our continued partnership.

Pompey Finalize Two Signings
We have signed Lee Lucas on a free transfer from Swansea. The 23 year-old midfielder was out of contract.

We have also signed 22 year-old Swiss keeper Raphael Speigel after his deal with West Ham expired.

Board Confidence
The boar dis still delighted with the leadership being demonstrated. They are happy with my control over the payroll. They are slightly disappointed with the departure of Bondz N'Gala. Me too, but he was out for 8 months.

Thu. 02 July, 2015
Capital One Cup Draw
We'll be hosting MK Dons at Fratton Park in the Capital One Cup first round on 4th August.

Fri. 03 July, 2015
Profit!
We have been given £6,000 because of a 20% sell-on clause for Joel Ward's transfer from Palace to Bolton. We will also receive an extra £45,000 over the next 48 months.

Hernandez Signs Deal
We have signed defensive midfielder Hugo Fernandez from Blackburn for £350K. Supporters are pleased the player is coming back to the club after spending last year here on loan.

Sat. 11 July, 2015
Friendly
Kidderminster 1 – 7 Portsmouth

Ferry Injured
Simon Ferry has sustained a twisted ankle and will miss up to four weeks.

Mon. 13 July, 2015
Pompey Sign Henly
We have signed 20 year-old Jonathan Henly on a free transfer. He'll be our number 3 keeper.

Thu. 16 July, 2015
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 4 Portsmouth

Sat. 18 July, 2015
Friendly
Portsmouth 0 – 8 Arsenal

Ouch.

Tue. 21 July, 2015
Friendly
Farnborough 1 – 5 Portsmouth

Grandin Joins on Loan
Crystal Palace right winger Elliot Grandin has joined our club on loan until the end of the season.

[Grover]

Sat. 01 August, 2015
Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the dressing room.

Sky Bet Championship Match Day #1
Harris Goals Marks Debut Champo Win
Sunderland 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Tough opener. Currently we are short of quality and depth across the board. We need to add some players, quick.

We are: van Crooy, Butler, Bradley, Webster, Ertl, Fernandez, Lucas, Barcham, Grandin, Antoine-Curier, Harris.

17 – Barcham twists and turns around a defender, but fires harmlessly wide.

22 – Antoine-Curier is in alone, but the keeper makes a great save!

25 – GOAL! Grandin passes in for Ashley Harris and the forward smashes it past the keeper!

45 – Good lead at the half. Harris looks excellent as always. Butler is struggling a bit, he'll need to pick up his play.

68 – Antoine-Curier is coming off for Chaplin.

72 – Duff's free kick skims the cross bar. Lucky for us.

82 – Grandin steals the ball and earns a corner. Bradley's shot is punched away for a throw in.

89 – Rwakarambwe on for Lucas, Wallace on for Grandin.

90- Full time. We were clear underdogs coming into the match. Phenomenal win. Couldn't ask for much more to start the season. Nobody was truly outstanding, Ertl was our best player at 7.4 out of position at right back.

We need cover for right back, cover for both wings and another central defender.

Sun. 02 August, 2015
Season Ticket Sales
The ticket office has confirmed the club have sold 14,913 season tickets. An increase of 3,500 tickets over last year.

Mon. 03 August, 2015
Pompey Sign Parkhurst
We have signed 31 year-old American fullback Michael Parkhurst on a free transfer.

Tue. 04 August, 2015
Capital One Cup (First Round)
MK Dons Win Penalty Shoot Out 4-3
Portsmouth 2 – 2 MK Dons
A mish-mash lineup, but we'll be fine.

6 – GOAL! Bradley heads home Harris' corner!

43 – GOAL! Gwion Edwards has leveled it for the visitors. A wicked left-footed blast from the right. It deflects off van Crooy's off and into goal.

57 – Lucas, Wallace and Fernandez will come off for Ertl, Barcham and Parrett.

59 – GOAL! Adam Webster volleys home Bradley's flick from the corner. Set-pieces really making the difference for us today.

60 – GOAL! Paco Sutil levels it right back up. Dons march right back up the pitch with Edwards laying off for Sutil and he puts it past a diving van Crooy.

90 – Full time. Extra time. Ugh. Butler is a 5.1. Parkhurst is our best at 7.7. We're tired. This is not a game we want to go two hours.

96 – Butler throws in, Bradley volleys into the side netting.

117 – Harris crosses in, but Harris can only find the side netting.

120 – Penalties.

Harris is saved right off the bat and we're in the hole when Griffiths connects. We need a save after we go down 3-2 after 3. Chaplin is saved and we bow out of the competition.

Parkhurst was Player of the match with an 8.3 rating. We should be winning these matches, but we also need the depth to win them.

Wed. 05 August, 2015
Pompey Loan Boymans
We have loaned forward Ruud Boyams from AZ Alkmaar. The 26 year-old Dutchman will be with us for the season.

Sat. 08 August, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #2
Boymans Goal Seals Tight Thriller
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Burnley
The home opener! We really need a left winger. Orr makes his first start, Boymans and Chaplin up top.

8 – We've been tested early, van Crooy making a number of very good saves to keep it scoreless.

26 – GOAL! Magnificent effort from Ruud Boymans. He cuts inside David Edgar and unleashes a right-footed laser that beats the keeper.

45 – Good half. Great goal from Boymans. Burnley made another push at the end of the half, but van Crooy is playing very well.

55 – Barcham puts Boymans in for an effort. He's sure to score, but the diving kicker saves it with his outstretched heel in the air.

67 – Subs. Butler and Lucas will come off for Wallace and McLennan.

79 – Barcham rounds the keeper and scores, but is ruled offside.

90 – Full time. Good win. Boymans picks up Player of the Match in his debut. His goal was fantastic. Everyone else was around a 7.0. We're still looking for depth across the board, but mostly at the back and on the wings.

Sun. 09 August, 2015
United Defender Loaned In
We have signed 19 year-old center back Nicholas Ioannou from Manchester United on a season-long loan. There's some of the depth we needed to bring in.

Mon. 10 August, 2015
Pompey Sign Jeffrey
We have signed 20 year-old winger Anthony Jeffrey on a free transfer after his deal with Arsenal ended. Not incredibly technically gifted, he has 16 pace and acceleration. He's a burner for certain.

Tue. 11 August, 2015
Pompey Sign Barmby
We have signed 20 year-old Winger Jack Barmby on a free transfer after his Manchester United deal ended.

Fri. 14 August, 2015
Leeds Approach
Leeds United have offered £175K for Delano van Crooy. We immediately reject the transfer.

[Grover]

Sat. 15 August, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #3
Pompey Fall to Late Free Kick
Ipswich Town 2 – 1 Portsmouth
Barmby will get a chance at AML. Boymans and Harris up top. Oannou will pair with Webster as Bradley gets a day off.

7 – Terrific rip on goal from Lucas is forced out for a corner.

23 – GOAL! Joe Bennett is free at the top of the box and fires from 20 yards out into the right corner of goal. Van Crooy dives, but can't get to it.

45 – Fernandez volleys from about 40 yards and skims the crossbar.

Halftime. We're down, but not looking terrible. We've definitely got a chance to win this.

50 – Early subs. Lucas and Boymans will come off for Rwakarambwe and Antoine-Curier.

55 – GOAL! Elliot Grandin! Harris takes the throw-in, passes back for Grandin and he headers it home from the top of the six yard box.

81 – Ipswich have a corner headed off the crossbar. We scramblke to clear it.

82 – GOAL! Medo with an unstoppable free kick from 22 yards. It went near side and van Crooy was never making it across.

90 – Full time. Tough loss to take. We played okay, but certainly not at our best. Orr and Butler were our best players at 7.2. We're going to need to find a way to score more than one goal a game.

Fri. 21 August, 2015
Financials
We have been given £90,000 because of a 10% sell on clause for Asmir Begovic's transfer from Stoke to Monaco.

Sat. 22 August, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #4
Draw in Six Goal Thriller
Nottingham Forest 3 – 3 Portsmouth
Barcham will go at AML. Forest have Sulley Muntari and Scott Parker in midfield. Scott Dann and Gonzalo Jara in defense.

20 – Plenty of possession, but not enough of an end product.

29 – GOAL! Ashley Harris pounces on the loose ball in the box after Dann's tackle and fires it home.

35 – GOAL! Doubling the lead! It's Ruud Boymans on the end of Harris' pass. He's alone in the box and slots past the keeper.

41 – Harris thinks he has scored, but the play is ruled offside!

45 – Very good half. Would like to see the play continue.

56 – GOAL! Scott Dann goes behind the defense unmarked on a free kick and easily halves Pompey's lead.

59 – GOAL! Blackstock has leveled it. Just like that it's 2-2 and we're reeling.

66 – GOAL! Adil Nabli puts Forest in front. It's a tale of two halves here and Forest has turned it all around on the visitors.

70 – GOAL! Ashley Harris levels it back up! Do not despair Pompey supporters! Boymans is saved point blank, but Harris is on the rebound, pumping it into the back of goal.

85 – PENALTY! Cohen fouls Harris and he'll step up to try and complete the hat trick, but it's easily held by the keeper.

90 – Full time in a thriller of a match. We maybe deserved all three, but Harris couldn't convert the penalty. From two up, to one down to level with a chance to win. Harris was Player of the Match, factoring in all three goals.

Sat. 29 August, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #5
Bore Draw at Fratton Park
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Brentford
A team we know quite well. Barmby will start on the left wing.

14 – Grandin cuts in from the right and fires left-footed, but the shot is well wide.

45 – Halftime. Not much happening in this one, we've still got plenty of time to win.

54 – Bradley heads just over from the throw-in.

60 – Grandin is worked in for a shot, but it's easily held.

63 – Butler, Barmby and Harris will come off for Barcham, Ioannou and Chaplin.

83 – Boymans has a great chance, but he's offside.

90 – Full time. Yawn. Disappointing. We need to do better. We are better.

Butler Suspended
Dan Butler has already picked up a one match suspension for 5 yellow cards.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 September, 2015
Henly On Loan
Keeper Jon Henly has joined Steveneage on loan for three months.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the locker room. They are disappointed with the loss to MK Dons.

Ertl On Loan
Johnny Ertl has joined AFC Wimbledon on loan.

Sat. 12 September, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #6
Pompey Only Manage Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Charlton Athletic
Ioannou starts at left back with Butler suspended.

25 – Nothing much happening at either end thus far. A ho-hum affair.

36 – GOAL! Hugo Fernandez heads home Ashley Harris' corner. It sneaks through Alnwick's arms on its way to goal.

40 – Webster heads over goal, we were close to another there.

45 – GOAL! Chris Long equalizes. Heading in Diouf's cross.

Halftime. It hurts to give up a goal so late.

68 – We're deadlocked. Time to make some changes. Lucas, Barmby and Boymans will come off for Rwakarambwe, Barcham and Antoine-Curier.

90 – Another home draw. Matches we should be winning. Orr was Player of the Match, Fernandez and Ionnou close behind him.

Tue. 15 September, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #7
Pompey Becoming Point Masters
Huddersfield Town 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Chaplin, Barcham, Rawkarambwe and Parkhurst get starts. Ioannou in at DC again. I'd like to see us take all three points.

12 – GOAL! Boulahrouz sends a free kick in and Vaughan is unmarked at the near post. Easy goal.

20 – We are finding it hard to get any traction in this match.

36 – GOAL! Boymans! We hit off a goal kick. Van Crooy launches deep down field and Boymans runs on to the ball and smashes it home.

45 – Barcham had a shocker in the first half. He's on a short leash to improve. The clock is ticking.

58 – Bradley will come on for Butler. Fernandez for Barcham.

65 – Chaplin is put in alone by Boymans and it's a shocking, shocking miss.

85 – Chaplin shoots after receiving the ball from a free kick, but it's an easy save.

90 – Full time. It's a draw, but Chaplin could have won this match for us. He had so many opportunities to finish, but just didn't. Webster is Player of the Match, but van Crooy was also very good.

Team of the Week
Bradley Orr was named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Sat. 19 September, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #8
Stout Pompey Defense Do the Hard Work
Birmingham City 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Brum come into this match a perfect 7-0-0 with 21 points. Let's see if we can be the first club to steal some points.

26 – Brum are unsurprisingly doing most of the attacking, but their finishing has been poor.

38 – Rather than try and work the ball in, Harris shoots from about 25 yards.

41 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley! Harris corners for the far post, Webster heads back across, Bradley runs onto it and beats the keeper!

47 – David Murphy is ruled offside for his strike.

58 – Wright takes a shot from 20 yards, but hits the left elbow of goal.

59 – Barmby has taken a knock and comes off for Wallace.

81 – Kopp has a fantastic chance to equalize, but shoots just wide of goal.

90 – Full time. Fantastic win over the top team in the league. They hadn't dropped a single point! Bradley wins Player of the Match, but Webster and Orr also put in excellent shifts. Great win.

Sat. 26 September, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #9
Obika Steals It Late
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Barnsley
Harris will play at AML as an inside forward. Our play there has been dire. Chaplin and Boymans up top. Barnsley playing a 3-5-2.

12 – Harris showing us something on the left early.

24 – Webster has a goal, but is ruled offside.

45 – Drab first half. We need to do better in the final third. I tell the lads to take revenge for what happened in our last encounter. A few of them are motivated.

64 – Webster, Harris and Chaplin will come off for Parkhurst, Antoine-Curier and Barcham.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Jonathan Obika with a heartbreaker for Barnsley. They'll leave Fratton Park with the points!

Full time. What a kick in the gut. We can't seem to score at home. Interesting problem.

Tue. 29 September, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #10
Boymans and Harris Power Pompey
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Blackburn Rovers
Parkhurst, Wallace and Barcham will start.

2 – Bradley's header grazes the crossbar, so close!

3 – GOAL! Boymans! Flying start to the match as Harris puts the Dutchman in alone. Easily passes it behind the keeper.

27 – Albrighton takes a vicious shot from 25 yards, but it's well held by van Crooy.

32 – GOAL! A second for Boymans! Harris drifts into the box along the line down the right. He finally decides to chip in a cross, Boymans easily heads home.

45 – Halftime. Good value for our lead. An entertaining half. Harris and Boymans combining for two excellent goals so far.

51 – Another Bradley header grazes the bar!

68 – Grandin is looking tired. Wallace will move to AMR and Rwakarambwe will come on at MC and replace Grandin. Simon Ferry will make his season debut and replace Fernandez.

73 – van Crooy makes a pair of great saves against Boyd.

74 – GOAL! Joe Dudgeon. The left back fires right-footed to the top left corner of goal.

84 – Bradley hits the bar! How unlucky can he get!?

88 – Webster has been injured. Ioannou comes on. We've gotta hold onto this lead.

90 – Full time! It's amazing that we can win games that we're underdogs for, but not the ones we're favored for. Harris was Player of the Match, but Boymans was equally fantastic. Two assists for one, two goals for the other.

[Grover]

Thu. 01 October, 2015
Board Confidence
The board is still delighted with the leadership qualities I possess. The performance in the Champo has been a highlight, but the fans are voicing their concern over Andy Barcham's performances.

Sat. 03 October, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #11
Portsmouth in Another Draw
Blackpool 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Barmby will get a chance on the left. Ioannou starts at DC.

Blackpool have Steven Pienaar. He could be rather tricky to deal with. He's playing left midfield.

19 – Blackpool showing the majority of attacking intent early.

23 – Yannick Sagbo has a goal disallowed! The flag was up.

25 – Boymans crosses from the left and Harris fires straight at the keeper.

39 – We worked on attacking set-pieces in training leading up to the match. We've had a ton of opportunities, but can't convert.

45 – A scoreless result at the half isn't the worst thing in the world. We're playing fairly well.

57 – Our wing play isn't the same as it has been in the previous two seasons. It's really hurting us.

71 – GOAL! Harris with a phenomenal 20 yard strike! He takes two touches and fires with the defender beside him.

72 – Unfortunately, it had already been planned to take Harris off for Chaplin.

75 – GOAL! Kermorgrant levels the match for Blackpool! He gets free down the center and passes it into the back of goal.

90 – Full time. We hold steady with another predictable result. As I said during the match, our wingers have struggled in ways they hadn't before. It's hurting the team's dynamic offensively.

Wed. 07 October, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #12
Pompey Steal a Point Late
Fulham 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Fulham are in a 4-4-2: Smithies, Erkin, Roberge, Amorebieta, Maxi Pereira, Redmond, M. Wilson, M. Edu, Knockaert, Almeida, Berbatov

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Bradley, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Grandin, Boymans, Harris.

3 – Big save on a free kick from van Crooy. He parries the ball out of play.

15 – Hugo Fernandez has taken a knock. He may need to come off very soon.

19 – We pull the trigger on Fernandez. Wallace will play MC, Lee Lucas moves to DM.

23 – Great diagonal ball from Barmby to play in Boymans, but his shot is straight at Smithies.

35 – Boymans in alone and he shoots just wide!

38 – Maurice Edu fires a rocket from 25 yards, but van Crooy pushes it aside.

43 – GOAL! Nathan Redmond breaks the deadlock. He and Orr battle for the ball with the winger coming out on top and firing right-footed past van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. We can absolutely get something out of this.

55 – Knockaert gets a free run at van Crooy, but his shot fizzes wide.

64 – The strike pairing has been awful today. Harris and Boymans off for Chaplin and Antoine-Curier.

89 – GOAL! Jed Wallace's corner is in for Sonny Bradley and he heads it past Smithies! The support at Craven Cottage can't believe it!

90 – Full time. We salvage another draw at the death. Harris and Boymans were the worst players I had on the pitch today. Bradly was Player of the Match with a 9.1 and his point earning goal.

There's no news of an injury to Fernandez, so it must not have been too serious. That's good news.

Tue. 13 October, 2015
Team of the Week
Sonny Bradley has been named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Sat. 17 October, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #13
Pompey Claim Another 1-1 Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Bradley, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Grandin, Boymans, Harris.

Wolves are in a 4-2-3-1: Bogdan, Ward, Margreitter, Collins, Foley, Liddle, Leadbitter, Pilkington, Edwards, Haroun, Gestede.

11 – Wolves with a chance from a corner, but Liddle heads it wide.

21 – Bradley heads Butler's throw-in just over the goal.

32 – PENALTY! Collins fouls Boymans. Harris steps up and has it saved by Bogdan!

34 – GOAL! At the other end, Gestede with a terrific header to beat van Crooy. What a torturous turn of events.

51 – GOAL! It's Jack Barmby's first of the year! He slides his shot just underneath the diving Bogdan's arms.

57 – Bradley's header grazes the bar.

58 – Butler, Lucas and Harris will come off for Ioannou, Ferry and Chaplin.

75 – Wolves are starting to win the possession battle, taking some chances.

90 – Full time. It's another disappointing 1-1 draw. Our offense, which flourished last year is now completely profligate. I think it's more on my end than the player end. We have the quality, I just need to unlock it.

Sat. 24 October, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #14
Sonny Bradley Claims the Plaudits
Portsmouth 4 – 2 Hull City
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Bradley, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Wallace, Barmby, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

Hull City are in a 4-2-3-1 (2 DM): McGregor, O'Shea, Shotton, Davies, Manolev, Frimpong, Livermore, Brady, Clayton, Marshall, Guidetti

3 – Frimpong has already given Jed Wallace a knock.

7 – GOAL! Jack Barmby! Butler's throw is headed back by Bradley. Barmby takes two touches and fires left-footed into goal.

23 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley heads home Butler's throw!

36 – GOAL! Ryan Shotton pulls one back for the Tigers. He is in the center of the box to head home the corner.

37 – Boymans has taken a knock. Antoine-Curier will replace him.

45 – Halftime. Hull are playing a bruising match. Several players have taken knocks. Wallace, Butler and of course Boymans, who is out.

50 – Adam Clayton cannons a shot off the crossbar. Van Crooy is rather thankful.

54 – Rough and tumble. Antoine-Curier has been injured. Chaplin will replace him.

66 – GOAL! Ben Marshall levels it at two. Are we doomed to draw after draw?

76 – We'll go to a 4-5-1 with Rwakarambwe replacing Harris.

83 – GOAL! Bradley from another Butler throw into the box! What a deadly duo!

89 – GOAL! Rwakarambwe feeds Grandin who cuts into the box and fires past McGregor.

90 – Full time. What a game for Sonny Bradley. Two goals, an assist, nearly unbeatable at the back. Butler added in two assists. Two potential injuries to our forwards is a real concern though.

Antoine-Curier Injured
Mickael Antoine-Curier has suffered a twisted knee and will miss 2-3 weeks while he is treated.

Sun. 25 October, 2015
Parrett Loaned Out
Dean Parrett has agreed to join Burton for one month on loan.

Tue. 27 October, 2015
Team of the Week
Sonny Bradley was named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Sat. 31 October, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #15
Sly Fox Nugent Scores Stoppage Time Equalizer
Leicester City 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Leicester are in a 4-2-3-1. no wide players: Heaton, Mee, Tate, Wright, Jenkinson, Sylla, Hammond, Daehli, Cole, King, Kozak

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Bradley, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Wallace, Barmby, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

10 – Barmby drifts in from the left to head a cross onto the elbow of goal! So unlucky!

30 – Almost feel as if I should have gone with the 4-5-1 considering the Foxes are playing 3 central attacking midfielders.

42 – Boymans takes a shot from the left that forces a low save from Heaton.

45 – Halftime. We're in an okay spot. Harris has struggled a lot in the first half of games this year. Counting on him at picking up some slack.

52 – GOAL! Ashley Harris responds to the criticism and volleys home the cross from Elliot Grandin.

62 – Barmby works hard to put in a cross, Grandin heads it into the outside of the post! Heaton never would have stopped it had it been on goal.

65 – Barmby picks up a yellow and gives up a free kick in a tough area. Luckily, Nugent shoots it wide right.

76 – Wallace and Barmby will come off for Lucas and Barcham. Purely a substitution for tired legs.

83 – Butler has picked up a knock, Ioannou will replace him.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Cole rocks in a free kick that somehow falls for Nugent. The former Pompey man puts it away!

Full time. Should have been three points. Very unlucky and unfortunate nobody could clear that free kick out. Harris was Player of the Match as a 7.2, which shows you the quality of the match. We are now unbeaten in six matches.

Butler Injured
Dan Butler has suffered a pulled hamstring and will miss 3-4 weeks.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 November, 2015
Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They haven't forgotten about my League 1 win and that still factors in with my current review. Not to mention we are outperforming all expectations this season as well. However, the quality of Andy Barcham's performances leaves something to be desired.

Sat. 07 November, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #16
Defensive Giants? Another Draw For Pompey
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Derby County
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Bradley, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

Derby are in a 4-4-2: Grant, Dossena, Keogh, O'Brien, Freeman, Ward, Bryson, Veljkovic, Koren, Bennett, Russell

7 – Grant makes a terrific diving save on a shot from Ruud Boymans.

13 – van Crooy makes a strong save on Bennett at the other end of after Lucas tackled the ball into Derby's possession that led to a break.

25 – Grandin slices between the defenders and scores, but is ruled offside.

45 – Halftime. Both clubs looking even at the half, but we've got to find a way to pull ahead and take three points at home here.

64 – Orr, Barmby and Harris will come off for Barcham, Parkhurst and Chaplin. We need to change some things up, give some fresh legs a chance.

78 – Chaplin has a fantastic opportunity, but limply fires into Grant's arms.

82 – van Crooy having to work hard to keep this level as Derby mount a late challenge.

90 – Full time. Yet another draw. Another game with one goal or less. We really, really need to find some sort of substance on the wings. It is stifling our creativity and ability to consistently and intelligently attack defenses.

We're unbeaten in seven games and have the league's best defensive record. Conor Chaplin has not scored in 18 matches dating back to last season.

Sat. 21 November, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #17
Pompey Grab Two Late to Shock Leeds
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Leeds United
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Bradley, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

Leeds are in a 4-4-2: Kenny, Pearce, McManus, Lees, Byram, Ritchie, Gardner, Jedinak, Green, Kiwomya, Crouch

Leeds are managed by THE Tony Pulis.

We've won just 3 of our last 13, but have lost only one.

14 – Jack Barmby has picked up a knock, but he should be able to continue.

30 – van Crooy makes point blank saves on Green and beanpole Peter Crouch.

45 – Halftime. Typical scoreline and effort from our players. Just can't seem to get anything going moving forward.

47 – GOAL! Paul Green takes advantage of poor defensive play and a rebound to put it past an already downed van Crooy.

54 – Ioannou, Barmby and Harris will come off for McLennan, Barcham and Chaplin.

82 – GOAL! Boymans strikes from 20 yards out and finds the top right corner! There's the equalizer!

85 – GOAL! Just like that on the break, Barcham with a ball over the top to Grandin who runs onto it and beats Paddy Kenny!

90 + 3 McLennan has been huge since coming on as a sub. Van Crooy makes a massive diving save and clears it away.

Full time. Wow. What a win. What a comeback. We didn't play great, but Lucas' 7.5 was Player of the Match. Barcham with his most vital assist yet.

Sun. 22 November, 2015
Lalkovic Joins
We have signed Bournemouth's 22 year-old Slovakian left winger Milan Lalkovic on a three month loan. He can play on the left or right and will provide some much needed cover.

Butler Back
Dan Butler is back in full training after missing three weeks.

Mon. 23 November, 2015
New Contract
I've signed a new contract with the club through 2018. I've made the club agree to improve the youth facilities. This will be done by October 2016 at a cost of £2M.

Tue. 24 November, 2015
Team of the Week
Lee Lucas was named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Thu. 26 November, 2015
Bradley Injured
Sonny Bradley sustained a slipped disc after overexerting himself in the weight room during training. He'll have to see a specialist and will miss 3 months.

What a blow. By far our best player this year. 15 appearances, 5 goals and a 7.42 average rating.

Sat. 28 November, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #18
Barmby Beats 9-Man Palace
Crystal Palace 1 – 2 Portsmouth
Crystal Palace are in a 4-2-3-1: Steer, Cunningham, Wilson, Boyata, Flanagan, Drinkwater, James, Lansbury, Williams, Paterson, Delfouneso

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Iannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Grandin, as a Crystal Palace player, is ineligible for us in this match.

Palace have a lot of former Arsenal and United youth team players. On the whole, they're a fairly strong team.

18 – Great play by Harris to get it to Boymans for a shot, deflected to Lalkovic, who is able to cross for Boymans and another saved shot.

26 – van Crooy holds well from a Paterson shot.

41 – Palace are getting chances mostly from long range.

45 – Halftime. We're playing fairly well against a superior side. We're keeping them at bay and defending well. We just need to make our chances count.

48 – PENALTY / RED CARD! Boyata tears down Boymans and is sent off for the foul! Harris steps up and coolly slots home the penalty!

51 – GOAL! We still can't keep Palace from equalizing through Wickham heading Drinkwater's corner home.

60 – We need to take control and win this match.

66 – RED CARD! Palace keeper Jed Steer is sent off for handling outside the box! Unbelievable!

75 – GOAL! Barmby with the go-ahead! Fernandez plays him in and it's an easy pass into the back of goal.

81 – Subs. Butler, Lucas and Harris will come off for McLennan, Wallace and Parrett. We'll move to a 4-5-1.

90 – Full time. For being up two men, Palace made that nervy. Regardless, it's a win over a team above us in the table. Fernandez was fantastic and picks up Player of the Match.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 December, 2015
Player Awards
Hugo Fernandez was named the Sky Bet Championship Young Player of the Month for his fantastic performances in November.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The team's excellent performance in the Championship has been a particular highlight. Supporters are a bit concerned that Lalkovic has been brought in from rivals Bournemouth.

Sky Bet Championship Match Day #19
Win Makes it Ten Straight Unbeatean
Portsmouth 2 – 0 West Ham United
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Ioannou, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans

West Ham are in a 4-2-4: Adrian, Evina, Streete, Wootton, Power, Nolan, Coutts, Jarvis, Morrison, Maiga, Murphy

We're playing one up top because Harris needs a rest. He's struggled in the past few weeks. I also think we may be able to do better with an extra midfielder.

14 – We're controlling possession early.

16 – GOAL! Adam Webster! Butler throws-in, Ioannou heads it toward the near post, Webster picks it up and passes it into goal.

25 – GOAL! Fahad Rwakarambwe! That's his first senior goal! Grandin crosses for the center of the box and Fahad is there for the half-volley. Confident looking performance from us thus far.

44 – West Ham have had a couple of chances, but they've been off target.

45 – Halftime. We're playing well. Boymans is tired and will be subbed before long, so will Fernandez and/or Lucas. Ioannou has picked up a slight knock as well.

56 – Iannou and Lucas will come off for Parkhurst and Parrett.

90 – Full time. Very quiet second half and a very productive win. Webster was Player of the match, but Butler, Rwakarambwe and Grandin were all very good as well.

Butler Suspended
Dan Butler has picked up a 2 match suspension after collecting his 10th yellow card. That's 10 in 17 matches.

Sat. December 05, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #20
Pompey in Control, 11 Unbeaten
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Bolton Wanderers
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, McLennan, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Lucas, Parrett, Barmby, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Bolton are in a 4-4-2: Paris, Tierney, Ream, Baptiste, Ward, Mills, Davis, Adeyemi, Eagles, Ngoo, Eaves

Bolton are 22nd in the league to our 4th.

6 – Three straight corners from Bolton, the third is easily held by van Crooy.

13 – Harris takes a 20 yard shot that is held low by Parish. We haven't had much penetration with our attack yet.

19 – GOAL! Mills is in the center of the box as he receives a pass and blasts it by van Crooy.

31 – GOAL! Ashley Harris plays a 1-2 with Lalkovic and slots it past Parish near-side.

45 – Parkhurst, McLennan and Barmby aren't playing well. We'll give them a little bit of time before any changes are made. If anything, we need a little more going forward. Barcham may get on fairly soon.

48 – Barmby tries to lob the keeper, but it harmlessly bounces out of bounds.

65 – We'll move to a 4-5-1. Boymans will come off for Rwakarambwe. Barcham will replace Barmby and Fernandez will replace Lucas.

79 – GOAL! Andy Barcham! Harris is set free down the right from Lalkovic and he floats in a cross for the left post. Barcham is there to volley it in!

90 + 2 – GOAL! Icing on the cake as Milan Lalkovic scores a beauty, lobbing the keeper from the right side of goal!

Full time. Harris was Player of the Match. The game off did him some good, 1 goal and 2 assists. Lalkovic had 1 and 1. Webster was also very good. All three subs entered and joined the fray seamlessly, evidenced by Barcham's goal.

We're playing way above our heads at the moment.

McLennan Injured
We're running out of left backs. George McLennan suffered a groin strain and will be out for about three weeks.

Sun. 06 December, 2015
FA Cup Draw
We will travel to Pride Park on 2nd January to face Derby County in the FA Cup third round.

Tue. 08 December, 2015
Team of the Week
Adam Webster and Ashley Harris were named to the Sky Bet Team of the Week.

Sat. 12 December, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #21
Villans Come Away With Draw
Aston Villa 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Aston Villa are in a 4-4-2: Given, Eckersley, Tomkins, Donacien, Hutton, Mackay-Steven, Cohen, Coquelin, Tonev, Schlupp, Bowery

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

25 – Coquelin has an open chance at goal, but fizzes it wide.

36 – Cohen fires on goal from a free kick, but van Crooy parries the low effort

39 – GOAL! Harris sends his corner for the near post and Webster is there to shoot it past Shay Given!

45 + 2 – Parkhurst is injured. Ioannou shifts to DC, Fernandez to DL and Lee Lucas comes on at DM.

Halftime. Ioannou has had a poor game, but there's no one to sub for him. We're very light at the back and the injuries to our left backs and now potentially Parkhurst are proving that for us the hard way.

49 – Boymans nearly lobs Given, but the veteran keeper makes a great tumbling fingertip save.

58 – Barmby will come on for an exhausted Grandin.

64 – Villa really pushing us for an equalizer.

78 – GOAL! They finally get it through poor set-piece defending on our part. Alan Hutton gets it through the crowd and ties the match.

90 – Full time. We probably could have won this. Boymans had a couple of good chances, but floundered. Villa owned us in the second half though.

Sat. 19 December, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #22
Early Goal Sends Pompey On Their Way
Bristol City 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Bristol City are in a 4-5-1: Murphy, Gordon, Williams, Gunning, Fisher, Gobern, Milsom, Thomas, Williams, Baldock, Antenucci

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

3 – GOAL! Great counterattacking football! Butler intercepts a pass, pushes for Boymans who opens up for Lalkovic. The on-loan winger crosses for Harris who has the goal at his mercy!

31 – Harris has another chance, but Murphy makes the low save.

45 – I tell the players not to get complacent. We have a job to finish and three points to win. Only Harris responded negatively.

53 – Bristol City pushing now and three fantastic saves parried by van Crooy.

58 – Harris is unlucky as he strikes the crossbar!

61 – Harris has to come off injured! We'll move to a 4-5-1 with Wallace coming on. Rwakarambwe will come on for Lucas as well.

75 – Antenucci breaks free, but decides to fire from 30 yards rather than try and get a bit closer. The shot goes well over.

83 – Ben Gordon flagged offside, ending a very promising Bristol build up.

90 – Full time. Harris nets the winner early, but how bad is his injury? We'll grab the three points from a solid road performance. Webster was Player of the Match at a 7.5.

[Grover]

Tue. 22 December, 2015
Team of the Week
Bradley Orr has been selected in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Wed. 23 December, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #23
Harris Leads Pompey to Another Win
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Sunderland
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Orr

Sunderland are in a 4-2-3-1 (2 DM): Subasic, Colback, Beevers, Irtegun, Torosidis, Kallstrom, Ba, Rayos, Armstrong, Park, Perica

7 – Strong save on Lalkovic from Subasic.

13 – Hugo Fernandez has a header come back off the crossbar.

24 – We're holding a ton of possession, but we're not doing a whole lot with it. A lot of off-target or weak shots.

42 – GOAL! Harris has an indirect free kick from the left. He crosses for the center of the box and Lalkovic is there to head home!

45 – Halftime. Good time to take the lead. Lucas has taken a knock and Fahad Rwakarambwe will replace him. We just need to turn our dominance here into goals.

50 – PENALTY! Kallstrom with a foul on the corner! Harris will step up and fire it into the bottom right corner of goal!

53 – Harris had picked up a knock previous to the goal and will come off for Chaplin.

63 – Ioannou has also taken a knock and will be replaced by Parkhurst.

81 – GOAL! Sunderland have pulled one back through Ji-Sung Park. Terrific shot on the bounce to beat van Crooy.

90 + 5 – GOAL! With 5 minutes of stoppage time, it's Michael Parkhurst who heads home a third for us. This one from a Butler corner.

Full time. Halfway through the season and we're in the promotion hunt. I can't quite believe we've been this good. Harris is Player of the Match with a 7.5. Rwakarambwe spent the first two years here on loan and is taking big strides in his first year as a first team player.

Sat. 26 December, 2015
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #24
Brilliant Pompey With Boxing Day Present to Fratton Park
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Middlesbrough
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Parkhurst, Lucas, Rwakarambwe, Barcha, Grandin, Antoine-Curier, Harris

Boro are in a 4-4-2: McLoughlin, Moxey, Woodgate, Warren, Wilkinson, Grealish, Whitehead, Upson, Bennett, Jerome, Jacobs

8 – GOAL! Adam Webster! Butler throws-in from the left and Webster simply flicks into goal with his head.

10 – GOAL! Fahad Rwakarambwe! Harris does a remarkable job along the touchline to keep the ball in play, feeds it to Fahad on the left side of the box and he rockets it past McLoughlin.

26 – Jacobs tries to deftly lob van Crooy, but the keeper is wise and simply catches the ball.

28 – GOAL! Harris adds another assist, putting in Grandin from the right. The on-loan winger blasts it by McLoughlin.

45 – Halftime. We are in complete control. Just need to keep it ticking over. Perhaps our best performance to date, but it's only 45 minutes.

66 – Harris and Grandin will come off for Wallace and Barmby. We'll move to a 4-5-1.

69 – Brilliant save by van Crooy as Cameron Jerome is put in alone.

73 – PENALTY! Warren fouls Antoine-Curier nearly the post and the Frenchman steps up and converts his chance!

90 – Full time. Fantastic win. Great performances all around, but especially the back four. Webster 9.1, Parkhurst 8.8, Ioannou 8.0 and Butler 8.3. Not to mention that Fahad was an 8.8 at MC. Very pleased with this home win. Best performance as a team this year. Hands down.

Fifteen unbeaten.

Tue. 29 December, 2015
Team of the Week
Fahad Rwakarambwe was named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week

Sky Bet Championship Match Day #25
Pompey Upset the Odds Over Ipswich
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Ipswich Town
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Wallace, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

Ipswich are in a 4-4-2: Loach, Bennett, Berra, Johnson, Skuse, Galindo, Power, Wordsworth, Ibe, Ings, Samuel

Maybe our most important match of the year. The table after this post will reflect why.

5 – Lalkovic steals the ball from Max Power and takes a quick shot, but it's over goal.

16 – Ipswich are controlling the match. We've got to find a way to win and keep a little bit of possession. Our passing has been bad and Ipswich's tackling has been spirited.

23 – GOAL! Ruud Boymans finally finds the net again! Grandin sends in a long ball and the Dutchman runs onto it into the box and fires past Loach.

39 – Galindo had the ball in the box, circled, passed across to Ibe, but van Crooy was right there to smother the attempt.

45 – Halftime. We're playing well, but need a little bit more possession for me to feel comfortable. Butler needs to improve here as well.

57 – Lalkovic gives it away to Wordsworth with a clear path to goal, but the midfielder's shot is wayward.

62 – Butler and Harris will come off for McLennan and Chaplin.

73 – GOAL! Conor Chaplin ends his goal drought as well! Grandin crosses early from the right and Chaplin volleys from the spot. Loach is gets his fingers on the ball, but the shot is too strong!

90 – Full time. Amazing result! Jed Wallace was superb all day, keeping the midfield ticking over, he picked up a 7.8. Orr was strong again and our vice-captain was a 7.7. He's come a long way since the early days of his free transfer.

The goal was Conor Chaplin's first in over 20 matches, including 14 this year.

http://i.imgur.com/jkaUP9A.png

[Grover]

Fri. 01 January, 2016
Staff Re-Sign
We've re-signed coaches Mark Chamberlain, David Connolly, Richard Naylor and Danny Coyne, as well as scout Sean Hillier.

Sky Bet Championship Awards
Adam Webster has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for December.

I've won Manager of the Month for just the second time ever.

Two Join Pompey
Well, one was already here. Milan Lalkovic joins us permanently in a £73.02K deal with Bournemouth.

We've also signed 20 year-old Brazilian forward Clodoaldo on a free transfer from Parana Clube.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The team's fantastic performance in the league has been the real highlight. However, they are disappointed Raphael Spiegel hasn't played more.

Sat. 02 January, 2016
FA Cup Third Round
Derby With Two Stoppage Time Shockers
Derby County 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Derby are in a 4-4-2: Grant, Dossena, Veljkovic, O'Brien, Freeman, Hayes, Spector, Bryson, Koren, Bennett, Russell

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Grandin, Clodoaldo, Boymans

Lalkovic is cup-tied, unfortunately.

14 – Small spell of possession that ends with Grandin firing into Grant's arms.

21 – GOAL! Elliot Grandin! Clodoaldo passes to Boymans and the Dutchman passes ahead to Grandin. He slots past Grant to break the deadlock in the first quarter of the match.

45 + 1 – GOAL! Koren beats a knocked Ioannou at the right and crosses for Russell who beats van Crooy on the half-volley.

Halftime. Terrible time to concede. Ioannou has to come off, McLennan will replace him.

51 – Derby continuing to press on us, but we're holding them off. It doesn't help that we're gifting possession at every opportunity.

65 – GOAL! O'Brien slips as a ball gets over the top. Boymans latches on and fires past Grant!

76 – Great save by van Crooy on Nicky Maynard.

81 – Orr stops two shots in the box from Robert Koren. Fantastic effort.

87 – Derby supporters jeering our every touch of the ball. Barmby with a shocking miss as he tries to chip the keeper.

90 + 1 – GOAL! Derby are stoppage time specialists today! Spector crosses deep and Ward is there to volley it past van Crooy.

Full time. We'll be back for a replay then, I suppose. Boymans was Player of the Match, Webster and Fernandez were an 8.2 and 8.1 respectively. Clodoaldo was a 6.6, not bad for being here one day. We'll get the victory at home in the replay.

Ioannou Injured
Nicholas Ioannou has suffered a gashed leg and will miss two weeks.

Sun. 03 January, 2016
FA Cup Draw
The winner of Derby/Portsmouth will host Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round.

Sat. 09 January, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #26
Super Sub Chaplin Earns the Points
Burnley 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Burnley are in a 4-4-2: Hansson, Lafferty, Cook, Edgar, Grimmer, Jones, Smith, Marney, Lopez, Higdon, Vokes

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

4 – van Crooy stops Vokes point blank before Higdon has a goal ruled offside.

14 – It's pouring and we are just gifting possession yet again. Grandin has taken a few knocks as well.

22 – Lalkovic will move to the right as Barmby comes on for Grandin.

45 – Halftime. Butler, Lalkovic and Harris are struggling, but they'll get a chance to impress. We need some possession.

57 – Chaplin and McLennan will come on for Butler and Harris.

63 – GOAL! Conor Chaplin breaks the deadlock! Boymans sends him free down the right and he fires it past Hansson with ease.

74 – We'll shut this down defensively and try and lock away three points.

90 – Full time. Talk about grinding out a win. Fewer shots, less possession, we managed to win that one. Great strike from Chaplin as a sub to put it away. Those are the types of impact performances we need to stay where we are in the table.

We've now won five straight league games and are unbeaten in 18 games overall.

The 18 games unbeaten, since 29 September, 2015 is a new club record.

Wed. 13 January, 2016
FA Cup Third Round Replay
Derby County Beat Portsmouth
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Derby County
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Parkhust, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Barmby, Grandin, Clodoaldo, Harris

Derby are in a 4-4-2: Grant, Dossena, Veljkovic, Keogh, Freeman, Hayes, Bryson, Spector, Koren, Bennett, Russell

Winner gets to host Premier League side Cardiff City in the fourth round. And those juicy gate receipts.

7 – Diving save from van Crooy to force a corner.

15 – Clodoaldo has a chance, but fires wide.

26 – Grandin crosses in the middle, but Koren is able to cut it out for a throw. Great drefending.

40 – Harris fires just over goal. Barmby has picked up a knock.

45 – Halftime. We're pretty even. Could be doing better in a couple of places on the pitch, but that's just about always the case.

54 – Grandin wins a race down the right and fires a cross. Clodoaldo connects, but it clips the bar and goes over.

55 – Butler, Fernandez and Harris will come off for McLennan, Rwakarambwe and Chaplin.

61 – GOAL! Derby take the lead through Nicky Maynard. Koren crosses in and Maynard slides behind Webster and takes his shot.

71 – Clodoaldo is coming alive, creating chances, but the shots he's helping create are going wide.

90 – Full time. First loss since September. We just weren't very good today. On the bright side, we can focus on nothing but the league.

[Grover]

Sat. 16 January, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #27
Pompey Boss Brentford at Griffin Park
Brentford 0 – 2 Portsmouth
Brentford are in a 4-4-1-1: Williams, Lumb, Miquel, Craig, Barker, Laird, Vincent, Reeves, Morais, Jansson, McGurk

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Wallace, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

We always seem to struggle with Brentford.

18 – Brentford controlling the action early. A sigh comes up from the crowd as McGurk heads into the side netting.

32 – GOAL! Elliot Grandin! Harris frees him inside of the left fullback. Grandin takes a shot from 15 yards and it's past Williams.

45 – Halftime. Solid play up and down the pitch. Grandin's goal separates us and he's look very good. Lively on and off the ball. He's always wanting it.

55 – GOAL! Disaster for Brentford as Lumb turns Ashley Harris' corner into his own goal!

65 – Webster, Wallace and Harris will come off for Ioannou, Rwakarambwe and Chaplin.

90 – Full time. A solid win over a team we have trouble beating. They were a bottom side so it's good business anyway you look at it.

Sat. 23 January, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #28
Harris Stars As Pompey Win Again
Portsmouth 4 – 1 Nottingham Forest
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webser, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

Forest are in a 4-5-1: Darlow, Elokobi, Bougherra, Dann, Jara, Eastmond, Muntari, Zimling, McAnuff, Hall, Jutkiewicz

2 – GOAL! Ashley Harris has his 10th of the year! Grandin takes a shot that Darlow saves, he re-collects the ball, but is tripped, Harris pounces and finishes.

7 – GOAL! Ruud Boymans! Rwakarambwe finds Harris who outlets for Boymans and he blasts it past Darlow.

25 – Forest getting some shots in, but mostly from further out.

34 – GOAL! Harris has his second and we're rolling! Grandin crosses from the right, Harris is unmarked and takes it on the half-volley past Darlow.

45 – Halftime. Only we can have a three goal lead and Dan Butler has a 5.8 rating. Left back is our next major area of investment. Grandin has been superb with 2 assists, Harris involved in all three goals himself.

58 – Grandin earns a corner after taking a couple of shots from a tough angle.

61 – Fernandez and Rwakarambwe come off for Lucas and Wallace.

65 – GOAL! Forest pull one back through Jutkiewicz, he takes a cross and heads in from the center of the box.

68 – GOAL! Harris crosses in and Jed Wallace rifles a half-volley past Darlow!

90 – Harris was superb. Player of the Match as a 9.5, was involved in all four goals. He is so important to us. Grandin was an 8.5 with a pair of assists. Great day at Fratton Park for us. Our lead grows to 5 points.

Tue. 26 January, 2016
Team of the Week
Elliot Grandin and Ashley Harris have been named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Sky Bet Championship Match Day #29
All Square in the Valley
Charlton Athletic 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Charlton are in a 4-2-3-1: Alnwick, Kohlmann, Dervite, Morrison, Calderon, Pritchard, Morris, Tomlin, Jackson, Diouf, Long

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Parkhurst, Fernandez, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

5 – Long heads just over goal. We're going to have to be careful about him today.

24 – Webster has picked up a knock.

30 – Tomlin fires at goal and it cannons off the crossbar, straight down and back off it once more! Charlton very unlucky not to be ahead here.

45 – We've had to work hard to keep this 0-0.

53 – We're getting some chances from distance, some free kicks in dangerous areas, but nothing to show yet.

56 – GOAL! Pritchard gives Charlton the lead! He heads home from the corner.

77 – GOAL! Boymans equalizes, firing it across the box from 12 yards.

90 – Full time. A match we should have won, but I'll take the road draw. It stops our win streak in the league, but we're still unbeaten since September.

Sat. 30 January, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #30
Pompey Prevail, Unbeaten in 21 League Matches
Portsmouth 3 – 2 Huddersfield Town
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Barmby, Lalkovic, Clodoaldo, Boymans

Huddersfield are in a 4-5-1: Pickford, Alcock, Boulahrouz, Kane, Ayling, Rowe, Sidwell, Hogg, Pugliese, Hammill, Vaughan

16 – GOAL! Vaughan! James Vaughn. He breaks free in the box and easily finish past van Crooy.

43 – Parkhurst fires straight at Pickford.

45 – GOAL! Clodoaldo feeds Boymans into the box and he fires into the top right corner!

50 – GOAL! Clodoaldo has his first for the club. Parkhurst to Butler, he crosses in for the Brazilian who finishes left-footed.

59 – GOAL! Boymans has a second! Barmby crosses from the left, it's flicked on by Clodoaldo right onto Boymans for the half-volley. What a goal!

61 – GOAL! Adam Hammill streaks down the right and pulls one back. He had van Crooy going the wrong way as he shot!

65 – Lucas will replace Fernandez.

85 – Hudds have come time after time and we've continually turned them away. Hammill has been a menace on the right and we've been lucky to stay ahead.

90 – Full time. We take the win. Boymans is Player of the Match. Clodoaldo added 1 goal and two assists, fantastic performance for him.

[Grover]

Mon. 01 February, 2016
Board Confidence
The board is still delighted with the leadership qualities on display. They are still pleased with my performance in the Championship and are disappointed Spiegel isn't playing.

Sat. 06 February, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #31
Ten Man Pompey Win Again
Barnsley 2 – 3 Portsmouth
Barnsley are in a 4-4-2: Steele, Knapper, Long, Ilori, Foreman, Watt, Perkins, Brown, Harris, Obika, Seager

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

We've yet to beat Barnsley in two matches.

4 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with a terrific individual effort. His first shot is stopped, he takes the rebound curls around the box and fires it past Steele

15 – Grandin is injured and will have to come off. Clodoaldo will replace him.

45 – GOAL! Harris feeds Boymans who scores!

Halftime. Great position to go into the half in. Harris has been fantastic.

64 – GOAL! Clodoaldo! He's put in through Boymans along the right and his shot slips between Steele's legs.

66 – GOAL! Barnsley hit back immediately! Fernandez tackles the ball into Morgan's possession and he blasts it by van Crooy.

73 – RED CARD! Hugo Fernandez has been sent off for picking up his second yellow! Rwakarambwe will come on for a knackered Harris. We'll play a 4-1-3-1.

90 + 1 – GOAL! Jonathan Obika fires into the wide open net! It has to be merely consolation.

Full time. Clodoaldo picked up Player of the Match and seems to be finding himself within the squad. Fantastic news. Harris was superb again as well.

Fernandez Suspended
Hugo Fernandez has been suspended for one match due to his sending off.

Grandin Injured
Elliot Grandin has sustained a thigh strain and will be out for two weeks.

Tue. 09 February, 2016
Team of the Week
Clodoaldo has been named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Thu. 11 February, 2016
Bradley Returns
Sonny Bradley has returned to full training after missing three months with a slipped disc!

Sat. 13 February, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #32
Harris the Key for Another Pompey Win
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Birmingham City
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Lucas, Rwakarambwe, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Birmingham are in a 4-4-2: Randolph, Fox, Stephens, Taylor, Eardley, Murphy, Labadie, Wallace, Shinnie, Velikonja, Griffiths

16 – van Crooy makes a great save on Velikonja to force a corner.

24 – Lalkovic has a great chance, but fires wide.

37 – GOAL! Ashley Harris is in behind the defense and he scores! Coldoaldo with the assist.

45 – We go into the half with a slight edge. I tell the team there's still room for improvement. We're at home, so losing from this point is pretty unacceptable.

67 – Harris blasts a shot on goal, but Randolph parries it off his line.

90 – Full time. Respectable win. Webster picks up Player of the Match, but everyone was at a 7.0 or better.

[Grover]

Tue. 16 February, 2016
Team of the Week
Adam Webster has been named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week

Fri. 19 February, 2016
Grandin Back
Elliot Grandin has returned to full training.

Sat. 20 February, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #33
Boymans Brace For Three Points
Blackburn Rovers 1 – 2 Portsmouth
Blackburn are in a 3-5-2: Amos, Osborne, Boyce, Hanley, Judge, Sidwell, Butcher, Hyam, Stanislas, de Nigris, Graham

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Ioannou, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lucas, Harris, Lalkovic, Boymans

12 – Rwakarambwe lets fly from 20 yards out. The ball just fizzes past the near post.

22 – GOAL! Boymans runs onto the long ball from Harris. Amos tries to come out for it, but Boymans shoots it past him!

23 – GOAL! De Nigris with the instant equalizer! Orr tackled the ball from Judge, but it was right into the path of de Nigris.

37 – van Crooy makes a strong save and gets a clearance from Webster.

45 – We're definitely struggling for possession in this match. Blackburn are imposing themselves as the home side and we'll have to cope.

58 – We'll make some changes. Ioannou, Lucas and Lalkovic off for Parkhurst, Wallace and Clodoaldo.

63 – GOAL! Boymans with his second to pull us ahead! Clodoaldo headed it toward the feet of Boymans, he turned and fired past Amos!

75 – We'll try and shut things down and keep them from equalizing.

84 – Judge fires from range, but it sails wide.

90 – Full time. What a display from Boymans and Orr today. Both players were fantastic. All three subs filled in superbly.

Tue. 23 February, 2016
Team of the Week
Bradley Orr has been named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Sat. 27 February, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #34
Pompey Tighten Grip at the Top
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Blackpool
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Blackpool are in a 4-4-2: Gilks, Robertson, Broadfoot, Duffy, Rispoli, Vigurs, Norwood, Angel, Adomah, Sagbo, Scapuzzi

11 – Scapuzzi has had two great chances, both have sailed barn door wide.

13 – GOAL! Boymans! Clodoaldo crosses a pass for Lalkovic and he crosses back for the middle. Boymans is there to head past Gilks.

20 – GOAL! Norwood scores from about 40 yards. Sagbo breaks in, van Crooy tackles it from him, it flies out to midfield and Norwood takes a chance with van Crooy well out of position.

28 – GOAL! Boymans' second! He takes one touch around the defender and fires past Gilks from 20 yards.

45 – Half time. Boymans is hungry for that hat trick. We'll feed the beast, he's capable of grabbing it.

51 – GOAL! Lalkovic! Harris is deep in the box and cuts a pass back for Lalkovic who runs into his shot, beating Gilks at the near post.

66 – Rwakarambwe comes off for Lucas.

79 – van Crooy has been under immense pressure in this second half and he's stood very tall. Adam Webster has also been a commanding presence at the back.

90 – Full time. Excellent win, Boymans is the star yet again. Back to back two goal games. Lalkovic was also very good, as was Webster.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 March, 2016
Team of the Week
Ruud Boymans has been named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week

Monthly Awards
Ruud Boymans has also been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.

I've been named Manager of the Month once again.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities and are still impressed with the club's league position. However, the payroll is too high for their liking.

Sat. 05 March, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #35
Pompey Snap One Out of Wolves Jaws
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 2 Portsmouth
Wolves are in a 4-2-3-1: Bogdan, Ward, Collins, Margreitter, Foley, Clifford, Stephens, Pilkington, Aneke, Haroun, Gestede

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

I've never won or drawn in two meetings against Wolves.

6 – Lalkovic crosses in nicely from the right, but Harris can only direct his header over the goal.

20 – Nice run of action from the team, but it ends with Boymans being offside.

23 – GOAL! Rudy Gestede breaks on a ball in the box and slide tackles it past van Crooy.

32 – GOAL! Dan Butler's first of the year! Clodoaldo and Boymans combine to unlock the left and the fullback takes full advantage.

45 – Halftime. Clodoaldo, Orr and Ioannou need to get better immediately. They're on a short leash to be replaced in the second half. We're probably fortunate that the score is level.

55 – Bogdan makes a nice save on Clodoaldo as the winger came in alone from the left.

63 – Orr, Clodoaldo and Harris will come off for Parkhurst, Barcham and Chaplin. Orr and Clodoaldo were absolutely woeful.

67 – GOAL! Instant impact! Chaplin outlets to Barcham who fires past Bogdan at the left post.

70 – Wolves push back right after the goal. We'll play a bit more defensively and try to hold this away win.

90 – Full time. We withstand the Wolves onslaught over the final 20 minutes and take the points. Barcham and Chaplin deserve the plaudits for making the instant impact as subs. They keep the unbeaten streak rolling.

Tue. 08 March, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #36
Total Control. Portsmouth
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Fulham
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

Fulham are in a 4-4-2: Smithies, Dixon, Roberge, Dunk, Pereira, Erkin, Delph, Wilson, Redmond, Berahino, Almeida

1 – A few of the players looked nervous, but they come out freely flowing and Harris works in a nice shot that's held by Alex Smithies.

28 – GOAL! Ashley Harris. He sets up the pass to Grandin, runs between the center back and left back, receives the return pass and slots past Smithies. Brilliant from Harris.

37 – We've got Fulham under great pressure, but they are dealing with it expertly.

45 – Halftime. Harris and Fernandez have each picked up a knock. Butler has been terrible in the first half, which is normal. Lucas will replace Fernandez. Clodoaldo will replace Harris. We need to keep Harris healthy for the last ten matches beyond this one.

56 – GOAL! Ruud Boymans! Clodoaldo works a shot from 20 yards. It hits the post and Smithies is slow to react. Boymans runs onto the free ball and scores!

61 – Barcham will come on for Lalkovic.

66 – Fulham enjoy a small spell of possession. Ultimately, Delph shoots over goal.

78 – GOAL! Fahad Rwakarambwe strikes it into the top corner of goal!

90 + 2 – GOAL! Butler's free kick goes toward goal and Boymans gets his head onto it!

Full time. What a win! Ioannou, Webster, Grandin and Boymans all over 8. Rwakarambwe a 9.1. and Player of the Match. This kid has come a long way very quickly. He's definitely taken over as our every day starting MC.

Wed. 09 March, 2016
Butler Suspended
Dan Butler has picked up an automatic 3 match suspension after 15 yellow cards.

Sat. 12 March, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #37
Pompey Closing in on Premier League Return
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Leicester City
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Leicester are in a 4-5-1: Heaton, Stevens, Mee, Wright, Tate, Fox, King, Hammond, Daehli, Cole, Kozak

2 – I tell the team to pick up where they left off in the last match and we put up 3 shots in two minutes.

11 – Boymans' shot grazes the post. We're playing some great football, a goal would make us feel miles better about it.

25 – GOAL! Boymans with his 20th of the year. Coldoaldo crosses, Stevens and Mee head back, Heaton comes out too far and Boymans has the goal at his mercy.

45 – Halftime. Leicester had a small spell of possession toward the end of the half, but we completely dominated them. We deserved and should have at least another goal.

61 – van Crooy goes low to make tough saves against Cole and Kozak.

67 – Ioannou, Lucas and Harris will come off for McLennan, Wallace and Chaplin.

69 – GOAL! McLennan launches it downfield, Wright goes to pass back to Smithies and it's into goal! Disaster for the Foxes!

90 – Full time! We were dominant, but didn't score as much as we should have. The own goal was a gift, we didn't even create any difficulty in it. Hugo Fernandez was Player of the Match.

Tue. 15 March, 2016
Team of the Week
Nicholas Ioannou, Adam Webster, Elliot Grandin, Fahad Rwakarambwe and Ruud Boymans were named to the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Sat. 19 March, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #38
Tigers and Blue Army Play Out Thrilling Affair
Hull City 0 – 0 Portsmouth
Hull City are in a 4-2-3-1 (2 DM): McGregor, O'Shea, Shotton, Davies, Doherty, Meyler, Frimpong, Marshall, Clayton, Forrest, Guidetti

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

11 – We've controlled the opening passage of play, our shots have been off target though.

19 – Forrest takes a 30 yard shot, but safe hands from van Crooy.

28 – Harris plays in Lalkovic, but McGregor coolly saves the low shot.

38 – Again McGregor denies Lalkovic low. The right winger can't win in close.

45 – Halftime. We're crushing them with possession and shots. We need the first goal here.

54 – Clodoaldo has been injured. Barcham coming on for him. Grandin and Chaplin will also come on for Lalkovic and Boymans respectively.

62 – Chaplin gets in all alone but his shot grazes the bar.

72 – Meyler's header clips the bar and goes over. Close on either end!

79 – Most of the players are nervous.

87 – van Crooy with a diving stop on Forrest.

90 – Full time. It may have been 0-0, but it was a thrilling encounter with plenty of attacking football. Both sides are fortunate to come away with a point.

Tue. 22 March, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #39
Leeds Snap Pompey Unbeaten Streak
Leeds United 4 – 2 Portsmouth
Leeds are in a 4-4-2: Iacobucci, Bidwell, Gunning, Lees, Byram, Ephraim, Bailey, Vela, Odubajo, Hunt, Crouch

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans, Harris

15 – Possession has been balanced, but Leeds have had the better chances on goal.

19 – GOAL! Lucas passes in to Boymans who rips the shot past Iacobucci.

35 – We're doing a fine job at clearing out their corners and set-pieces.

38 – Parkhurst has to come off injured. Ioannou to DC and McLennan will come on a DL.

45 – We survive the first half. Harris needs to improve, otherwise we look alright.

48 – GOAL! Leeds equalize through Hogan Ephraim. He drifts in on the left and shoots past van Crooy.

52 – GOAL! Peter Crouch! Webster tackles it away, Vela wins it back and Crouch fires past van Crooy. Leeds take the lead.

63 – Fernandez has been injured. Wallace will replace him and Chaplin will come on for Harris.

75 – GOAL! Grandin equalizes! Wallace's corner is headed away by Bidwell, but Grandin beats Bailey to it and fires past Iacobucci!

83 – GOAL! Jedinak puts Leeds back in front with a fantastic left-footed effort.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Paul Green with the tap-in on the long range free kick!

Full time. Leeds came out in the second half and flat-out beat us. In every single facet on the pitch they were better. We might be better for this loss now, to be honest. McLennan was a 4.7 as a sub, Harris a 5.5.

Playoff Position Guaranteed
The good news is, with 8 matches remaining we have guaranteed ourselves a playoff position at the very least. We still have an 8 point lead over Ipswich at the moment.

Mon. 28 March, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #40
Hard Fighting Palace Earn Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Crystal Palace
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Ioannou, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Crystal Palace are in a 4-2-3-1: Lewis, Cunningham, Inniss, Boyata, Flanagan, Williams Loftus-Cheek, Lansbury, Lopes, Paterson, Delfouneso

13 – GOAL! Boymans heads home the cross from Lalkovic! We're possessing really well inside their area to start the match.

28 – Loftus-Cheek takes a shot through a crowd, but van Crooy holds it to his chest.

39 – Lalkovic fizzes one past the far post.

45 – Halftime. We've got the lead and the players are showing they want more. Clodoaldo has an especially healthy attacking appetite.

66 – PENALTY! Rwakarambwe fouls in the box. Paterson is SAVED by van Crooy! What a stop!

67 – GOAL! It doesn't matter though. Delfouneso levels the match, heading in Flanagan's cross.

80 – Fernandez, Rwakarambwe and Clodoaldo will come off for Wallace, Lucas and Barmby.

90 – Full time. Is the pressure of winning another title starting to get to the club? We seem to be losing some of our focus and zip. Six point lead with six to play.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 April, 2016
Player Awards
Nicholas Ioannou has won the Sky Bet Championship Young Player of the Month award.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The performance in the league has been a particular highlight. Some of the fans are disappointed with Clodoaldo's recent play.

Sat. 02 April, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #41
Rams Batter 9 Man Pompey
Derby County 3 – 1 Portsmouth
Derby are in a 4-4-2: Grant, Dossena, Keogh, O'Brien, Freeman, Hayes, bryson, Spector, Koren, Russell, Bennett

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, McLennan, Ioannou, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Rwakarambwe, Lalkovic, Grandin, Boymans

6 – Boymans has a header land on top of goal. Close, but not quite right.

29 – GOAL! Koren is free from the free kick, his first shot is saved, the second is into the top left corner of goal!

42 – Lalkovic has to come off injured. Clodoaldo will replace him.

45 – Halftime. We don't look terrible, but we need to improve to get level.

55 – Orr and Lucas will come off for Parkhurst and Wallace.

60 – Grandin is injured. We are out of subs. We're down to ten men for the duration of this one.

68 – Webster is our third injury of this game. We're down to 9 men.

73 – GOAL! CLODOALDO!!! Races down the right and fires for the top left corner. Grant has no chance at stopping it. Nine man Pompey are unbelievably level.

81 – GOAL! Maynard puts Derby in front. His first shot is deflected low, but the rebound goes high and van Crooy has no chance.

85 – GOAL! Maynard with a second and the two-man advantage is really starting to become evident here.

90 – I'm not happy they injured three of our players, forcing us to play short a man for 30 minutes and short two men for 20.

Six point lead, five matches to go.

Grandin Injured
Elliot Grandin is out for 5 months after breaking his foot in a collision with Andrea Dossena of Derby.

Tue. 05 April, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #42
Pompey Back on Winning Track
West Ham United 3 – 4 Portsmouth
West Ham are in a 4-2-4: Adrian, O'Brien, Streete, Wootton, Spence, Noble, Davis, Jarvis, Morrison, Nouble, Murphy

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Boy, is this a match we need points in.

4 – Clodoaldo puts Lalkovic in with a great chance, but it's fired wide.

13 – PENALTY! Lee Lucas is called for a foul. Jamie Murphy goes bottom left on van Crooy and converts.

45 – Halftime. We are having a lull at the wrong time in the season.

48 – GOAL! Milan Lalkovic! He receives Butler's throw in and shoots straight at Adrian who gets his hands on it, but the shot is too strong.

54 – GOAL! Adam Webster heads it home at the near post from Harris' corner!

68 – Fernandez comes off for Wallace. Barmby is on for Boymans. Barmby will go to the left wing, while Clodoaldo will move up top.

73 – GOAL! Lalkovic with his second of the match! Harris plays him behind the defenders on the right and the Slovakian shoots past Adrian.

78 – GOAL! Jamie Murphy has his second, this from the end of Noble's free kick. They've still got a chance to pull back into it

89 – PENALTY! Harvey Power brings down Barmby inside the area! Harris easily slots the penalty home!

90 + 2 – Frank Nouble with a late consolation goal! It was free in the area, no one could clear.

Full time. What a comeback to win this in a big way.

PORTSMOUTH PROMOTED TO PREMIER LEAGUE!
Portsmouth Football Club have won promotion back to the Barclays Premier League. Supporters of the club are overjoyed that manager Alfie Heathcote and his players have secured promotion from the Sky Bet Championship. This is the third straight season Heathcote has achieved promotion for his Portsmouth side.

The club's board have come out praising Heathcoat for his 'unbelievable' achievement in guiding the club to the Premier League. The club was predicted by most pundits and gambling sites to finish dead last and be relegated back in to League 1.

Fri. 08 April, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #43
Smash & Grab, Villains Steal Victory
Portsmouth 1 – 2 Aston Villa
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Parkhurst, Orr, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Aston Villa are in a 4-4-2: Blazevic, McGinley, Connolly, Donacien, Webb, Mackay-Steven, Cohen, Coquelin, Tonev, Schlupp, Bowery

17 – van Crooy makes a number of strong saves at his right post.

31 – Clodoaldo fires over goal.

37 – GOAL! Bowery is unmarked at the near post and easily taps in Cohen's corner.

45 – Not a good first half performance. Boymans and Orr struggled mightily. They'll have a little time here.

55 – GOAL! Sixes and Sevens at the back for Villa, Connolly heads a ball the keeper claimed into Harris' path. The goal is empty and Harris fills it easily!

68 – Clodoaldo and Boymans are coming off for Barcham and Chaplin.

71 – Villa firing on goal from all angles.

78 – GOAL! Callum Robinson from Cohen's free kick. Heads it just over van Crooy's reach.

90 – Full time. We should be winning these matches and the squad knows it. We've got three matches left and have guaranteed Premier League status, but we still need to win the league.

[Grover]

Sat. 16 April, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #44
Barmby Steals Pompey a Point
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Bristol City
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

Bristol City are in a 4-5-1: Gazzaniga, Gordon, Bossaerts, Williams, Fisher, Bryan, Milsom, Thomas, S. Williams, Baldock, Antenucci

Two points. A win guarantees the league title for consecutive seasons. How bad do these players want to do it in front of our own supporters?

8 – PENALTY! Clodoaldo concedes. Antenucci calmly slots it home.

35 – We are struggling and playing nervously.

45 – Argh, This is frustrating. Are we really struggling, or have we mailed it in since we secured promotion?

52 – We're getting some possession and looking better in the final third, but our shooting is ugly and wide.

65 – Clodoaldo and Boymans will come off for Barmby and Chaplin

90 + 1 – GOAL! Jack Barmby sneaks behind the defenders and fires home from the left. An unexpected equalizer!

Full time. Well, that's the most unexpected draw I've ever gotten. Nice work from Barmby on the goal. Two more matches.

PORTSMOUTH WIN SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Portsmouth have won the Sky Bet Championship title. Supporters are already claiming Heathcote is the mastermind behind the club's success, while the board is ecstatic with the truly momentous occasion. The board has stated that they believe anything is possible with Heathcote at the helm.

Fri. 22 April, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #45
Bolton Bash Pompey, Ngoo With Hat Trick
Bolton Wanderers 5 – 1 Portsmouth
Bolton are in a 4-4-2: Doyle, Mills, Ream, Parkes, Mears, Eagles, Adeyemi, Davies, Ward, Ngoo, Wilkinson

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Ioannou, Parkhurst, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Wallace, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans

Two matches left and the title is won, we can essentially cruise to the finish.

21 – GOAL! Conor Wilkinson takes the cross from Eagles and passes it behind van Crooy.

23 – GOAL! Ngoo doubles the Bolton lead! He works away from three defenders and slots it home.

31 – GOAL! Ruud Boymans! Lalkovic crosses from the right, Boymans comes onto it from the center of the box and Doyle can't stop it.

35 – GOAL! Bolton score from the corner! Eagles crosses in and Parkes volleys into the open goal.

45 – Halftime. Ioannou is having a shocker at DC today. 4.4. Parkhurst will slide over and Orr will be on for Ioannou. McLennan will replace the 5.0 Dan Butler.

48 – GOAL! Ngoo has a second, latching onto another Eagles cross to head past van Crooy.

55 – I have never seen us get pushed around like this.

64 – GOAL! Ngoo is the hat trick hero! He heads home a corner through a crowd of players and wheels off to celebrate!

73 – Lalkovic has a goal ruled offside.

90 – I have absolutely nothing to say after that loss. It was that bad.

Sat. 30 April, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Match Day #46
Put A Little Moxey In It!
Middlesbrough 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Boro are in a 4-4-2: McLoughlin, Moxey, Distin, Woodgate, Wilkinson, Jacobs, Upson, Gillett, Bennett, Emnes, Jerome

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ioannou, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Boymans, Harris

8 – Jacobs rockets one off the crossbar, Ioannou is immediately there to clear it from danger.

20 – Boymans has been injured in his last game for the club. Clodoaldo will move to forward and Barmby will come on at left wing.

39 – Boro having the lion's share of possession, but doing little with it.

45 – GOAL! Dean Moxey at the top of the box takes the pass from Jacobs and scores!

Halftime. Fine time to go behind. This unit, barring injury, will see this game out. Win or lose.

90 – Full time. Extremely quiet second half and we end the season very quietly.

News & Notes
Ipswich have finished second and won promotion along with us. Fulham will now face Burnley and Derby will face West Ham in the open playoff round for the final promotion place.

We have been given £48.8K for achieving first place in the Sky Bet Championship.

With Ruud Boymans' injury, his loan has been terminated. He scored 23 goals for the club in 45 matches.

[Grover]

Tue. 03 May, 2016
Team of the Week
Dan Butler was selected in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week.

Fri. 06 May, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Playoffs First Leg
Burnley 0 – 1 Fulham

Sat. 07 May, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Playoffs First Leg
West Ham 2 – 2 Derby

Sun. 08 May, 2016
Board Announcement
The board has announced that they will be upgrading the club's youth facilities. The work will take 6 months and cost around £1.9M to complete.

Wed. 11 May, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Playoffs Second Leg
Fulham 2 – 1 Burnley

Fulham advance 3-1 on aggregate.

Thu. 12 May, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Playoffs Second Leg
West Ham 1 – 0 Derby

West Ham advance 3-2 on aggregate.

Sat. 21 May, 2016
Sky Bet Championship Final
Fulham 1 – 2 West Ham

West Ham have won the third and final promotion place to the Premier League.

Squad Payout
We have paid out £1.1M to be shared among the squad for winning the league.

Mon. 23 May, 2016
Manager of the Year
Alfie Heathcote has won the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Year award.

Team of the Year
Adam Webster was selected to the Sky Bet Championship Players' Select first eleven. Ashley Harris was selected amongst the subs.

Sun. 29 May, 2016
Financial Information
The club have announced four new sponsorship deals. A new 3-year main kit sponsor worth £1.1M per year. New two year sponsorships worth £140K and £65K per year. We also have a new youth team sponsor worth £130K per year. This is a £1.4M increase in sponsorship dollars compared to last year.

http://i.imgur.com/f2xUizC.png

http://i.imgur.com/qU6myog.png

[Grover]

Wed. 01 June, 2016
Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. This includes last season's Sky Bet Championship title. However, the fans' unhappiness with the performances of Clodoaldo is understandable and this is something I should be looking to resolve.

Thu. 02 June, 2016
Bradley Signs Deal
We will need some depth. Sonny Bradley has signed a new two year contract with the club.

Sat. 18 June, 2016
The Trouble Is..
No one wants to come to us. We can only offer a max weekly salary of £14,000. Perhaps this will change when we're no longer listed as a Championship team.

Wed. 22 June, 2016
Portsmouth Sign Miquel
We have a few spots we absolutely have to shore up before the season. This is one of them. Ignasi Miquel joins us from relegated Brentford for £1.7M. The 23 year-old center back and former Arsenal product is penciled in to slot beside Adam Webster.

Fri. 24 June, 2016
Player Awards
Adam Webster has been voted Portsmouth's Player of the Year by the fans.

The club's best XI was announced as the following: van Crooy, Butler, Ioannou, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Lalkovic, Grandin, Harris, Boymans

Financials
Portsmouth will receive £43.93M for Premier League television rights over the upcoming season.

Boymans Signs
Ruud Boymans has agreed to a deal with us. The 27 year-old Dutch forward will sign a deal through 2019. We're thrilled to have him back.

Tue. 28 June, 2016
Scannell Signs
We have signed 25 year-old left winger Sean Scannell for a fee of £625K from Huddersfield.

Wed. 29 June, 2016
Reach Signs
We have signed 23 year-old English left winger Adam Reach to a two year contract. Reach will provide depth on the left wing for Scannell.

Thu. 30 June, 2016
Players Leave Club
Elliot Grandin, Nicholas Ioannou, Andy Barcham, Johnny Ertl, Dean Parrett, George McLennan, Jack Whatmough and Raphael Spiegel have left the club.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 July, 2016
Board Confidence
They are still delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the amazing increase in stature the club has experienced since I took over. However, they are disappointed with Clodoaldo.

Sat. 02 July, 2016
New Scouts In
We have signed a Finnish, Danish and Nigerian scout to our backroom staff.

Wed. 06 July, 2016
Pompey Sign Byram
We have signed 22 year-old fullback Sam Byram from Leeds in a £3.6M deal.

Sat. 09 July, 2016
Friendly
Karlsruher SC 1 – 4 Portsmouth

Sun. 10 July, 2016
Bidwell Joins Pompey
We have signed 23 year-old left fullback Jake Bidwell from Leeds for £3.3M. I wanted to upgrade my fullbacks over all other positions and we've raided Leeds for both of them.

Ilori Joins Pompey on Loan
Liverpool's 23 year-old center back Tiago Ilori will join us on loan until the end of the season.

Sat. 16 July, 2016
Friendly
Fleetwood Town 3 – 0 Portsmouth

Fri. 29 July, 2016
Barmby Injured
Jack Barmby has suffered a damaged foot after straining for the ball in training. It's like he'll miss 2 weeks.

Sat. 30 July, 2016
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 2 Portsmouth

Mon. 01 August, 2016
Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities you are demonstrating. Last season's successes remain fresh in our memories and our appraisal of your current performance takes that fully into account. A major contributing factor has been the amazing increase in stature the club has experienced since you took charge. However, they are slightly disappointed with the current situation concerning the signing of Clodoaldo.

Tue. 02 August, 2016
Friendly
Portsmouth 3 – 2 Sporting Lisbon

Capital One Cup Draw
We will host old foes and League 1 club MK Dons in the Capital One Cup second round. The match will be at Fratton Park on 23rd August.

Sat. 06 August, 2016
Friendly
Portsmouth 0 – 5 Arsenal

A sign of things to come for us?

Tue. 09 August, 2016
Ferry Out
Simon Ferry has been loaned to MK Dons for the season.

[Grover]

Sat. 13 August, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #1
Pompey Bag Point in Premier League Return
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Wallace, Scannell, Lalkovic, Boymans

Brighton are in a 4-4-1-1: Kuszczak., Bong, Maguire, Chester, Shotton, Noone, Cabral, Nekounam, Buckley, Forster-Caskey, Barnes

28 – A very dull first half with little action on either end.

45 – A chance! Wallace floats in a free kick to the far post, but Ilori shoots right into Kuszczak's arms.

57 – Fernandez has been having a go when the opportunity has presented itself, but his shooting is woeful.

68 – Making a couple of changes, Scannell and Boymans will come off for Clodoaldo and Harris. We'll set out fullbacks to be a bit more adventurous in the attacking end as well.

90 – Full time. The positive is that we didn't allow a goal and earned a point. Hugo Fernandez was immense as the holding midfielder with an 8.9 rating. We were a bit better with Clodoaldo and Harris than with Scannell and Boymans, but Scannell needs time to gel. I think the 4-5-1 is going to be a safer bet for our survival in the Premier League.

Barmby Back
Jack Barmby has resumed full training following his two week layoff with injury.

Sun. 14 August, 2016
Season Ticket Update
The club have announced they all 17,154 available season tickets have been sold this season.

Sat. 20 August, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #2
Harris Thunderbastard Earns Pompey Point
West Brom 1 – 1 Portsmouth
West Brom are in a 4-4-2: Mulder, Luna, Olsson, Koné, Trippier, Aluko, Mulumbu, Mutch, Morrison,. Rojas, Vucinic

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lucas, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

15 – Our first chance is from a corner. Harris pumps it in from the left and it falls to Rwakarambwe. He shoots, but Erwin Mulder has no troubles getting low to scoop the ball up.

33 – GOAL! The Baggies are in front as Morrison crosses for Joao Rojas. The forward beats van Crooy on the half-volley.

40 – Harris' free kick smashes the crossbar!

45 + 2 – GOAL! Our first back in the Premier League and it's a stunning Ashley Harris free kick! He fires it from the left and it hits the post, the back of Mulder and from there it's into goal!

Halftime. We actually look fairly good. Lucas and Byram haven't been great and Harris was having a poor half right up until that goal. Maybe we can steal one on the road.

56 – Trippier hits the crossbar with a free kick!

65 – Vucinic is just offside, tapping in after a shot hit the crossbar. Big sigh of relief and we'll look to make a couple of changes...

Lucas and Lalkovic will come off for Wallace and Clodoaldo.

83 – West Brom set Anichebe free downfield, but he gets it all wrong and fires it into row Z.

90 – Full time at the Hawthorns. We really can't be disappointed with that result. Another draw, our first goal. Ashley Harris was very impressive in the second half and the team performance as a whole improved. We might be a better team than the pundits think.

Tue. 23 August, 2016
Capital One Cup Second Round
Pompey Make Easy Work of Dons
Portsmouth 3 – 1 MK Dons
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Lucas, Wallace, Brewster, Reach, Clodoaldo, Boymans

We're thin in midfield, I'll try and find a DM on loan, but resources are tight. Steve Brewster is 16 and is coming up from the U18 side.

MK Dons are in a 4-5-1 (flat): Nauzet, Siemann, Wood, Clarke, Griffiths, Harwood, Potter, Kelly, Reeves, Chiavetta, Clarke-Reed

19 – GOAL! The 16 year-old! Reach with a great ball over the top that falls at Stevie Brewster's feet. He takes a couple of deft touches, makes the space and fires past Nauzet!

34 – GOAL! Some incredible teamwork on this corner from Wallace. Lucas heads it to Miquel, who heads back across for Tiago Ilori to strike home.

45 – Halftime and we look quite good. Not much to say. The entire team is playing well, despite not knowing one another too well. Strange to think that just two seasons ago we were challenging for the League 1 title with this MK Dons team.

60 – PENALTY! It's Miquel that concedes. Zac Clarke-Reed fires high and it deflects in off van Crooy.

85 – GOAL! Miquel makes up for his mistake at the other end! Butler charges in and fires, Black deflects it, but it's into Ignasi Miquel's path and he scores!

90 – Full time at Fratton Park. A good win, our first competition win of the season. More positive building blocks. Ilori was Player of the Month and the on-loan defender from Liverpool has been vital to our successes thus far. Miquel was also quite good, as was Stevie Brewster. Hopefully this gives him confidence to kick on with the U18s.

Wed. 24 August, 2016
Brewster Sets the Records
Stevie Brewster has not only become Portsmouth's youngest player at 16 years and 135 days, but he is also our youngest goalscorer on record.

Gary O'Neil was 16 and 256 days when he scored his first for the club... 17 years ago.

Fri. 26 August, 2016
Capital One Cup Draw
We will travel to the Olympic Stadium on 21st September to take on West Ham United in the Capital One Cup third round.

Sat. 27 August, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #3
Three Matches, Three Points
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Wigan Athletic
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Lucas, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

Wigan are in a 4-4-2: Carson, Gibson, Forren, Ramis, Mellor, Barnetta, Lowe, McArthur, Claasen, Cardozo, Keogh

8 – Lalkovic made a great run in and behind the defenders and received a slide rule pass, but the shot was stopped by Carson

21 – Keogh tries to lob van Crooy, but it's an easy basket catch over the shoulder for the Dutch keeper.

25 – van Crooy at it again as he makes a pair of saves in quick succession from Keogh and Cardozo.

36 – Rwakarambwe has been showing some excellent vision and range with his passing today.

45 – Halftime. We've got quite a few nervous players out there. Hopefully they can shake that off and go out to find a goal.

47 – Great chance for Harris! He runs onto Lalkovic's cross, but the shot is directly at Carson. Some very good goalkeeping today.

54 – Adam Reach is coming on for Scannell, who had taken a knock.

66 – Ruud Boymans is on for Ash Harris.

83 – Strong diving save on McArthur from van Crooy.

90 +2 – McArthur hits the elbow of goal! Huge sigh of relief from the supporters!

Full time at Fratton Park. We've yet to score a Premier League goal at home, but we've yet to allow a goal as well. Byram and Bidwell were tremendous, with the former picking up Player of the Match. We need to find a little more oomph in the attack.

Scannell Injured
Bad news as Sean Scannell has suffered a twisted ankle. The Ireland international will miss 3-4 weeks.

Pompey Sign Old Favorite
After telling the board I needed another midfielder, I made a request. They have acquiesced. In a deal that I had absolutely no influence on other than “I want this player” they have made it happen. We are very pleased to welcome Sulley Muntari back to the club for a fee of £1.4M from Nottingham Forest. The 31 year-old midfielder will provide immeasurable experience and wisdom for my young group of players in the middle. Muntari spent the 2007-08 season with the club, scoring 4 goals in 29 appearances before an £11M move to Inter.

Tue. 30 August, 2016
Team of the Week
Jake Bidwell was selected in the Premier League Team of the Week.

[Brian Swartz]

You are ridiculously good at this game. That is all.

[Grover]

You are ridiculously good at this game. That is all.

Ha! Wow, thank you very much. That's quite a compliment.

It was quite a surprise to me. My first ever game in FM was FM08 as newly promoted Derby County, who in real life finished with 9 points, currently the lowest ever. I finished fourth with that team and pushed on from there. I've played every other sports sim out there. I am absolutely terrible at all of them except Football Manager.

[Grover]

Thu. 01 September, 2016
Board Confidence
Nothing but positives from the board. They're still delighted with the leadership qualities we've demonstrated. They're also still quite chuffed with the increase in club stature. No negatives, we're selling close to 1,400 kits a month as well.

Van Crooy Injured
This is probably the worst injury we could have taken. Our Dutch keeper, who has been our starter since League 2, one of only a few players left from our original team has suffered a broken finger after being struck by the ball in training. Was he not wearing his gloves? Regardless, the keeper will be out for 5-6 weeks while he is treated.

Jonathan Henly is our backup and will get the starts. He's young and untested. We'll look into an emergency loan, but this is going to be our guy.

Wed. 07 September, 2016
Chaplin Out On Loan
We have agreed to send Conor Chaplin to Sheffield United on loan for one month.

Sun. 11 September, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #4
Toffees Run Riot Over Pompey
Everton 4 – 1 Portsmouth
This match is being televised with a lunch time kickoff.

Everton are in a 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Baines, Huddlestone, Dawson, Stones, Xabi Alonso, Barry, Guy, Barkley, Ince, van Persie

That's right. Robin van Persie is at Everton on loan from United. This is a very good Everton team from top to bottom. They might lack a little pace, but so do we.

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: Henly, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Muntari, Reach, Lalkovic, Harris

14 – GOAL! Robin van Persie's first for the club! Ilori tried to head it away, but it fell to the Dutch forward who easily put it past Henly.

25 – GOAL! What a free kick from Ash Harris! From 25 yards and under McCarthy's diving attempt. Great goal!

36 – GOAL! Michael Guy puts the hosts back in front. Barkley to Barry who shoots, Henly's save is deflected right to Guy and he puts it into a wide open goal.

44 – GOAL! Xabi Alonso and it's 3-1 to Everton! Baines sends in a cross, Byram heads away, but Alonso hits a 25 yard half-volley that sails into goal.

45 – We're a bit overmatched here. And it's showing very, very plainly.

Webster (4.6) and Reach (5.6) will come off for Miquel and Clodoaldo.

56 – Gifting possession, failing to close down players we have been instructed to. Nothing at all has gone to plan or come to fruition today. Very frustrating to watch us perform this way. The defense is out of sync with the midfield, the midfield out of sync with the attack.

61 – Jed Wallace will come on for Rwakarambwe

62 – GOAL! Baines knocks in a free kick from the right, directly onto Tom Ince's boot. Easy goal for the hosts who have never looked in any danger today.

85 – We've had some late possession, but it feels more like it's out of pity.

90 – Full time. I think this is an even worse loss than the 5-1 to Bolton in Match Day #45 last season. Outside of Ash Harris, this team showed absolutely zero today. Webster and Byram both under 4.6, Ash Harris the only above 7.1. We can't stay in the Premier League with matches like this.

Mon. 12 September, 2016
Transfer Budget Increase
After making a small leak to the press that the club refused to increase the transfer budget so I could sign a player for £15K (yes, that's all), the board has had a change of heart and increased the budget to £7.7M.

[Grover]

Sun. 18 September, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #5
Dominant Spurs Only Manage One Goal
Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Tottenham are in a 4-5-1: Lloris, Vertonghen, Dragovic, Kaboul, Coleman, Romeu, Eriksen, Allen, Yarmolenko, Lamela, Sigurdsson

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: Henly, Bidwell, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Reach, Lalkovic, Harris

16 – All Spurs, all the time.

21 – Lamela is lucky as a cheeky lob lands on top of goal.

28 – Reach steals the ball in midfield, makes an excellent run before firing straight at Hugo Lloris.

36 – Henly goes low and makes two terrific saves.

45 – We're level, so it's a pretty excellent half of football for us at New White Hart Lane. Everyone is a 6.9 or up. We're being grossly out-possessed, but we've actually got more shots on target. There are some positives here.

51 – GOAL! Andriy Yarmolenko breaks the deadlock. Kaboul was saved, but it went to Taider who headed for the Ukrainian winger to finish.

66 – Clodoaldo will come on for Reach.

90 – A tough loss on the road, but we performed admirably to keep it a 1-0 game. Jake Bidwell picked up the Player of the Match award as a 7.7. We certainly need to find a way to get the goals going in. I'm very hesitant to go back to the 4-2-4. We're not strong enough in midfield to cope with only two players there.

Sun. 18 September, 2016
Scannell Back
Some good news as Sean Scannell has returned to full training following his twisted ankle.

Wed. 21 September, 2016
Capital One Cup Third Round
Hammers Win Extra Time Thriller
West Ham 2 – 0 Portsmouth
West Ham are in a 4-2-4: Matson, Evina, Duffy, Boyata, Johnson, Gardner, Dele Alli, Jarvis, Coutts, Murphy, Eaves

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: Henly, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Rwakarambwe, Wallace, Barmby, Reach, Boymans

4 – Matson being tested by us early. He's made a few outstanding saves already.

26 – Barmby has picked up an injury and will be replaced by Clodoaldo.

45 – Level at the half sounds about right. We've been decent, but could be better. Need to get more chances on goal. The last thing we want is this to go to extra time.

52 – Poor selection from the team. Butler was making a run down the left flank. Clodoaldo decides to go inside with his pass for an errant Jed Wallace shot.

74 – Sam Byram has come off with an injury. Webster will move to the right and Sonny Bradley will come on. We've still got one sub to play with.

90 – Extra time, ugh.

100 – GOAL! West Ham are ahead and it is all Adam Webster's fall. He tries to head away, but heads toward goal and puts Frank Nouble in alone.

103 – GOAL! Another massive defensive error and Nouble is running past Bradley and shooting past Henly.

106 – Everything is sideways or backwards. It's like the players aren't even attempting to attack.

120 – Full time. Embarrassing second half performance. Clodoaldo was poor again and might need to go out on loan to get some experience somewhere.

Byram Injured
Sam Byram will miss 3-4 weeks after having his jaw dislocated by Cedric Evina.

Jesus.

Sat. 24 September, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #6
United Ease to Win Against Over-Matched Pompey
Portsmouth 0 – 4 Manchester United
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: Henly, Bidwell, Miquel, Ilori, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

Manchester United are in a 4-2-3-1: De Gea, Davies, Evans, Caulker, Smalling, Carrick, Fellaini, Kagawa, Rooney, Shaqiri, Balotelli

This could be an ugly one.

6 – Shaqiri is going to cause all sorts of problems down the right. Bidwell is going to have to do a very good job as the left back to keep him in check.

15 – PENALTY! Ilori concedes on the corner and Balotelli easily puts it away.

20 – Fellaini has hit the post twice since Balotelli's converted penalty.

34 – Lalkovic has a chance, but shoots it well wide of goal. That was our first chance of the match.

36 – GOAL! All too easy for Manchester United as Balotelli taps home the cross from Shaqiri.

39 – GOAL! This time it's Smalling crossing from the right and Kagawa who finishes with ease.

45 – I tell the players to relax, that we were underdogs to begin with, but let's not embarrass ourselves out there.

56 – Our passing is too slow, too easily telegraphed. Whenever we try and work the ball into space, the pass is picked off.

69 – Scannell works in a nice shot from the left, but it's easily held by De Gea.

80 – GOAL! That was all Bidwell's fault. He lets Wilf Zaha sprint by him and cross left for Kagawa's second.

90 – That was about what we expected. Three points from six matches so far. We've got to find a win somewhere as we're now into the bottom three on goal difference. It doesn't help we only have two goals in six matches.

[Grover]

Sat. 01 October, 2016
Board Confidence
We've had a drop in confidence, as the board is now merely “very pleased” with the leadership of the team. They're still high on the increase in stature, however, they're starting to look at some of Adam Webster's poor performances.

Barclays Premier League Match Day #7
Scannell Goal Seals First Pompey Win
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Ipswich Town
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: Henley, Bidwell, Miquel, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Scannell, Lalkovic, HJarris

Ipswich are in a 4-4-2: Loach, Husband, Smith, Eastman, Hateley, Jacobs, Power, Taylor, Marshall, Poleon, Ings

If ever there was a must-win, it's against the team we finished above in the Championship. Ipswich are unbelievably sitting second in the table currently.

11 – We've had some great movement in Ipswich's end early. Our passing is flowing well. We look like a different team than the one that was so limp against United.

28 – The crowd erupts as Lalkovic crosses for Harris, but the forward's shot hits the side-netting.

33 – GOAL! Scannell with a tremendous effort. The ball is stolen from him by Hateley, the fullback goes to pass back for Loach, but the winger intercepts and scores!

45 – Very positive half of football for us. A goal from open player is a nice thing as well.

52 – Galindo takes a shot from about 20 yards, but Henley is easily able to collect.

78 – We'll make a couple of changes with the hope of keeping the lead. Wallace and Clodoaldo will come on for Lucas and Harris.

89 – A bad pass is intercepted by Ings, he gets it ahead to Galindo, no defender in site. My head is my hands on the touchline. The crowd cheers. The shot went inexplicably wide.

90 – Full time. Three points! We double our points total and I couldn't be happier. A solid performance from the lads as they held on tight toward the end when Ipswich mounted an attack. This is something we can certainly build off of. Scannell had struggled with form and injury, but this match can hopefully help him push forward. We have four winnable matches this month. One down.

Tue. 04 October, 2016
Team of the Week
Sean Scannell has been selected to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Sun. 09 October, 2016
Lalkovic Injured
Milan Lalkovic has suffered a twisted knee during training with Slovakia. He will be out for around two weeks.

Van Crooy Back
To offset the bad news, we have good news! Delano van Crooy has returned to training after missing 5 weeks with a broken finger.

Sat. 15 October, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #8
Pompey Win at the Den, Two on the Trot
Watford 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Watford are in a 4-4-2: Ryan, Muniesa, Lees, Bennett, Hunt, Helan, Makiadi, Rossiter, Assaidi, Mayuka, Hunter

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Orr, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Scannell, Reach, Harris

Watford currently sit 17th, just behind us in the table. An important match to win for us.

I'm recalcitrant on attacking on the road. We'll sit a bit deeper and hope to counter a bit.

10 – Watford head it around from a corner, but it eventually ends up in the arms of Delano van Crooy.

33 – A fantastic low save from van Crooy. The shot came at him very quickly, but he was catlike getting to it.

41 – GOAL! Hugo Fernandez! Wallace passes to him in the box and it's low off the inside of the right post and in! His first of the year.

45 – Halftime. Harris, Reach and Scannell are having awful games. We'll take Harris off for Boymans. Watford are completely handling us, that goal was a bit of a lucky strike on the end result of a free kick.

48 – Boymans paying immediate dividends by setting up a chance for Scannell.

57 – Clodoaldo will replace the woeful Reach.

64 – Watford has been relegated to long shots in the second half. We've restricted them quite well so far.

81 – Watford continue to press. We'll drop into a defensive shell and try and hold them back. We need this win.

83 – Helan is ruled offside on a goal from a free kick. The fans are letting the referee have it.

90 – Full time. Massive back to back wins. Hugo Fernandez is having a terrific season and he is the cornerstone of our midfield right now. Ilori was also very good in the back four. Reach, Scannell and Harris were terrible, but Boymans and Clodoaldo were more than apt substitutes.

[Grover]

Sun. 16 October, 2016
Byram Training
Good news as right back Sam Byram has resumed full training after missing four weeks with that nasty dislocated jaw.


Sat. 22 October, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #9
Harris and Clodoaldo Power Pompey to Third Straight
Portsmouth 2 – 0 West Ham United
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Muntari, Scannell, Clodoaldo, Harris

West Ham are in a 4-2-4: Adrian, Evina, Wootton, Boyata, Johnson, Davis, Noble, Murphy, Albrighton, Nouble, Maiga

We're looking for a bit of revenge on that horrible Capital One Cup extra time loss.

5 – Ilori hits the post and then Scannell puts it wide!

24 – We are controlling the run of play, but are being held to long distance shots.

40 – GOAL! Great counterattack from us! Scannell breaks and as the defenders close on him he slips it out for Harris, who passes it into the back of net.

45 – Halftime. We're in a winning position at the half once more and everyone is playing fairly well. Clodoaldo is nervous, as is Webster. Some of the players are still adapting to the pressure of the Premier League.

58 – A chance is worked in for Eaves, but he heads it over our goal.

60 – GOAL! And a magnificent individual effort from Clodoaldo. He races down the right, cuts inside the box, turns the center back inside out and blasts it left-footed past Adrian. Great all-around footballing play from the young Brazilian.

90 – Full time. All was quiet in the last half-hour of the match and we have absolutely no complaints with that. A very deserved 2-0 win over a team below us in the table. These are the points we have to pick up. Clodoaldo is Player of the Match, mostly for his scintillating goal. Harris also added a goal and assist. October has been a very good month for us.

Sun. 23 October, 2016
Sorin Signing
We will be signing FC Kobenhavn center back Marius Sorin on 1st January, 2017. The 17 year-old will cost us £300K

Lalkovic Back
Milan Lalkovic has returned to full training after missing two weeks with a twisted knee.

Tue. 25 October, 2016
Team of the Week
Clodoaldo was named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Butler Injured
Dan Butler is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a groin injury.

Wed. 26 October, 2016
Morrison Signs With Pompey
A bit of a shocker, we have signed attacking midfielder Ravel Morrison on a free transfer. The highly creative and very fast Ravel can play MC, AMC, AML and AMR. He may start on the right. He will be a very versatile player for us... when he decides to show up.

Thu. 27 October, 2016
Facilities Upgraded
The board have informed me that our youth facilities have been upgraded.

Sat. 29 October, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #10
Sensational Brace From Scannell
Reading 1 – 2 Portsmouth
Reading are in a 4-4-2: Hamer, Clark, Pearce, Batth, Solly, Robson-Kanu, Karacan, Phillips, Delfouneso, Cox

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Muntari, Scannell, Clodoaldo, Harris

2 – Harris has an early chance, but the shot fizzes wide.

19 – Very unlucky as Scannell breaks in and fires straight at Hamer. Good save from the keeper.

26 – GOAL! Scannell won't be denied this time. Bidwell passes from the left, Scannell pushes forward against Solly and turns to fire right-footed, great goal!

31 – GOAL! Karacan corners and Matty Phillips is there to level this match with his header at the near post.

45 – Halftime. We're going to make two changes here. Lalkovic for Clodoaldo and Miquel for Webster. Webby has been struggling mightily today.

63 – PENALTY! Lalkovic concedes, but van Crooy stops the effort! What a massive save on Connor Wickham!

72 – Boymans will replace the ineffective Harris.

82 – GOAL! Lalkovic and Scannell hit Reading on the break! Lalkovic crosses for the far post and his colleague on the opposite wing heads it past a diving Hamer.

90 – Full time. Fantastic late win. We got lucky with the save on the penalty. We might not have even been in the position to win this match. Scannell picks up Player of the Match with an 8.8 and two goals. Both halftime subs proved to be intelligent moves, as did the Harris subsititon.

October was a fantastic month for us. 4-0-0 and we've clawed our way into the top half of the table. Heady days. It's all a bit dizzy up here.

[Grover]

Wanted to get some thoughts from the general reading public of this here dynasty. Is there anything different you'd like to see? Some more coverage on something?

I'll be adding my pictures to the thread starting at the turn of the year, so January 2017. If I can establish the club as a Premier League team after this season, I'll start doing monthly table and stats updates like I do in other dynasties.

Just looking for some comments, criticisms or general thoughts. I'm open to adding anything in that you'd like to see.

[Brian Swartz]

I think the match write-ups are good. I also think it can become easy to lose track of where you are in the season, often I have no idea where you/the other team you are playing rank and therefore how 'good' a win really is. A monthly update of the standings(or at least the teams around you in them, not necessarily the whole table) would be good, possibly more often near the end of the year. These could go right after the board confidence stuff. If you read radii's FM dynasty he did a good job with this.

It might also be a good idea to include in the match report either the record or place in the table of the teams, i.e. Portsmouth(8-2-1) or Portsmouth(13th) or whatever.

[BYU 14]

Echo what Brian said, a monthly table update, scoring leaders, etc. Otherwise everything is solid, enjoying following this along.

[Grover]

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciate. I'll be implementing some of these suggestions once January, 2017 hits in the posts.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 November, 2016
Board Confidence
The board is back to being delighted with what we're doing. However, they're unhappy with Adam Reach's recent play. He's been terrible.

Team of the Week
Sean Scannell was named to the Premier League Team of the Week

Sat. 05 November, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #11
Lalkovic and Harris Combine For Win
Swansea City 1 – 2 Portsmouth
Swansea are in a 4-2-3-1: Butland, Cresswell, Coates, Amat, Lustig, Kabore, L. Gonzalez, Stocker, Shelvey, Dyer, Donnelly

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Scannnell, Lalkovic, Harris

Swansea are a Champions League team this year, but they are struggling in the league. Failing to cope with the extra burden on the schedule? Either way, we can't overlook them.

5 – GOAL! Lucho Gonzalez with a rocket into the bottom right corner of goal!

16 – GOAL! Lalkovic crosses from the far right and finds Ash Harris who runs onto the ball for an easy tap-in!

33 – Phenomenal save by the England international keeper Butland at the far post. Byram crossed for Scannel and he was there to rebuff the winger's attempt.

41 – Muntari has an effort from 30 yards and grazes the bar!

45 – We're in good shape for a good result at the half. I feel like we can definitely get another goal against these guys.

54 – Gonna make a couple of early changes. Fernandez is exhausted. Lucas will move to DM, Wallace will come on for the Spaniard. Clodoaldo will replace Scannell on the left wing.

67 – GOAL! And it's a sweet one from Milan Lalkovic! He takes Harris' pass and slides it past Butland with ease. We're really starting to grow into ourselves in this division!

72 – Swansea break and Pozuelo crosses in for Donnelly, but van Crooy is there to tip it away!

87 – Donelly is denied three times by van Crooy at the left post! Incredible performance from the Dutchman!

90 – Wow! What an amazing win. Our biggest yet and our fifth in a row. Incredible. Lalkovic is Player of the Match, but Harris was right behind 8.6 and 8.4 van Crooy was a 7.4, impressive for a keeper. We've just got to keep on rolling. It's a short month with the internationals coming up next, giving us a chance to rest.

Muntari Suspended
Sulley Muntari has picked up an automatic one match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card.

Fri. 11 November, 2016
Butler Back
Dan Butler has returned to full training.

Tue. 15 November, 2016
International News
Milan Lalkovic earned his first cap for Slovakia.

Lee Lucas scores his first goal for Wales.

[Grover]

Sat. 19 November, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #12
Ravel's Debut Strike Earns Pompey Another Win
Newcastle 2 – 0 Portsmouth
Newcastle are in a 4-4-2: Krul, Bertrand, Streete, Coloccini, Chambers, Gaitan, Anita, Thorne, Candreva, Cornelius, Campbell

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Lucas, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

Ravel is on the subs bench today.

11 – GOAL! Adam Webster! Harris sends in a low corner to Webster's feet and he taps it in at the near post. His first of the year!

16 – GOAL! Disaster for Adam Webster this time as he heads it into his OWN goal! Head in hands, Newcastle have leveled through a mistake.

39 – Both fullbacks are struggling with Gaitan and Candreva.

45 – Good to be level at the half, but the fullbacks are playing at a 5.4 rating each. We're getting burned down the flank.

62 – Bidwell has picked up a knock. His day's over. Butler will come on. We'll also bring Ravel on for Lalkovic.

86 – GOAL! Byram crosses deep from the right and it falls to t he right foot of Ravel. He fires past Krul. Debut goal. Super sub! St. James' Park is stunned.

90 – Full time. Stunning late win! Ravel comes on and bangs home the winner five minutes from time. Great debut. Webster picks up Player of the Match. Byram was hugely improved in the second half. Buter was a solid replacement for Bidwell. We keep rolling.

Next four matches? Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal.

-Gulp-

Bidwell Injured
Dan Butler's about to get some serious playing time. Bidwell sprained his ankle and will miss 4-5 weeks.

Tue. 22 November, 2016
Newcastle Approach
Three days after our 2-1 win over Newcastle, their club president Sean O'Connor has invited me to attend an interview for their recent managerial vacancy that I may have contributed to. I have declined the fine offer.

Sat. 26 November, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #13
Chelsea Scrape Pompey Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Chelsea
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Muntari, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

Chelsea are in a 4-2-3-1: Cech, Martins Indi, Jones, Matip, Peruzzi, Lampard, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Welbeck

8 – GOAL! It's Tiago Ilori from Harris' corner at the back post! Incredible start, pandemonium in the stands!

31 – Chelsea with some nice football, but finishing with weak shots.

45 – Half time. We go into it with a slim lead, but we've been controlling most of the play believe it or not. Let's hope we can keep it up.

63 – Ravel will come on for Lalkovic.

67 – Chelsea looking very dangerous on the counterattack.

77 – GOAL! Willian has equalized for Chelsea. He heads home from Mata's cross inside the box.

88 – Ravel makes a great run down the box, crosses in for Wallace, but the shot is blocked.

90 – Full time. Byram picks up Player of the Match, Fernandez was also excellent. We're a good team that is gelling nicely. Just looking to add a few more pieces.

Sun. 27 November, 2016
FA Cup Draw
We will be hosting Wolves in the FA Cup third round on 7th January, 2017.

Tue. 29 November, 2016
Team of the Week
Tiago Ilori has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Thu. 01 December, 2016
Player Awards
Adam Webster has been named Premier League Young Player of the Month.

Eskilsson Signs
We have signed midfielder/forward Andreas Eskilsson on a free transfer. The 22 year-old Swede was available after his contract with Malmo expired.

http://i.imgur.com/TsNIpoe.png

This is the player we wanted to sign when we request extra transfer funds.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. This is highlighted by the club's fantastic performances in the Premier League. They are still disappointed with the signing of Adam Reach.

Fri. 02 December, 2016
Boymans Injured
Ruud Boymans has a lower back stress fracture and will miss two months.

Sat. 03 December, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #14
Pompey Streak Ends as Reds Ease to Victory
Portsmouth 0 – 2 Liverpool
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Fernandez, Butler, Miquel, Webster, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Muntari, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

Ilori is ineligible for this match as he is a Liverpool player. Eskilsson is on the bench

Liverpool are in a 4-4-1-1: Reina, Alba, Agger, Abdoulaye, Corchia, Tadic, Lucas Leiva, Henderson, Lennon, Suso, Seferovic

1 – GOAL! It takes fifty seconds and Lucas Leiva getting freed in the box to open the scoring. Horrible way for us to start this match.

6 – GOAL! Suso receives the ball at the top of the 18 and fires past van Crooy. Can we recover? Or will we fall further behind?

45 – We settled down after the first five minutes, but we're still a bit of a mess at the half. I think I've properly motivated the team going back out there.

57 – Wallace, Scannell and Harris will come off for Lucas Clodoaldo and Eskilsson.

73 – We're doing all we can to keep it a two goal game. Liverpool are relentless. Van Crooy is making some excellent saves.

90 – Full time. It was a disappointing performance from everyone except Byram and Muntari. We need to be better. I know these clubs are way ahead of us, but there's never any excuse to give up a pair of goals in the first 10 minutes of a match.

Fernandez Suspended
Hugo Fernandez will miss the Manchester City match after collecting his fifth yellow card.

Sat. 10 December, 2016
Everton Approach
Everton President Taylor Barnes has invited to me attend an interview to become their new head coach. I decline.

Barclays Premier League Match Day #15
Eskilsson Rescues Improbable Draw
Manchester City 1 – 1 Portsmouth
Manchester are in a 4-5-1: Hart, Shaw, Nastasic, Varane, Bartra, Kompany, Bender, Roberto, Silva, Nasri, Dzeko

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy. Webster, Ilori, Byram, Lucas, Wallace, Muntari, Scannel, ravel, Eskilsson

12 – Wallace with a chance that goes just over!

24 – Dzeko heads a chance on goal into the side netting!

43 – Ravel sets up a shot for Wallace, but he's wide of the mark again.

45 – Not a bad scoreline at the half. Scannell is at a 5.8, but he'll kick on, I'm sure of it.

60 – I was wrong. Lalkovic will replace Scannell.

62 – GOAL! Dzeko with a powerful header to put City in front.

90 + 3 – GOAL! Unbelievable equalizer from the two newest signings! Ravel throws long from inside our own half, it rolls and Eskilsson runs onto it and fires past Hart. What a goal!

Full time. WOW! Dan Butler was Player of the Match. Fantastic work at the back. But wow, what a finish. Fantastic result.

[Grover]

Sat. 17 December, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #16
Pompey Hold Dominant Arsenal to Draw
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Arsenal
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Muntari, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

Arsenal are in a 4-5-1: Szczesny, Vermaelen, Moreno, Savic, Richards, Xhaka, Kovacic, Ramsey, Ayew, Wilshere, Giroud

16 – Back and forth to start, we don't look bad at all.

45 – Quiet half from both sides. Eskilsson is struggling, we'll give him a chance, if he can't improve Harris will replace him.

59 – Harris will indeed come on for Eskilsson.

61 – PENALTY! Fernandez concedes by tripping Richards. Van Crooy SAVES Wilshere's attempt!

71 – Fernandez and Scannell will come off for Lucas and Lalkovic.

81 – We continue to clear chance after chance after chance out of our zone.

89 – Now it's our turn, we force five corners in a little under two minutes.

90 – Full time. Another very credible draw against top competition. Ilori was Player of the Match. Good job, good effort as we head into a very tough period.

Tue. 20 December, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #17
Soton Take Spoils in South Coast Derby
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Southampton
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Scannell, Lalkovic, Eskilsson

Southampton are in a 4-5-1: Forster, Limbersky, Mertesacker, Papadopoulos, Dani Alves, Gibson, Collison, Ward-Prowse, Josue, dos Santos, Rodriguez

The South Coast Derby. Here we go.

24 – Brilliant opportunity for us as Lalkovic works it inside. He only had to lay off for Eskilsson, but instead tries the shot himself. It is easily saved, he didn't have the angle for it.

45 – Halftime. Even match. Scannell is struggling, so is Byram. We've got plenty of time here.

58 – Rodriguez has a great chance for Soton, but it's parries away by van Crooy.

66 – GOAL! James Ward-Prowse hits us on the counterattack. Time to make some changes.

67 – Muntari, Scannell and Eskilsson off for Rwakarambwe, Ravel and Harris.

90 – Full time. Embarrassing loss. This will be a huge negative in the eyes of the board. Losing to our most hated rival. Nobody even managed to average a 7. We were that pedestrian.

Wed. 21 December, 2016
Bidwell Back
Jack Bidwell has returned to full training.

Mon. 26 December, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #18
Canaries and Pompey in Boxing Day Thriller
Norwich City 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Norwich are in a 4-2-3-1: Ruddy, Oviedo, Baker, Dier, Matthews, Johnson, Fer, Morozyuk, Husbauer, Mak, van Wolfswinkel

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Wallace, Muntari, Lalkovic, Ravel, Eskilsson

2 – GOAL! Scannell breaks in down the left, set free from Hernandez and blasts it by Ruddy!

17 – Ravel has taken a knock, but should be fine.

30 – We have been very stingy in defense.

32 – GOAL! Adam Webster slots home from Eskilsson's corner!

34 – GOAL! Incredible 25 yard blast from Johnson! He ran onto it from Fer's pass, no chance for van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. We did well to keep the lead toward the end of the half. Ravel and Eskilsson have taken knocks. The Swede will likely come off first.

60 – We'll make two changes to our knocked attacking players. Ravel and Eskilsson off for Clodoaldo and Lalkovic

66 – Muntari will come off for Rwakarambwe.

84 – Some very inspired defending is seeing us through the latter stages of this match.

90 + 3 – GOAL! Heartbreak for Pompey. Van Crooy saves, but it's kicked out to Johnson on the rebound. His brace may have saved Norwich!

Sat. 31 December, 2016
Barclays Premier League Match Day #19
Eskilsson and Pompey Edge Out Cardiff
Cardiff City 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Cardiff are in a 4-4-2: Marshall, Garrido, Hangeland, Margreitter, Theophile-Catherine, Birsa, Martins, Kurtic, Hamad, Jelavic, Weimann

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Miquel, Ilori, Webster, Fernandez, Lucas, Muntari, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

9 – GOAL! Eskilsson with a great shot to find the back of the net! He weaved Hangeland inside out before firing past Marshall.

26 – We're fouling a lot. Cardiff having some long free kicks.

45 – We're in a good spot at the half, everyone playing well. Just need to keep on pushing forward. Ravel and Eskilsson starting to bond it looks like.

64 – van Crooy working hard and making some impressive saves.

83 – We'll look to kill the game now.

90 – Full time. We end 2016 and the first half of the season with a good win. Ilori was Player of the match, but the entire back four was in good shape. We're in a good position moving forward with a couple of players joining on the first and a bit of wiggle room in the transfer budget. We may be able to improve the squad yet.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 January, 2017
Two Join Pompey
We have completed the signings of DM/MC Samir Yilmaz and DC Marius Sorin from sc Heerenveen and Kobenhaven respectively for a total of £1.55M

http://i.imgur.com/BIFCHqr.png

http://i.imgur.com/OLh4cCM.png

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the increase in club stature. However, they believe the signing of Andreas Eskilsson has been a poor piece of business.

http://i.imgur.com/y2PGSBf.png

http://i.imgur.com/8IJWAAd.png

Mon. 02 January, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #20
Pompey Pull Of Stunning Late Win
(8)Brighton 1 – 3 Portsmouth (7)
Brighton are in a 4-4-1-1: Amos, Chicksen, Hovland, Maguire O'Hara, Forster-Caskey, Palmer, Nekounam, Buckley, Pereira, Larusson

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Bradley, Sorin, Orr, Yilmaz, Wallace, Rwakarambwe, Clodoaldo, Lalkovic, Harris

Patchwork lineup for sure. I hate to throw Yilmaz and Sorin in so quickly, but we're hurting having played the day before last.

14 – Orr crosses from the right for the near post, but Lalkovic's headed attempt was always going wide.

26 – GOAL! Brighton take the lead through Forster-Caskey's left-footed blast that beats van Crooy on a very narrow angle.

33 – GOAL! Ashley Harris jinks and jukes his way into the box between defenders between placing his shot far side past a diving Ben Amos. Pretty goal!

45 – Halftime. We're in decent shape. Better than I thought we might be in. With as tired as we are, I would happily take a draw here.

58 – GOAL! Will Buckley puts Brighton in front, he works around Yilmaz and Sorin and fires past van Crooy at the near side.

64 – Sorin and Clodoaldo will come off for Webster and Reach.

75 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley picks up the errant ball from the confusion in the box and smacks it in!

85 – GOAL! Unbelievable! Lalkovic shoots from the top of the box and hits the elbow, Wallace picks up the loose ball and scores!

90 – Full time. Fantastic win for a very tired and cobbled together team! What an effort from everyone on the team. Bradley, Orr and Harris were the stars, but everyone contributed. Wow.

Tue. 03 January, 2017
Yilmaz Away
Samir Yilmaz will be away from January 21st – February 12th for the African Cup of Nations as he represents Morocco.

Fri. 06 January, 2017
Sorin On Loan
We have decided to send Marius Sorin out on loan to APOEL in Greece for the rest of the season. We want the 17 year old to get some first team action and he's not ready for the Premier League quite yet.

Sat. 07 January, 2017
FA Cup Third Round
Pompey Ease By Wolves
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

Wolves are in a 4-4-2: Bogdan, Dummett, Cathcart, Stearman, Foley, Ward, Frimpong, Clifford, Haroun, Grigg, Gestede

It's entirely possible we are fielding a team stronger than we should with another Premier League match in three days.

14 – Rudy Gestede is ruled offside on a tapped in goal after Clifford blasted one off the crossbar. Very lucky.

35 – We've been dominant on the ball with nothing to show for it.

42 – Wolves getting far better chances on goal with far less possession.

45 – Everyone needs to play better. That's your halftime report. We're miles better than Wolves.

55 – Eskilsson had a great long shot, but it was straight at Bogdan.

57 – GOAL! Will Grigg has given Wolves the lead. Tomlin burst in from the left and crosses for Grigg who gets a couple of tries to knock it in.

74 – Eskilsson floats a free kick, Butler's header ends up in Bogdan's arms. Moment's later, Eskilsson heads onto the crossbar from Byram's cross.

76 – GOAL! Ravel cuts between the left back and left winger to slide in a pass for the Swede who lifts a shot over Bogdan's head at the near post!

82 – GOAL! Same duo, same result! Ravel races down the right flank and crosses near post for Eskilsson. He takes the ball on the bounce and fires home!

88 – Eskilsson hits the crossbar yet again! What a day he's having and could have had!

90 – Full time. Excellent comeback in the final 15 minutes. Most of the work credited to Ravel and Eskilsson. Fantastic work in getting those two goals late.

We've been awarded £68.85K for winning in the FA Cup.

Sun. 08 January, 2017
FA Cup Draw
We will be traveling to Oakwell on the 21st to face Barnsley in the FA Cup fourth round.

Tue. 10 January, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #21
Portsmouth Just About Scrape Past Ten Man Latics
(18) Wigan 0 – 1 Portsmouth (7)
Wigan are in a 4-4-2: Snape, Wiggins, Gibson, Wilson, Mellor, Shea, Lowe, McCan, Barnetta, Matavz, Keogh

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Fernandez, Lalkovic, Ravel, Eskilsson

I had a laugh at the name Snape.. and then the player. He's 16 and very unskilled.

5 – van Crooy forced into action early on, making a good save on Matavz's rising shot.

33 – Another excellent save from van Crooy, this time he's diving to his right to get the fingertips onto the ball.

35 – RED CARD! Ben Gibson is given a straight red for pulling Eskilsson down on the edge of the box. We'll up the tempo and put more pressure on Wigan now.

45 – No excuses if we don't take three points. I need to see more from everybody though.

51 – Bidwell rips a shot from 25 yards, but Snape is up to the challenge.

57 – We'll move to the 4-2-4 in an attempt to push up and score. Harris is on for Fernandez, Rwakarambwe is on for Muntari.

70 – We finally earn a corner, nothing comes of it. It's almost as if we're down a man in this match.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Talk about leaving it late. Harris crosses and Eskilsson bangs it home on the volley.

Full time. Talk about scraping a win. We probably didn't even deserve three points at that point, but we got them. Never make fun of a really bad goalkeeper either.

Thu. 12 January, 2017
Clodoaldo Out on Loan
With less and less chance of first team time, we've decided to send Clodoaldo out on loan to Bradford for the next three months.

Sat. 14 January, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #22
Blue Army Rising In Impressive Win
(5) Portsmouth 4 – 1 West Brom (11)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Miquel, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

West Brom are in a 4-4-2: Hansen, Ridgewell, Olsson, Dawson, Trippier, Aluko, Mulumbu, Battocchio, Antonio, Anichebe, Toivonen

5 – GOAL! Eskilsson's sends a free kick in, Miquel knocks it back and Ravel volleys it past Hansen. Great goal.

9 – RED CARD! Mulumbu is sent off for a professional foul on Lee Lucas! Up a man in two straight matches? Incredible!

18 – PENALTY! Dawson fouls Scannell on a corner! Eskilsson coolly slots home the penalty.

26 – GOAL! It's never over! Ola Toivonen volleys home from a cross after a set-piece. West Brom with a glimmer of hope!

29 – Yilmaz has to come off injured. Fernandez will replace him.

36 – GOAL! And a tremendous one at that from Ravel! He sprints around the left back and fires for the top right corner of goal.

45 – Halftime. Great looking position for us at the half. Can't let up on them.

52 – GOAL! Dan Butler with a great effort from just inside the top of the box.

55 – Rwakarambwe will come on for Muntari.

66 – Rwakarambwe has already had two shots fizz past the post.

90 – Full time. Very impressive win, even with the man advantage. We should have done this against Wigan. Ravel picks up Player of the Match, but van Crooy was a 9.2, Miquel 8.3. Very strong game overall.

Yilmaz Injury
Samir Yilmaz has suffered a thigh strain and will miss two weeks.

[NoSkillz]

VERY impressive start to your Premier League season. I've found the Premier League to be much more difficult...it's been a grind in my dynasty!

[Taz13]

Hey Grover. I am enjoying your journey, but I have a side question for you. I have tried past versions of FM, but I seem to get lost in all of the different aspects of the game. I was wondering if you felt this version would be easier for a newbie to get involved with. I understand soccer/football, but always got lost in the tactics and training. I appreciate your opinion.

Thanks,

[Grover]

Hey Taz, thanks! I'd say that this year's and FM13 would be much easier to get into because of the FM Classic mode which really kind of pares things down to the essentials.

[Grover]

Sat. 21 January, 2017
FA Cup Fourth Round
Perkins and Eskilsson Stage Thrilling Finish
Barnsley 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Barnsley are in a 4-4-2: Steele, Thompson, Turnbull, Butcher, Cranie, Golbourne, Pearson, Morris, Newton, Morales, Vaughan

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Webster, Miquel, Byram, Fernandez, Lucas, Rwakarambwe, Scannell, Lalkovic, Harris

8 – Lee Lucas fizzes a shot past the left post.

18 – GOAL! Fantastic strike from Milan Lalkovic! He held and made his way across the top of the 18 before cutting inside and unleashing a laser that Steele tips into the top of his net.

24 – Harris strikes the post! We are buzzing.

34 – GOAL! Barnsley are level through Bryn Morris' rocket. Vaughan played him in and he just blasts it past van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. We shouldn't be level. Harris has been awful, needs to get better, I'd rather not use Eskilsson with Everton on Tuesday.

63 – Eskilsson will replace Harris. Sigh.

70 – Morales decides to shoot at van Crooy from 25 yards when he has acres of open space ahead of him. There were acres of open space beneath his shot as well.

88 – GOAL! David Perkins may have just beaten us. Great shot at the top of the box to beat van Crooy at his near side.

90 – GOAL! Eskilsson hits back immediately! Butler plays in a square ball and the Swede places it past the keeper.

Full time. Well. At least we earned a replay.

Tue. 24 January, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #23
Ravel Brace Powers Pompey
(4) Portsmouth 2 – 1 Everton (9)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Wallace, Lalkovic, Ravel, Eskilsson

Everton are in a 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Pereira, Gonzalez, Alonso, Guy, King, Ince, van Persie

1 – GOAL! What a start! Wallace wins the ball in midfield, pushes it past Stones, who moves up out of position to Ravel. The right winger drives it past McCarthy.

21 – GOAL! Ravel again! Eskilsson crosses from the right corner, Ravel shoots into Jagielka's legs, gets it again and beats McCarthy. What an opening 20 minutes!

41 – Good save from van Crooy at his right post as Baines drives in a hard shot.

45 – Half time. No complaints. Ravel is really coming into his advanced playmaker role on the right wing. Eskilsson is developing well with him. I just need to find a good complement at left wing. I don't think Scannell/Lalkovic are the true answer.

59 - Eskilsson has taken a knock. Nothing serious, but we'll bring Harris on for him.

63 – GOAL! Andy King pulls one back for Everton. His initial shot hits Webster and van Crooy anticipates it, but King gets it back with the open goal at his mercy.

83 – Scannell will come on for Lalkovic.

90 + 5 – Muntari is injured. Rwakarambwe will come on. Yes, we're in the 5th minute of stoppage time.

Full time. Ravel Morrison, I love you. What a game from him yet again, Player of the Match. Bidwell was also excellent on the left. We're stringing together some fine performances at the turn of the new year here.

Thu. 26 January, 2017
Yilmaz Back
Samir Yilmaz has returned to full training after missing 12 days with a thigh strain.

Pompey Sign Ferreira Carrasco
We have signed AS Monaco's 23 year-old Belgian left winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco for a fee of £150K. Carrasco would have been available on a Bosman in the summer, but we elected to acquire him now.

http://i.imgur.com/Nc7epf5.png

Sat. 28 January, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #24
United Take a Stroll at Old Trafford
(1) Manchester United 3 – 0 Portsmouth (4)
Manchester are in a 4-2-3-1: De Gea, Davies, Dragovic, Evans, Lukac, Carrick, Fellaini, Kagawa, Ramirez, Shaqiri, Balotelli

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

United have 58 points and a massive lead over second place in the table. They are running away with it this year.

8 – Ferreira Carrasco hits the post! Great shot and effort from the new signing.

28 – We're managing to hold United to long range shots.

35 – Great defending from van Crooy and Ilori to clear the ball from danger.

45 – GOAL! Xherdan Shaqiri finally breaks the deadlock. Lukac bombed in a cross from the right, Balotelli headed it across and Shaqiri finishes.

Full time. Not a horrible half. Unlucky to give up the late goal.

48 – OWN GOAL! Bad news as van Crooy sends it into goal as Balotelli tries to force it past him.

59 – GOAL! Dragovic with a venomous strike from the top of the box.

62 – Butler, Ravel and Eskilsson will come off for Bidwell, Lalkovic and Harris.

77 – Matches against teams like this show us just how far we have to go. Great save by van Crooy on Kagawa on the right.

90 – About what we thought would happen. Hopefully next year we can give them a better challenge.

Tue. 31 January, 2017
Pompey Sign Solovadchenko
We have signed 18 year-old Russian central midfielder Artem Solovadchenko on a free transfer after his deal with Spartak Moscow expired. He'll join the club in July.

Shaw Joins
We have signed 18 year-old Middlesbrough center back Carl Shaw for a fee of £7,000. Shaw will be loaned out to Bournemouth for three months.

http://i.imgur.com/tCGCXhI.png

Boly To Sign in Summer
We have agreed a deal to sign AS Saint-Etienne's 25 year-old center back Willy Boly on a free transfer.

[Grover]

Wed. 01 February, 2017
Rwakarambwe Wants Out
Disappointing news as Fahad Rwakarambwe has asked for a transfer out of the club. He's been with us since League 2.

I've accepted it, because we'll need better players to really achieve what we want anyway.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the way I am leading the team. Their fantastic overall performance in the Premier League has been a highlight.

However, they are disappointed with the Adam Reach signing. Hopefully Ferreira Carrasco is the answer on the left wing.

http://i.imgur.com/7XWT4H9.png

http://i.imgur.com/YBvAKPC.png

FA Cup Third Round Replay
Barnsley Knock Pompey Out
Portsmouth 1 – 2 Barnsley
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

Barnsley are in a 4-4-2: Steele, Golbourne, Turnbull, Butcher, Cranie, Morris, Pearson, Newton, Wright, Vaughn, Morales

We are 1-1-2 against Barnsley all time. I tell the boys that nothing but a win is acceptable tonight.

22 – James Vaughn loops an effort over goal. At the other end, Ravel loops a cross into Steele's arms.

28 – Pearson has two great attempts at goal, but van Crooy is up to the task on both occasions.

45 – Halftime. Still looking for a goal. We're better than this again a team in a league below us.

59 – GOAL! Morales takes the cross from Morris and taps past van Crooy!

63 – Changes. Muntari, Scannell and Eskilsson are off for Rwakarambwe, Lalkovic and Harris.

74 – Miquel heads over, so close.

84 – GOAL! Calum Butcher puts it away and Barnsley should be moving on from here.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Merely consolation as Rwakarambwe blasts it past Steele.

Full time. Pretty embarrassing performance to be honest. Byram was excellent, everybody else was average or worse. These are teams we have to beat.

Fernandez Suspended
Hugo Fernandez has picked up an automatic two match suspension after collecting his tenth yellow card.

Sun. 05 February, 2017
Barclays Premier league Match Day #25
Brilliant Defending Earns Pompey a Point
(5) Portsmouth 1 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur (7)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Muntari, Wallace, Rwakarambwe, Ferreira Carrasco, Lalkovic, Eskilsson

Spurs are in a 4-2-3-1: Lloris, Vertonghen, Brothers, Romeu, Coleman, Sandro, Paulinho, Yarmolenko, Eriksen, Lamela, Tol

Of course Fernandez is suspended when we have two games in three days.

2 – GOAL! Paulinho from the top right of the box finds the left corner of goal with a great shot.

14 – Paulinho's headed effort goes just wide. We're under a lot of duress.

40 – Webster has made a bunch of clearances off the line today.

45 – We've been backed up in our own third all afternoon. Hopefully we can turn that tide a little.

55 – Eskilsson bursts into the box, but fires straight at Lloris.

63 – Muntari, Lalkovic and Ferreira Carrasco will come off for Lucas, Ravel and Scannell.

64 – GOAL! Instant result from the subs! Scannell crosses in and Eskilsson beats Lloris with the volley!

88 - We are currently weathering a 25 minute long storm at our end of the pitch.

90 – Full time. Great point, all four defenders were over an 8, Byram led the pack at 9.1. van Crooy was a 7.9 he was fantastic. Tons of acrobatic and difficult saves. Ravel and Scannell were very good after coming on. Eskilsson continues to impress.

Tue. 07 February, 2017
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy, Sam Byram and Andreas Eskilsson have been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Wed. 08 February, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #26
Tractor Boys and Pompey in Six Goal Thriller
(15) Ipswich Town 3 – 3 Portsmouth (5)
Ipswich are in a 4-4-2: Loacj. Husband, Smith, Taylor, Hateley, Galindo, Hyam, Medo, Power, Ings, Marshall

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

7 – GOAL! Ben Marshall dribbles past Miquel and rips the shot past van Crooy.

22 – GOAL! Disaster for van Crooy. He heads to clear, but Ings runs onto it unopposed and lobs it over van Crooy's head. Horrible goal to allow.

39 – GOAL! Ravel crosses in for the post and Eskilsson is there to head it home!

42 – GOAL! This time Eskilsson crosses for the center of the box and Ravel is there to pass it behind Loach!

45 + 3 – GOAL! Luke Hyam from the Ipswich corner. He blasts it behind van Crooy.

Halftime. What a ridiculous half. We may be able to take something from this yet.

53 – Bidwell and Ilori will come off for Butler and Webster.

69 – GOAL! Eskilsson with the equalizer! Scannell fires at goal, but it deflects off a defender and onto the Swede's foot! His 10th of the year!

82 – Rwakarambwe will replace Muntari.

90 – Full time. We'll take the point and run on this one. Ravel was an 8.8, Eskilsson a 9.1. These two are making things happen for us.

Tue. 14 February, 2017
Team of the Week
Andreas Eskilsson was selected in the Premier League Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Sat. 18 February, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #27
Scannell The Star as Pompey Win Big
(6) Portsmouth 4 – 1 Watford (13)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

Watford are in a 4-4-2: Ryan, Cunningham, Lees, Bennett, Christensen, Mackay-Steven, Rossiter, James, Fortounis, Mayuka, Clayton

We are hoping that Ferreira Carrasco will start adapting and gelling into the lineup.

14 – GOAL! Scannell takes Muntari's pass and turns the defender, firing past Ryan!

18 – GOAL! Scannell works inside, passes to the top of the box, Eskilsson dribbles in and scores!

45 – GOAL! Ravel steals the ball from the last man inside our own half and takes it the distance!

Halftime. Oh this is nice. We're playing some inspired football. Clearly, Scannell has something to prove.

46 – GOAL! Mayuka with a tap-in. Hunter headed off the bar and it dropped nicely for the Watford forward.

63 – GOAL! Second from Scannell! Ravel crosses for Eskilsson, the header is saved, but Scannell feasts on the scraps!

78 – Fernandez will replace Yilmaz.

90 – Full time. Dominant win. Fantastic play from the forward three and Muntari, all over 8.5. Scannell picks up Player of the Match at 9.4, Eskilsson was a 9.1.

Tue. 21 February, 2017
Team of the Week
Sean Scannell, Ravel Morrison and Andreas Eskilsson were named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Sun. 26 February, 2017
Capital One Cup
Tottenham Hotspur have beaten rivals West Ham 3-0 at Wembley to hoist the Capital One Cup. Harry Kane, Davide Fabbrini and Andriy Yarmolenko scored the goals for Bernd Schuster's side.

[Grover]

Wed. 01 March, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #28
Eskilsson on the Mark Again for Pompey
(18) West Ham United 0 – 2 Portsmouth (6)
West Ham are in a 4-2-4: Adrian, Evina, Diakite, Boyata, Spence, Noble, Davis, Jarvis, Albrighton, Murphy, Eaves

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

Ravel in his return to face West Ham since leaving last summer.

6 – Albrighton is unlucky and hits the far post with a whipped shot.

18 – GOAL! Ravel passes to Byram, who crosses for Eskilsson. The Swede settles the cross and fires it past Adrian. Great control and concentration.

45 – Solid half. It was back and forth at times, but both teams are working mostly from outside the 18 yard boxes.

63 – Ravel and Scannell will come off for Lalkovic and Ferreira Carrasco.

70 – Muntari with a chance at the top of the 18, but it's an easy collect for Adrian.

85 – GOAL! Lalkovic with a strange one! He crosses from the touchline and it deflects off Adrian and in before it can go in off the far post!

90 – Full time. Very good away win over a relegation threatened team. We came in, handled our business the way we should and walked out winners. This is why we're sixth. Determination.

Board Confidence
The board is absolutely delighted with the way the team is being led, with the team's performance in the Premier League a particular highlight. Despite the positives, the fans are disappointed at our 2-1 defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup.

http://i.imgur.com/E4ILYHQ.png

http://i.imgur.com/cUwP2qS.png

http://i.imgur.com/43Xt49K.png



Fri. 03 March, 2017
Yilmaz Homesick
Samir Yilmaz doesn't feel he'll be able to settle in England and has asked for a transfer. We reluctantly agree and wait for someone to match his £2.2M minimum fee release clause.

Tue. 07 March, 2017
Team of the Week
Sulley Muntari and Andreas Eskilsson were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Sat. 11 March, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #29
Eskilsson Continues to Impress
(6) Portsmouth 2 – 1 Swansea City (12)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Swansea are in a 4-4-2: Randolph, Strinic, Williams, Amat, Naughton, Martin, Shelvey, Richards, P. Hernandez, Buckingham, Pozuelo

8 – GOAL! Magnificent effort from Eskilsson! He takes a wonderful pass from Ferreira Carrasco, bombs into the box and turns Jordi Amat inside-out before putting a beautiful shot into the corner of goal.

13 – GOAL! Buckingham dribbles circles around Ilori before slotting the ball past van Crooy. Great goal.

17 – GOAL! Webster at the near post to pass in Eskilsson's corner!

45 – Haltime. Frantic start, but it soon calmed down. We're looking good against a fairly strong side. Eskilsson is the class of Pompey again thus far.

67 – Ilori, Bidwell and Muntari will come off for Miquel, Butler and Rwakarambwe.

81 – Great save from van Crooy as a ball is sent in and flicked by Pozuelo quickly at the keeper.

90 – Full time. The more the season goes on, the more I feel as if I've found my forward to build this team around.

Sun. 12 March, 2017
Pompey Sign Asllani
We have signed Ervin Asllani from Metalurg D on a free transfer. The 22 year-old right back has been capped by Albania 22 times. He's known as an excellent leader with great physical attributes. He'll join us when he contract expires at the end of June.

[Grover]

Sat. 18 March, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #30
Ten Man Chelsea Handle Pompey
(2) Chelsea 3 – 2 Portsmouth (7)
Chelsea are in a 4-2-3-1: Cech, Martins Indi, Terry, Jones, Peruzzi, Lampard, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Welbeck

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Miquel, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Now this is a test. How can we handle Stamford Bridge and the league's second best club?

15 – van Crooy being put to the task often early on, but he's passing the test.

30 – We're playing very well defensively, but have nothing to offer going forward. This bus is parked.

42 – RED CARD! Phil Jones is sent off. He's given Eskilsson quite the knock. Can we impress anything upon Chelsea while up a man?

45 – Halftime. This is a brilliant opportunity to take a massive win.

50 – GOAL! Chelsea hit us on the break, Oscar crossing for Welbeck who drives it beyond van Crooy.

57 – GOAL! Ferreira Carrasco steals the ball from Terry and blasts it into the back of the net.

58 – Scannell will come on for Ferreira Carrasco, unfortunately the substitution had been planned before Yannick scored the goal. I feel bad about that.

69 – GOAL! Chelsea is back in front on some confusion from the set-piece. Willian takes advantage and passes it into the back of the net.

85 – GOAL! Schurrle crosses for the far post and Willian is there unmarked to head home.

89 – GOAL! Sean Scannell pulls one back with his 7th goal of the year!

90 – Full time. We can't do anymore after that. Not a good result despite being up a man for half the match. Fernandez was Player of the Match. It's our first loss in five matches.

Wed. 29 March, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #31
Pompey Have It Easy Over Reading
(7) Portsmouth 4 – 1 Reading (18)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira, Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Reading are in a 4-4-2: Hamer, Clark, Pearce, Burn, Solly, Robson-Kanu, Norwood, Montolivo, Phillips, Delfouneso, Livaja

This is a game we need to win. Reading are likely to be relegated. We are under no obligation to aid their survival bid.

4 – GOAL! Off on the right foot! … of Hugo Fernandez! It's free in the box and he powers it past Hamer.

10 – Reading pushing forward now and Montolivo fires just wide of van Crooy.

26 – Reading seeing more of the ball than we probably expected. Their finishing has been lackluster, however.

36 – GOAL! Bidwell crosses for Eskilsson, but Solly comes in with an excellent tackle. Ravel pounces on the free ball and beats Hamer. Excellent awareness from the right wing playmaker.

45 – GOAL! Eskilsson fires from the right, but it deflects out to the left. Ferreira Carrasco collects it and fires into the open net.

Halftime. Yes.

63 – Wallace will come on for Muntari.

72 – OWN GOAL! Disaster for Reading as Chris Solly tries to head over goal, but finds the back of goal.

77 – GOAL! Marvin Sordell pulls one back, barely. His header bounces off the crossbar, he recovers to tap it over the line.

90 – Full time. Fernandez puts in another Player of the Match performance. It's too bad Yilmaz didn't want to stay with us, but Fernandez is showing he can still be our defensive midfielder for the long term.

[Grover]

Sat. 01 April, 2017
Monthly Awards
Wigan Athletic's Oscar Cardozo has been named Premier League Player of the Month

Warford's central midfielder Jordan Rossiter has been named Premier League Young Player of the Month

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has won the Premier League Manager of the Month

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is absolutely delighted with the way the team is being led. The team's fantastic overall performance in the Premier League has been a particular highlight.

There are no negatives.

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Sun. 02 April, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #32
Pompey and Toon Play Out Dull Draw
(5) Portsmouth 1 – 1 Newcastle (12)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Bidwell, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Newcastle are in a 4-5-1: Krul, Fuchs, Bertrand, van Dijk, Schmid, Tiote, Cabaye, Ward-Prowse, Gaitan, Kusk, Cornelius

15 – Newcastle go close through Kusk, his cross cannoned off the crossbar.

16 – GOAL! At the other end Ravel crosses for Eskilsson, Krul fingertips it up into the air, Eskilsson heads it into the open net!

27 – We are playing some wonderfully flowing, attacking football.

38 – GOAL! Newcastle are level on a set-piece. Ward-Prowse crosses in and Cornelius jumps above the defenders and powers a header past van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. We seem to have let off a bit as the half went along.

58 – We'll make a couple changes. Byram and Muntari will come off for Miquel and Wallace.

68 – Wallace sends a shot over the bar from very close range. Hard miss to take.

90 – Full time. A draw We were terrific until the Newcastle goal and then kind of let off the gas, allowing them back into it. The season is winding down, we need to secure big results.

Wed. 05 April, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #33
Super Sub Scannell With Massive Performance
(3) Liverpool 0 – 2 Portsmouth (5)
Liverpool are in a 4-4-1-1: Reina, Taylor, Wisdom, Skrtel, Corchia, Alba, Matuidi, Henderson, Son Heung-Min, Tadic, Lacazette

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Ilori, Webster, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Rwakarambwe, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

18 – Great save at the post by van Crooy on Heung-Min's blasted volley.

44 – Eskilsson has been injured and has to come off. Scannell will replace him at forward. This could potentially be a huge blow to our end of season run-in.

45 – Halftime. We're in good position, but the loss of Eskilsson looms large. Can we score without him up top?

49 – GOAL! Yes we can! Sean Scannell is put in through Ravel's ball over the top! The right-footed blasts beats Pepe Reina!

60 – Liverpool are bringing intense pressure as they attack the Kop end of Anfield.

76 – Ferreira Carrasco puts a shot across goal and forces a corner. We're looking up for this, like we want the win.

79 – GOAL! Ravel puts Scannell through again. The winger-cum-forward uses his speed to outpace the defense and he scores!

90 – Full time. An absolutely massive performance from substitiute and Player of the Match Sean Scannell. He scores both goals (both assisted by Ravel) and puts us in prime position with five matches to go.

Eskilsson Injury
The fantastic Andreas Eskilsson will miss 10-12 days with a damaged elbow.

Our next match is in 11 days, he could be back for it.

Mon. 10 April, 2017
Yilmaz Returns
Samir Yilmaz has arrived back to training after his leave of absence. He has assured concerned supporters that his homesickness has now gone.

Sun. 16 April, 2017
Eskilsson Back
Andreas Eskilsson has returned to full training.

[Grover]

Mon. 17 April, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #34
Spirited Pompey Earn Draw
(5) Portsmouth 1 – 1 Manchester City (7)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Crrasco, Ravel, Scannell

Man City are in a 4-5-1: Hart, Shaw, Nastasic, Varane, Clyne, Kompany, Bender, Roberto, Silva, Nasri, Simeone

We earned a draw at the Etihad earlier this year. What can we at Fratton Park?

14 – Great work in from Ravel to offer Scannell a chance at a shot.

19 – van Crooy with a wonderful save on Samir Nasri's effort.

31 – Very lucky. Ilori turns the ball over to Silva in the box, but his shot fizzes past the far post.

41 – GOAL! City take the lead through Lars Bender on the corner. Silva puts it in and Bender is unmarked at the near post to drive it by van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. This one could go either way. I see us getting back into it or City finding their legs and blowing us out of the water.

76 – GOAL! Muntari leaes it for Ravel who fires past a downed Joe Hart! This match is level!

77 – Lalkovic and Harris will come on for Ferreira Carrasco and Scannell.

90 – Full time. A draw against a strong City side is a positive result. We're really looking at a top five finish with just four games to play. Unbelievable. Ravel's heroics earn him Player of the Match.

Tue. 18 April, 2017
Team of the Week
Ravel was named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Sat. 22 April, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #35
Vuka Own Goal Sends Pompey To Win
(3) Arsenal 1 – 2 Portsmouth (5)
Arsenal are in a 4-5-1: Szczesny, Ayew, Vuka, Savic, Crown, Xhaka, Wilshere, Ramsey, Destro, Mirallas, Giroud

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

12 – Eskilsson tries an ambitious 40 yard lob shot, but it was always going wide.

37 – Incredible fingertip save by van Crooy to force a corner. Vuka fouls in the box to end the sequence of play.

42 – Ravel does nicely to work the ball wide and cross in for Ferreira Carrasco. The header is directly into Szczesny's arms.

45 – Halftime. We're in very good shape. We look solid. We'll make one change, Scannell on for Ferreira Carrasco.

58 – GOAL! What a time for Sulley Muntari to score his first of the year! Eskilsson sends in a long free kick and the central midfielder loses his man and heads past Szczesny. The Emirates is shocked!

69 – Ravel forces a strong save from the Polish keeper. We're really taking the game to Arsenal.

73 – Yilmaz will replace Lee Lucas.

84 – GOAL! Arsenal have leveled way late! Cazorla crosses far post and Andre Ayew is there to tap it past van Crooy. A huge sigh of relief from the support here.

88 – Hugo Fernandez blasts from 25 yards and smacks the post!

90 + 2 – OWN GOAL! Disaster for Marc Vuka! Ddan Butler crosses from the left, it was never going to be a problem from Szczesny to deal with, but Vuka inexplicably cuts his keeper off and directs it into goal!

Full time. WOW! Unbelievable win. We never gave up and continued to push even into stoppage time and look what happened! Sam Byram is Player of the Match, but really, we'd like to give that award to young Marc Vuka.

Sun. 23 April, 2017
New Coaches Signed
We've added two new coaches. Eamon Mulvey will coach with the U18 side. Joining the senior coaching staff is former Liverpool player and all-time Premier League great, Steven Gerrard.

Sat. 29 April, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #36
South Coast Derby Ends in Frantic 6-Goal Draw
(13) Southampton 3 – 3 Portsmouth (4)
Soton are in a 4-5-1: Hennessey, Pereira, Papadopoulos, Cahill, Dani Alves, Milivojevic, Guarin, Schneiderlin, Taarabt, Plumain, Rodriguez

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

The South Coast Derby. Time to make amends for the 1-0 home loss in December.

7 – GOAL! From the Butler throw-in, Muntari flicks a header for the back post and it's Ilori there to drive it home! Great goal.

14 – GOAL! Dani Alves gets his clearance all wrong. Ravel intercepts the pass and easily puts the shot into an open goal.

19 – GOAL! Milijoveic gets free on the corner and blasts it by van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. We look good with the lead. Just need to hold them off a little longer. Miquel will replace Webster who has been knocked about a far bit in this one.

64 – GOAL! Soton are level. Disco Adel Taarabt passes in for Osvaldo and he beats van Crooy on the left.

70 – Muntari and Scannell will come off for Yilmaz and Ferreira Carrasco.

74 – GOAL! A three goal turnaround for Southampton! Guarin passes in for the unmarked Jay Rodriguez and he lets it fly past van Crooy.

83 – GOAL! Ignasi Miquel has leveled the affair, tapping home Eskilsson's corner. Plenty of action left in this match!

90 – Full time. A bit of a let-off. We get lucky to take a point in the end. A win would have been huge over our rivals, but the draw is an okay road result.

United Retain
News that was finally made official today, but looked certain since Christmas. Manchester United have retained the Premier League title.

[Grover]

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Mon. 01 May, 2017
April Awards
Everton's left back Leighton Baines has won the Premier League Player of the Month award.

Watford wonderkid forward Craig Hunter has won the Premier League Young Player of the Month.

Manchester United manager Luciano Spalletti has won the Premier League Manager of the Month award.

Tue. 02 May, 2017
Team of the Week
Tiago Ilori and Ravel were selected in the Premier League Team of the Week.

Sun. 07 May, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #37
Defensively Astute Pompey Pick Up Points
(4) Portsmouth 1 – 0 Norwich (11)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Norwich are in a 4-2-3-1: Ruddy, Bassong, Ayala, Dier, Matthews, Strandberg, Hendrick, Mak, Aspas, Snodgrass, van Wolfswinkel

29 – Norwich are unlucky as Snodgrass' free kick clips the crossbar and flies over.

45 – GOAL! Webster is able to kick home Eskilsson's corner!

Halftime. Perfect time to go a goal to the good. We have a few struggling players, we'll give them a few minutes at the start before deciding on any subs.

54 – Dan Butler can't improve, picks up a caution. Jake Bidwell will replace him.

83 – We've held our own here in the second half. No real penetration from Norwich. A good strong defensive performance.

90 – Adam Webster puts in a Player of the Match performance and we're chuffed with the win. It was fairly mundane in the second half. We mostly defended, though Norwich rarely threatened. One match to go.

Sun. 14 May, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #38
Pompey in Bore Draw With Cardiff
(5) Portsmouth 0 – 0 Cardiff (14)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: van Crooy, Butler, Webster, Ilori, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Ferreira, Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Cardiff are in a 4-4-2: Moore, Briggs, Hangeland, Margreitter, Theophile-Catherine, Hughes, Martins, Kurtic, Hamad, McKay, Mason

This is it. If results go our way (including a win from us) we can finish as high as third in the table. We can finish no worse than fifth. You've guessed it, we've qualified for the Europa League at the very least next season.

12 – Eskilsson slices through the defense, but puts his shot wide.

33 – Ferreira Carrasco gets through the backline and forces a shot wide. We're putting together chances, but the finishing is woeful.

45 – The half is a bit disappointing, not everyone pulling their full weight. We want to win this one real bad, but need to show it a little more.

62 – Changes must be made. Muntari, Ravel and Eskilsson are off for Yilmaz, Lalkovic and Scannell.

80 – We're going to push forward to try and snatch a winner.

82 – PENALTY! Fernandez concedes by fouling Lansbury, but van Crooy saves the effort! Amazing!

90 – Full time. A disappointing 0-0 draw as we really wanted to win, but it just wasn't meant to be. We'll have to see how the table shakes out.

PORTSMOUTH QUALIFY FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Can you believe it? From League 2 to Champions League qualification in just four short years.

Liverpool lost to Newcastle 1-0, Arsenal lost to Swansea 1-0. We finish fourth one point above Arsenal to qualify for that final Champions League spot. Ahead of Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City. Amazing.

Financials
The club have paid out £650K to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis.

The club have been given £21.82M for 4th place in the Premier League.

End of Season Awards
Manchester United's midfielder Marouane Fellaini has won the English Player of the Year Award.

Everton's left back Leighton Baines has been named the English Players' Player of the Year.

Manchester United's left back Ben Davies has won the English Players' Young Player of the Year.

Arsenal goalkeeper Woj Szczesny has won the Premier League Golden Gloves award with 17 clean sheets.

Manchester United manager Luciano Spalletti has won the Premier League Manager of the Year Award.

Fri. 26 May, 2017
Pompey Sign Bidstrup
We have signed 16 year old central midfielder Niclas Bidstrup from FC Nordsjaelland for £275K. He will join the club on 9th June.

Sun. 28 May, 2017
Pompey Clear Debts
The board have pronounced the club to be in the best of financial health. They have paid off part of the club's debts.

New Sponsor
The club have announced a new 2 year sponsorship deal worth £180K per year.

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[Grover]

Thu. 01 June, 2017
Club Announce Deal
Portsmouth have entered into a sponsorship with a local company. They will be getting free advertising for three years. I assume it's a charity of sorts.

May Awards
Chelsea fullback Gino Peruzzi won the Premier League Player of the Month award.

Manchester United midfielder Eduardo Guardado won the Premier League Young Player of the Month award.

Manchester United manager Luciano Spalletti won the Premier League Manager of the Month award.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is absolutely delighted with the way the team is being led. They haven't forgotten about the successes of last and season and they still play a small part in my current review. The fantastic overall performance in the Premier League has been a particular highlight. Many fans are voicing their concerns over Yannick Ferreira Carrasco.

De Nooijer Signs
We have looked for a goalkeeper every year we've had Delano van Crooy. He joined us when we were a League 2 team, but we need something better to compete. We have signed 19 year-old Dutchman Raymond de Nooijer in a £5.5M deal from PSV. He will join the club on the 9th.

Wed. 07 June, 2017
Bafana Denge Joins
We have signed 21 year-old South African winger Bafana Denge from Botafogo for £2.5M. He will join the club on the 9th.

Fri. 09 June, 2017
Pompey Sign Three
We have completed the signings of Bafana Denge, Raymond de Noiijer and Niclas Bidstrup.

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Thu. 13 June, 2017
Reach Sold Back to Boro
We have sold Adam Reach back to Middlesbrough for a deal totaling £81K.

Fri. 16 June, 2017
Boymans Out On Loan
Ruud Boymans will join Sparta on loan for the season for a fee of £18.75K per month.

Sun. 25 June, 2017
Portsmouth Team Awards
Ravel has been voted Player of the Year by the club's fans.

The club's best XI was: van Crooy, Butler, Ilori, Webster, Byram, Fernandez, Muntari, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

The club's all-time best XI is: van Crooy, Butler, Bradley, Webster, Orr, Fernandez, Ferry, Barcham, Mossaoui, Antoine-Curier, Harris

Finances
We have receive £43.93M for Premier League television rights over the upcoming season.

Denge Injured
Bafana Denge has broken an arm while on duty with South Africa against Russia. The new left winger is no longer shiny and will miss around a month.

Fri. 30 June, 2017
Players Leave the Club
Bradley Orr has retired. Michael Parkhurst, Simon Ferry, Jack Barmby, Conor Chaplin, Jeff Saunders, Ben Naylor, Dimitris Loizou have all been released after their contracts expired.

[Grover]

Sat. 01 July, 2017
Three Join Portsmouth
Portsmouth have announced the completed signings of DC Willy Boly, DR Ervin Asllani and MC Artem Solovadchenko. The latter will henceforth be known as “Solo."

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Fri. 07 July, 2017
Karlsson Joins Pompey
We continue to add some Scandinavian flavor to the club by signing Joachim Karlsson from Malmo FF on a free transfer. Because of his contract status, Malmo will receive £575,000 as compensation.

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Sat. 08 July, 2017
Regaip Bozan Joins Pompey
We have signed 22 year-old French defensive midfield Regaip Bozan from Fenerbahce for a fee of £5.25M. The Turkish born player is very versatile and can play at DM or MC fluently.

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Sat. 15 July, 2017
Friendly
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Sevilla

Mon. 17 July, 2017
Friendly
KV Oostende 1 – 3 Portsmouth

Wed. 19 July, 2017
Pompey Smash Transfer Record
We have splashed the cash signing 21 year-old central midfielder Vedran Tolic from Arsenal, the Croatian costing us £13.5M.

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Fri. 21 July, 2017
Friendly
SV Zulte Waregem 2 – 3 Portsmouth

We were down 2-0 before coming back.

Mon. 24 July, 2017
Friendly
Airdrie 0 – 4 Portsmouth

Fri. 28 July, 2017
Wallace to Bolton
We have sold Jed Wallace to Bolton for £750K. A loyal servant with the club since 2011, it was time we moved on, he could serve our ambitions no longer.

Friendly
Hapoel Irony Kiryat-Shmona 1 – 1 Portsmouth

Sun. 30 July, 2017
Player Honored
Artem “Solo” Solovadchenko was named to the Euro U19 Championship Dream Team

Clodoaldo Re-Signs
Clodoaldo has signed a 2-year contract extension.

[Grover]

Tue. 01 August, 2017
Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the amazing increase in club stature since I've arrived. However, the board are slightly disappointed with the departure of forward Conor Chaplin.

Denge Back
Bafana Denge has returned to full training after missing 5 weeks with a broken arm.

Sun. 06 August, 2017
Rwakarambwe on Loan
We have loaned out Fahad Rwakarambwe to Nottingham Forest for the season.

Fri. 11 August, 2017
Champions League Draw
We have been placed in the Champions League Best Placed Playoff. We will play two matches home and away with Portuguese side Benfica. The first match will be played at Fratton Park on the 23rd.

Sat. 12 August, 2017
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 7 Portsmouth

Sun. 13 August, 2017
Denge Injured
Looks like someone may be injury prone. Bafana Denge is set to miss two weeks with a twisted knee.

[Grover]

Sat. 19 August, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #1
Pompey Hang On To Win Opener
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Brighton
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Miquel, Boly, Asllani, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Brighton are in a 4-4-1-1: Amos, Bong, Chester, Maguire, Shotton Noone, Cabral, Spearing, Buckley, Kiyotake, Anichebe

Five debuts in front of the home crowd here at Fratton Park.

2 – GOAL! Ravel heads across the box from the right into the left corner. The cross was put in by the left back, Jake Bidwell.

12 – A scare as Noone hits the post, the ball comes behind de Nooijer, but he collects it.

23 – Tolic does some great work to play a ball in for Ravel, who does well to earn some space, but the shot goes horribly awry.

45 – Halftime. We take a slim lead from Ravel's early strike. The back four are working well together, as is the midfield trio. Ferreira Carrasco is cutting in a bit too much for my liking, we lose a bit of width on the left when he does this.

60 – Brighton with a nice bit of possession for nearly two minutes, the sequence ends as Jay Spearing shoots wide right.

67 – Scannell will come on for Eskilsson.

71 – GOAL! Scannell pays dividends immediately! He comes across two defenders on the left side of the box and fires left-footed into the near corner. Amos stands stone still as the ball flies into the net.

72 – GOAL! Kiyotake hits back for Brighton! Fantastic 20 yard strike from the top of the box!

90 – Full time. Scannell was the perfect sub. He scores the game winner. All of the new players played well, that isn't to say they always will, but it's a good start. Boly was a 7.7 and Bozan a 7.4, they were the best of the new group. Jake Bidwell also managed a 7.7.

Sun. 20 August, 2017
Season Ticket Sales
The club have announced that we have sold out all 17,154 season tickets for the second consecutive season.

Tue. 22 August, 2017
Team of the Week
DC Willy Boly was named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

UEFA Champions League Playoff First Leg
Ravishing Ravel Powers Pompey First Leg Victory
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Benfica
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Bozan, Solo, Tolic, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

Benfica are in a 4-4-2 Diamond: Casilla, Ruben, Marques, Isimat-Mirin, Juliao, Edgar Le, Ghoulam, Vitinho, Junior, Rodrigo, Sane

We could consider Benfica a much larger side than us. They are certainly historically more successful.

8 – GOAL! Rodrigo plays in Sane and the forward beats de Nooijer.

15 – Benfica are completely controlling play early on.

17 – GOAL! Lovely move by Ravel outside on the right to loop in a cross. Eskilsson splits the center backs and heads a goal over Casilla.

23 – Eskilsson puts in another shot, but Casilla is fortunate as Isimat-Mirin clears off his line.

30 – Beautiful passing from a move that included Tolic, Solo, Ferreira Carrasco and Bidwell. The final ball came in from Tolic to Eskilsson, but the Swede's shot was just wide.

45 – Halftime. We're doing okay. A few players are struggling a bit. We'll give them a chance to settle in the second half before we make changes. I'm pleased with the scoreline.

52 – Tolic looks like someone who can really dictate the tempo of the game from midfield.

60 – We'll make three changes. Bidwell, Bozan and Ferreira Carrasco come off for Butler, Yilmaz and Scannell.

66 – Most of the players are looking nervous.

71 – GOAL! Ravel from the center of the box! Eskilsson crosses in, Isimat-Mirin tries to head clear, but its Yilmaz heading a pass for Ravel to strike on the half-volley. Great shot!

90 – Full time. Fantastic win! We played much better than I expected we would. Ravel was PoM, of course. Webster and Eskilsson were also very important. Now the week gets tougher with a trip to Arsenal next before we head to Portugal to face Benfica.

Portsmouth Set Gate Receipts Record
The club's gate receipts of £850K from the match against Benfica are higher than ever before and has set a club record. The previous gate receipts taken from a game was £450K. To be fair, we are currently playing at St. Mary's Stadium while Fratton Park is expanded.

Thu. 24 August, 2017
Fernandez Transfers Out
Sad day as stalwart DM Hugo Fernandez, who started 110 games over 3 years for the club has agreed to a contract and will be transferring to CSKA Moscow for £5M. I wanted to hang on to Hugo, but we paid £350K for him originally in 2015 after having him on loan for a season.

Fri. 25 August, 2017
Denge Back
Bafana Denge has returned to full training. Hopefully he's fit for a match soon. I'd like to see him in action.

Sat. 26 August, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #2
Destro's Six Minute Hat Trick Stuns Pompey
(18) Arsenal 3 – 1 Portsmouth (6)
Arsenal are in a 4-5-1: Szczesny, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Richards, Kovacic, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ayew, Lacazette, Giroud

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Miquel, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Lucas, Scannell, Lalkovic, Eskilsson

Terrible placement for this match when we travel to Portugal in three days.

We are also the late game, so we're on television.

21 – Our possession has been nothing short of horrific. We're putting a bow onto the ball and just passing it back to Arsenal at this point. De Nooijer puts in a terrific save on Lacazette, but it only temporarily halts the dominance of Arsenal.

31 – Arsenal are eco-friendly. They're big into recycling in this match.

37 – Our back line is doing some incredible defending in this half.

44 – Another save by de Nooijer to force a corner. At this point I'm just wondering when the goal is coming.

45 – Halftime. Arsenal have 72% of possession. 28 shots. 14 on target. Yes. De Nooijer has made 14 saves in 45 minutes of football.

51 – We have a small spell with the ball, but Lucas ends up shooting it wide.

61 – Lucas and Eskilsson will come off for Muntari and Harris.

65 – GOAL! It's Willy Boly! Bozan crosses his free kick from the right and Boly is at the far post to volley home!

71 – GOAL! We're level as Arsenal's substitutes connect. Ox crosses in for Destro who finishes with a nice header.

73 – Bafana Denge will come on for Scannell and make his Portsmouth debut.

74 – GOAL! Arsernal go in front as Wilshere passes into the center of the box. Destro is there to finish!

77 – GOAL! Destro intercepts a bad backpass and finishes his hat trick! Unbelievable run of six minutes for Destro!

90 – Full time. All four goals scored in a 12 minute span. Destro scores three in six. Nothing we could do about that.

Tue. 29 August, 2017
UEFA Champions League Playoff Second Leg
Boly's Late Goal Sends Pompey to Group Stages
Benfica 1 (2) – (3) 1 Portsmouth
Benfica are in a 4-4-2 Diamond: Casilla, Ruben, Edgar le, Isimat-Mirin, Juliao, Gabriel, Vitinho, Carrillo, Junior, Rodrigo, Cerri

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Yilmaz, Solo, Tolic, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

We take our slim one goal lead into Stadio de Luz and hope for the best.

6 – de Nooijer and the back four having to work hard early.

24 – Junior, the attacking midfielder is dictating the play for Benfica. The 21 year-old Brazilian is fantastic. He has 28 U20 caps for Brazil with 11 goals. He's going to be a world class superstar.

30 – Junior takes a great shot from the channel, but de Nooijer hangs onto the ball.

45 – Halftime. We've hung on this long. Eskilsson is having a shocker of a half at 5.7. Benfica have a 60/40 edge in possession and it shows.

52 – It amazes me that when we work into into the box we are so willing to pass it back out rather than try and find a shot.

58 – Eskilsson looks like a different player this half.

60 – GOAL! Alejandro Martinuccio strikes from the left! Vitinho had made a mazy run through midfield to cut out the final pass.

83 – GOAL! Willy Boly heads home from Eskilsson's free kick on the edge of the area! Pompey back in front in this match!

90 – Boly and Yilmaz will come off to ovations from the traveling support. Miquel and Bozan will replace them.

Full time. We're through! Amazing goal by Boly to get us into the group stages. I'm sure our group will be terrifying, but we've actually made it there! Eskilsson with a nice second half turnaround, grabbing the assist to the golden goal.

Wed. 30 August, 2017
Financials
We have been given £7.26M for qualifying in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Thu. 31 August, 2017
Champions League Group Draw
Pompey will be traveling the European mainland this fall and will be facing CSKA Moscow out of Russia, Besiktas out of Turkey and the titans of European football, Barcelona in Group G.

Eskilsson Injured
Andreas Eskilsson has pulled up with a torn hamstring in training and is expected to miss 3 months.

Pompey Sign Bertilsson
We have signed 21 year-old forward Pontus Bertilsson on a free transfer. The Swede had been available since his contract with Malmo expired.

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Molosh Bid Fails
We have failed in our pursuit to sign 23 year-old Belarus forward Alexandr Molosh from Dnipro. Our £6m overall bid was accepted, but the player failed to gain a work permit, despite 9 caps at the senior level for his country.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 September, 2017
August Awards
Newcastle United fullback Adam Smith was named Premier League Player of the Month.

Watford forward Craig Hunter was named Premier League Young Player of the Month.

Manchester United boss Luciano Spalletti was named Premier League Manager of the Month.

Our own Leon Owen, on loan at Millwall was named Sky Bet Championship Young Player of the Month.

Capital One Cup
We will host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Capital One Cup third round. The match will be played at St. Mary's Stadium on the 26th.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The increase in club stature has been a major influence on this. The board is still slightly disappointed with the departure of Chaplin.

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Sat. 02 September, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #3
Yilmaz Tap In Takes the Points
(11) Portsmouth 1 – 0 West Brom (20)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Bozan, Lucas, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Lalkovic

West Brom are in a 4-4-2: Mulder, Olsson, Dawson, O'Brien, Trippier, Aluko, Mulumbu, Mutch, Morrison, de Jesus, Toivonen

Milan Lalkovic gets the first shot up top in place of Eskilsson. Bafana Denge is finally making his full debut today.

34 – The first half-hour was pretty uninteresting. Lalkovic has been doing all right at forward, but his shooting is lacking so far.

40 – Webster has a chance at the near post and heads just over goal.

45 – Halftime. We've not looked great.

57 – Great save by de Nooijer in front on Aluko.

61 – We'll make three changes to try and tip the scales in our favor. Bozan, Denge and Lalkovic are off for Yilmaz, Scannell and Harris.

66 – GOAL! Samir Yilmaz! Tolic rockets a free kick off the underside of the crossbar. The ball hangs around the line and Yilmaz is first to it!

74 – Webster has picked up a serious knock, but we are unable to make any changes. He's still out there, but struggling badly.

90 – Full time. We hang on to the slim win when we certainly were not at our best all day. Byram was excellent, however, putting up an 8.7.

Mon. 04 September, 2017
Clodoaldo Joins Sassuolo
We have sold Clodoaldo to Italian side Sassuolo for a fee of £235K. He joined on a free transfer in 2016 and made 28 appearances for the club over three years.

[Grover]

Sat. 16 September, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #4
Ferreira Carrasco's 2 Assists Pace Pompey Win
(3) Everton 1 – 3 Portsmouth (9)
Everton are in a 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Baines, Godin, Okore, Naughton, Fer, Carrick, Ince, Barkley, Musa, Rondon

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Scannell

9 – Everton are just teeing off from long range.

25 – GOAL! Everton finally work the ball into the box and Ahmed Musa scores off a deflection from Boly's attempted clearance.

36 – Ravel has to come off injured. Ferreira Carrasco will replace him.


45 – Halftime. We're struggling big time. Hopefully we can get a goal back and take something from this match. Byram, Boly and Yilmaz have been our best players.

56 – Musa makes a long run into the box uncontested, but de Nooijer cuts down the angle and saves his shot.

59 – GOAL! Ferreira Carrasco cuts inside from the right, outlets a pass to Bafana Denge who fires into the back of the net! That's his first goal for he club!

68 – Bidwell and Bozan will come off for Butler and Solo.

74 – GOAL! Great work on the counter as we attack in force, Ferreira Carrasco crosses for Vedran Tolic. The midfielder's first shot is saved, he collects the rebound and passes it past McCarthy.

82 – de Nooijer makes a good save at his left post on Zapata.

89 – GOAL! Ferreira Carrasco has caused major problems for Baines since coming on. He crosses for the center and Scannell is there to volley it into the back of the net!

90 – Full time. Sam Byram (9.1) was fantastic and Player of the Match, but Tolic was an 8.4, Boly and 8.3 and Ferreira Carrasco an 8.1. A number of players finally had games they needed to have in Pompey shirts. This could be a massively important win for the gelling of this team.

Ravel Injury Blow
As if losing Eskilsson for 3 months wasn't enough, Ravel has suffered the same fate. He's torn a hamstring and will be sorely missed.

Tue. 19 September, 2017
Head of Youth Dev. Unveiled
We have signed 38 year-old German Fabian Wohlgemuth to be the Head of Youth Development.

We have also signed 42 year-old English coach Gregg Broughton to be the U18 assistant manager.

67 year-old Englishman John McMahon has agreed to sign on as U21 manager.

And 53 year old David Coles will become the U21 assistant manager.

Wed. 20 September, 2017
UEFA Champions League Group G Match Day #1
Surprise, Surprise, Scannell and Pompey Take Big Victory
Portsmouth 3 – 0 CSKA Moscow
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Scannell

CSKA are in a 4-4-2 Diamond: Belenov, Schennikov, Kalas, Logashov, Nababkin, Wernbloom, Zuber, Elm, Szagoev, Junior Moraes, Maupay

Ferreira Carrasco gets a chance on the right wing after his performance at Everton.

1 – GOAL! We're off on a flyer! Ferreira Carrasco beats his man on the right, dinks in a short cross for Scannell at the left post and he easily has Belenov beaten! What a start!

15 – CSKA taking a few shots from distance, but de Nooijer is having no trouble at all thus far.

25 – Tolic with a fantastic pass to work in a shot for Scannell, but Belenov is there to deny the effort.

27 – GOAL! Bozan's initial effort is blocked, he gathers the loose ball and passes across the top of the box for Denge. The left winger cuts inside and unleashes a rocket into the top left of goal!

45 – Halftime. The match has been full of action, but we're on the long end of the stick halfway through the match. Some excellent finishing and buildup play.

50 – GOAL! Tolic gathers a rebound in the box and shovels it forward for Scannell who shoots across goal. Belenov gets his fingers on it, but it's not enough! A brace for the Irish forward!

62 – With the comfortable lead we'll make some changes. Yilmaz, Tolic and Denge will make way for Lucas, Solo and Lalkovic.

72 – Solo whistles the ball just over the top of the bar. So close!

82 – We've done an excellent job of containing Dzagoev today. Proud of the effort our midfield and back four have put in.

90 – Full time. Fantastic win. Scannell was Player of the Match, Butler was our second best player. Webster and Bozan were also very good. This was a surprisingly dominant win in my eyes. I didn't expect us to have such a handle on them. It may be entirely different in Moscow though.

We have been awarded £845K for the victory.

Sun. 24 September, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #5
Suarez Goal Edges City Over Pompey
(3) Manchester City 1 – 0 Portsmouth (5)
City are in a 4-4-2: Hart, Shaw, Nastasic, Varane, Clyne, Lamela, Kompany, Bender, Florenzi, Volland, Suarez

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Scannell

We are big underdogs for this one at Etihad Stadium.

19 – Adam Webster has come close on a couple of near post headers from Tolic corners. He's bound to convert if he has enough chances.

29 – GOAL! Luis Suarez puts the hosts ahead! Erik Lamela crosses from the left and the Uruguayan forward is there to volley it past de Nooijer.

45 – Halftime. We may be down a goal, but Sam Byram is having a storming game. Lamela has done very little outside of the assist, Byram has him on lock down.

53 – Scannell has picked up a severe knock. Harris will come on in his place.

68 – Bozan and Ferreira Carrasco will come off for Solo and Lalkovic.

73 – Unlucky for Lamela as his shot from the left fizzes past the opposite post.

82 – de Nooijer making some excellent saves to keep this a one goal match.

90 – Full time. If there's every such a thing as a “good” loss, this is it. One goal down to one of the best clubs in the Premier League on their turf. We put in a very good shift today, Byram was excellent and was named Player of the Match.

Wed. 27 September, 2017
Capital One Cup Second Round
Bertilsson Debut Scorches Brighton
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Brighton
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Miquel, Boly, Asllani, Bozan, Lucas, Solo, Ferreira Carrasco, Karlsson, Bertilsson

Brighton are in a 4-4-1-1: Foderingham, Hancox, Kaboul, Hovland, Hodson, Noone, Cabral, Forster-Caskey, Noble-Lazarus, Kyotake, Wickham

Joachim Karlsson and Pontus Bertilsson will make their full debuts.

It's a match we should win, but I personally won't be extremely heartbroken if we go out of this competition.

19 – Strong shot from Ferreira Carrasco on the left, but Foderingham saves.

28 – GOAL! Debut goal for Pontus Bertilsson! Ferreira Carrasco plays him in from the right and it's a great finish past Foderingham!

41 – GOAL! Ferreira Carrasco crosses from the left and Bertilsson out-jumps Cabral to head it behind Foderingham! What a debut for the young Swede!

45 – Wickham's header from a great Kiyotake cross skims the crossbar.

Halftime. Wow. What a debut from Bertilsson thus far. Ferreira Carrasco continues to impress with another pair of assists.

54 – Bidwell's bid with a long-range free kick is inches wide.

62 – Bertilsson has picked up a knock and will be replaced by Harris. He gets a warm ovation as he leaves the pitch.

90 – Fulltime. A convincing win with an impressive performance from Bertilsson, the Player of the match. Ferreira Carrasco and Miquel were also integral parts to today's victory. The more squad rotation we can get in, the better off we'll be. Karlsson also put in a fine debut.

Fri. 29 September, 2017
Capital One Cup Draw
We will travel to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the COC fourth round. The match will be on the first of November.

Sat. 30 September, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #6
Bozan Blast Beats Ipswich
(6) Portsmouth 2 – 1 Ipswich (18)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Miquel, Webster, Byram, Yilmaz, Lucas, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

Ipswich are in a 4-4-2: Alnwick, Ampuero, Beevers, Daniels, Kane, Caner Erkin, Hyam, Lawrence, Power, Samuel, Marshall

I really need more depth at the center of my defense.

3 – GOAL! Alvaro Ampuero heads it from 15 yards out, off the crossbar and over the line!

12 – GOAL! Fantastic strike from Bafana Denge! He cuts inside from the left on his right foot and rockets the ball off the right goal-post and in!

32 – Tolic tries to put a header on goal, but Alnwick is there to catch the attempt.

45 – It's an interesting match at the half. We're looking terrible in midfield and up top, but Denge has been stellar.

54 – Yilmaz offers a header toward goal, but Alnwick is there again.

58 – Lucas and Bertilsson are off for Bozan and Scannell.

78 – GOAL! Bozan with a laser beam from the top of the box! Lalkovic ran horizontally along the box and sent out a little pass that set it all up for the French midfielder's first goal!

90 – Full time. Solid win over a team we should be beating. Bafana Denge is Player of the Match, but Bozan was excellent as a second half sub. We end September on a positive note with a trip to Barcelona looming large in just four days.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 October, 2017
September Awards
Portsmouth fullback Sam Byram has been named Premier League Player of the Month!

Watford wonderkid forward Craig Hunter has won Premier League Young Player of the Month.

Tottenham manager Bernd Schuster has been named Premier League Manager of the Month.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the dressing room. However, some of the fans are disappointed in Lee Lucas' recent performances.

The club is currently projected to make a profit of £93.06M this season.

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Tue. 03 October, 2017
UEFA Champions League Group G Match Day #2
Barca Ease to Camp Nou Victory
(2) Barcelona 3 – 0 Portsmouth (1)
Barcelona are in a 4-5-1: ter Stegen, Srna, Pique, Bartra, Montoya, Busquets, Yaya Toure, Goretzka, Neymar, Tello, Messi

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Bozan, Muntari, Solo, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

This is the only time you will probably ever see Portsmouth ahead of Barcelona in any table. Though, Barca are currently 8th in La Liga.

We look sleek in our all-white kits under the lights in Spain.

10 – We are doing most of the attacking early on, as strange as that sounds.

15 – Boly counts his blessings as his clearance attempt is blocked by Messi. The Barca forward sprints into the box and attempts to lob de Nooijer, but it goes over goal.

36 – Webster fouls Messi, assuming that a long free kick attempt is safer than allowing him into the box.

45 – Halftime. Barca have seemed miles less threatening than anticipated. Solo and Bertilsson are strugglng and will come off for Tolic and Scannell.

54 – GOAL! Neymar gets lucky as Montoya's shot is blocked through de Nooijer's legs and into his path. It's elementary as he slide tackles it into goal. Barca certainly looking more like themselves to open the second half.

63 – Yilmaz will come on at DC for Webster, who has been woeful. That's our final sub.

74 – GOAL! Montoya with a terrific effort from just inside the top of the box. No chance for de Nooijer. The Catalans starting to pull away here.

87 – GOAL! Iniesta puts the icing on the cake, put in through Goretzka and slotting home from a tight angle on the left.

90 – Full time. About what we expected, but we should have performed a little better overall. This is one of the world's best clubs and they showed us why today.

Sun. 08 October, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #7
Ramires, Chelsea Midfield Dominate Pompey
(6) Portsmouth 1 – 3 Chelsea (8)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Chelsea are in a 4-2-3-1: Courtois, Martins Indi, Terry, Jones, Peruzzi, Pereyra, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Welbeck

John Terry is 36 and still captaining this Chelsea side. It should be noted that 39 year-old Frank Lampard is on the subs bench.

12 – GOAL! Danny Welbeck has the visitors off to a fast start with a superb left-footed curling effort.

15 – GOAL! Bertilsson has this one level! He runs down the center of the pitch, drifts to the right side of goal and shoots past Courtois!

20 – We are gifting possession to Chelsea with a big blue bow.

25 – GOAL! Chelsea's continued dominance pays off! Ramires comes in from the left and rockets a shot past De Nooijer.

35 – Tolic has a dangerous free kick at the top of the box, but he sends it into the wall.

45 – Halftime. We're down a goal and have had a couple of chances to equalize, but haven't made it happen. Tolic and Bertilsson have knocks and will come off for Solo and Scannell. I think we can still take a point from this.

61 – Ramires sails a shot narrowly over goal. Chelsea are still dominating possession.

69 – GOAL! It's Ramires from the top of the box with his second of the match! Welbeck worked it back to the unmarked midfielder. It's out of our reach now, I would think.

71 – Incredible pair of saves from Courtois! First Scannell and then Solo from the rebound!

90 – Full time. We get dominated in midfield and it costs us. I realize we need players with a bit more aggression and bravery. At least one or two. We lose a lot of battles for the ball and I think this may be a leading reason why. Disappointing result. Feast or famine this year. Four wins, three losses.

Thu. 12 October, 2017
I'm No Harry Redknapp
Southampton President Nicola Cortese has invited me to attend an interview with their board as they wish to discuss the possibility of me becoming their manager.

No thank you. My head would be on a stake at Fratton Park. We have no bigger rival than Southampton.

[Grover]

Sat. 21 October, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #8
Super Sub Lalkovic Clinches Win
(7) Portsmouth 2 – 1 Watford (12)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Watford are in a 4-4-2: Bond, Cunningham, McSweeney, Bennett, Hunt, Helan, James, Trotter, Assaidi, Clayton, Hunter

We'll have to be wary of wonderkid Craig Hunter. The 19 year-old forward already has 10 caps for England.

6 – GOAL! Yannick Ferreira Carrasco! Bertilsson works him into the box with a good pass, YFC's first shot hits the post, but he slide tackles the rebound over the line! Fantastic second effort to get the goal.

13 – GOAL! Oussama Assaidi volleys a loose ball past de Nooijer! We're level already.

45 – Halftime. Not a lot going on since the goals. Yilmaz has struggled and will need to bring it up f we're going to win the match. We are the favorites and need to start playing like it.

47 – Brilliant save right out of the box by de Nooijer to stop Clayton's driving effort.

62 – Denge and Bertilsson will make way for Lalkovic and Scannell.

66 – GOAL! Milan Lalkovic paying instant dividends! Tolic's corner was headed away by Lees, but Lalkovic volleys it home from the top of the box! His first this year!

90 – Full time. Perfect sub at the perfect time, was the result of this one. Kind of a smash and grab win, but we won't complain. Butler and Lalkovic were our best players today.

Tue. 24 October, 2017
UEFA Champions League Group G Match Day #3
Own Goal Dooms Besiktas
(4) Besiktas 1 – 2 Portsmouth (2)
Besiktas are in a 3-5-2: Tolga Zengin, Sivok, Gunter, Ilyasogu, Masilela, Arias, Krsticic, Yacob, Kavlak, Shechter, Berkan Kisa

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Miquel, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Solo, Denge, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

6 – GOAL! Krsticic sends in a free kick and Santiago Arias is unmarked to head home from the center of the six yard box.

15 – de Nooijer with a fantastic save on Berkan Kisa, sending the ball over goal.

28 – de Nooijer beats the ball away from a free kick. He's working hard this half.

45 – Halftime. We haven't had too many chances to attack. Bertilsson had a great shot at the death of the half, but couldn't score. We need more all around.

57 – Byram drifts into the box from the right and lets a shot go well wide.

70 – It might be too late, but Bidwell, Denge and Bertilsson are off for Butler, Scannell and Harris.

73 – GOAL! Instant results from our subs once again! Scannell works into the box from the left, cuts a pass back for Ash Harris and he buries his chance!

90 + 2 – OWN GOAL! Disaster for Tolga Zengin! Boly and Miquel are tapping at the ball from a corner, but the Besiktas keeper directs it into his own net!

Full time. Holy crap what a bunch of luck that was. We absolutely STEAL three points from this one. We played fantastic toward the end of the second half though.

We have been given £845K for he victory.

Sat. 28 October, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #9
Butland Error Helps Pompey Scrape By
(16) Swansea 0 – 1 Portsmouth (7)
Swansea are in a 4-4-2: Butland, Llewelyn, Burn, Amat, Lustig, Kenia, Martin, Kabore, Dyer, Rubio, Kadzidlo

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly. Asllani, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

41 – GOAL! In a very quiet half, Jack Butland's error has been the only real highlight. The ball is rolling back to him, he misses it on the pickup, Bertilsson takes it and scores!

45 – Halftime. Well then. We'll take it.

47 – Tolic hits the elbow of goal and Bertilsson fires the rebound straight at Butland.

75 – Denge has picked up a knock and will be replaced by Ferreira Carrasco. Solo will come on for Boly, with Yilmaz moving to DC.

83 – The ground erupts as Valentin Stocker puts the ball into the empty net, but it's whistled back for offside!

90 – Full time. Willy Boly is Player of the Match at an 8.4 with an assist. We played fairly well, the goal was very lucky though. We end October on a positive note, another win.

Mon. 30 October, 2017
Miquel Injured
Central defender Ignasi Miquel is set to miss 4-5 weeks with damaged knee cartilage.

Tue. 31 October, 2017
Team of the Week
DC Willy Boly has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Wed. 01 November, 2017
October Awards
Manchester City left winger Erik Lamela has been named Premier League Player of the Month.

Watford striker Craig Hunter has been named Premier League Young Player of the Month.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been named Premier League Manager of the Month.

Extra Funds Available
Managing Director Mark Catlin is pleased to announce that as a result of an improvement in the club's financial position, the board has raised the current transfer budget to £8.5M.

Let's find a central defender!

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is very pleased with our overall progress. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in the dressing room. However, some of the fans are starting to worry about Raymond de Nooijer's performances.

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Capital One Cup Fourth Round
City Through With First Half Goals
Manchester City 3 – 2 Portsmouth
City are in a 4-4-2: Murphy, Umtiti, Andrews, Varane, Bilgeri, Lamela, Thorne, Bender, Sterling, Simeone, Volland

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Ferreira Carrasco, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

17 – GOAL! The hosts are in front! Webster misses his clearance and Kevin Volland is there to clean up the mess.

19 – GOAL! City double their lead. Simeone takes a shot, but it's blocked. He gets the volley and powers it by de Nooijer.

23 – GOAL! We pull one back. Ferreira Carrasco works to the right, passes for Lalkovic who fires from 15 yards past Murphy.

36 – GOAL! City restore the two-goal advantage as Varane is on the end of Lamela's free kick.

41 – Bozan has to come off injured. Solo will replace him.

45 – Halftime. Disappointing to say the lead. Lalkovic is our only player above a 7 right now.

64 – Bidwell and Bertilsson will come off for Butler and Scannell.

77 – GOAL! Sumblime work in midfield from Scannell to win it from Varane and Nastasic. He then takes a 30 yard effort and finds the top left corner of goal!

90 – Full time. We won't be too heartbroken to be knocked out and they team gave all they had. Scannell's goal was one for the highlight reels.

Bozan Injured
DM/MC Regaip Bozan has sustained a sprained ankle and will miss 4-5 weeks.

Sat. 04 November, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #10
South Coast Derby Delivers Entertainment, Late Winner
(15) Southampton 1 – 2 Portsmouth (5)
Soton are in a 4-4-2: Forster, Pereira, Mertesacker, Cahill, Uchida, Guardado, Schneiderlin, Collison, Plumain, Rodriguez, Rosales

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Lucas, Muntari, Solo, Scannell, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Remember, it's a ground-share with Soton this year, so it's like a home game. Only with way less fans.

12 – Schneiderlin has a pop from 20 yards out, but de Nooijer holds it tight.

24 – Ferreira Carrasco has picked up a knock.

41 – Mertesacker towers over everyone from a corner, but de Nooijer catches the header.

45 – Halftime. It's been a chippy affair. A couple of knocks. Gone around. We've got every chance to get forward and win this.

49 – We are attacking quickly and decisively to start the half. We've forced Forster into some good saves.

57 – We change our shape into a 4-1-4-1 with a DM and a lone forward. Denge, Yilmaz and Byram come on for Scannell, Muntari and Ferreira Carrasco. Denge will play at ML, Byram at MR. We're a tired and somewhat injured team, we've got to try something different.

67 – GOAL! Pontus Bertilsson! Lucas passes to Asllani who hits a 20 yard pass up for the Swedish forward. He bursts between defenders and strikes true! There's no bigger goal than a derby goal.

72 – So close from Southampton! Gibson's free kick hits the elbow of goal and bounces free before Boly can clear his lines!

77 – GOAL! Jay Rodriguez somehow finds himself in an 'onside' position and scores! We're incredulous that the flag stayed down. Unbelievable.

88 – Bertilsson takes a long upfield pass from de Nooijer and nearly scores! What an assist that would have been!

90 + 3 – GOAL! Only in a derby match! Denge steals the ball from the defender and cuts inside to cross to the center of the box. Bertilsson arrives late with a jumping header and it's over the rising Forster. The match was supposed to be over after two minutes of stoppage. Brilliant finish! What a victory! Bertilsson wins Player of the Match, Denge's assist was phenomenal.

Wed. 08 November, 2017
UEFA Champions League Match Day #4
Besiktas Earn First Points of Campaign
(2) Portsmouth 0 – 1 Besiktas (4)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Yilmaz, Muntari, Tolic, Scannell, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

Besiktas are in a 4-4-2: Tolga Zengin, Masilela, Gunter, Franco, Arias, Ekin, Krsticic, Yacob, Wszolek, Scechter, Berkan Kisa

Besiktas will certainly be hoping for better luck this time around, after Tolga Zengin's stoppage time own goal.

12 – Acrobatic save by Tolga Zengin on Vedran Tolic's well struck free kick!

42 – Scannell works in a chance, but his effort is weak and wide.

45 – Halftime. We go in level, looking more likely to make something happen. We need more from Scannell and Bertilsson though.

47 – GOAL! Pedro Franco puts Besiktas in front from a rebound. The visiting fans have flares going off in their corner of St. Mary's Stadium!

59 – We have to make changes. Yilmaz, Scannell and Bertilsson off for Solo, Denge and Harris.

64 – It seems as if our only chances are coming from Tolic's free kicks.

80 – Ash Harris has a brilliant goal ruled offside.

86 – Tolic rockets a shot off the crossbar! So close!

90 + 2 – RED CARD! Already on a yellow, Jake Bidwell is sent off for diving!

Full time. Not a good lose at home to the worst team in our group. Nobody managed a 7 rating. Just not good at all for anybody. With Barca beating Moscow again, we remain in second. A result over the Russsians should see us through.

Sun. 12 November, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #11
Spurs Dominate Unorganized Pompey
(6) Portsmouth 1 – 3 Tottenham Hotspur (3)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Solo, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Spurs are in a 4-2-3-1: Lloris, O'Hara, Vertonghen, Kelly, Coleman, Sandro, Allen, Yarmolenko, Eriksen, Iancu, Kane

6 – We look great in midfield early on, but we're tripping all over ourselves trying to get the final ball in.

13 – GOAL! Spurs are on the front foot as Eriksen plays a lovely pass for Yarmolenko who creates a little space and fires past de Nooijer.

27 – GOAL! Sandro strikes from the top of the box and it's not looking good for us at all here.

39 – OWN GOAL! Ferreira Carrasco crosses in, it seems like a routine catch for Lloris, but he drops it into the net! We're back in this one now!

45 – Halftime. We have a chance to level this one. Solo and Denge are tired and knocked. They'll come off for Muntari and Lalkovic.

48 – GOAL! Gabriel Iancu restores the two goal lead for Spurs. We're tackling the ball away from them all over the place, but in the wrong direction and onto the wrong players' feet. We're beating ourselves in this one.

74 – Asllani will replace Byram.

85 – The supporters are furious with our efforts and should be. We have not been a very good football team today.

90 – Full time. An ugly performance. Our only goal was not our own. The players are tired and in absolute need of a rest. Luckily we have nearly two weeks.

Denge Injured
Bafana Denge will miss 11 days with a damaged elbow.

Tue. 14 November, 2017
Eskilsson Returns
Huge news as Andreas Eskilsson has returned to full training following his torn hamstring injury.

Byram Injured
Sam Byram has sustained a chest injury in the weight room and will miss 11 days.

[Grover]

Sun. 19 November, 2017
First January Signing Made
On 1 January, we will be unveiling central defender / right back Sergiy Nazarenko, a 21 year-old Ukrainian coming from Shakhtar for an initial fee of £3.2M.

He is a potential starter in the center and is part of the crucial overhaul we need in the position.

Sat. 25 November, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #12
All Square in an Even Match.
(13) Aston Villa 1 – 1 Portsmouth (7)
Aston Villa are in a 4-4-2: Blazevic, McGinley, Mee, Zakuani, Ayling, Grealish, Cohen, Smallwood, Ismail, Boyd, Carroll

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Yilmaz, Muntari, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

8 – GOAL! Lalkovic from 30 yards! Huge mistake as Smallwood gives away possession with a backpass. Blazevic and Bertilsson arrive at the ball and the Swede wins the battle and passes out for Lalkovic who does the rest with an open net.

19 – GOAL! Ben Mee's first ever goal for the club is a header from the corner. He out-jumped Lalkovic for the ball.

32 – Webster hits the crossbar! He just can't buy a goal this season.

45 – Halftime. We need to win this one. Denge will come off for Scannell.

53 – Boyd puts a weak header on de Nooijer. Easy save. Cohen also takes a rip from 20 yards and it's not far. Wide.

57 – Muntari rockets a half-volley off Blazevic.

61 – Butler and Boly will come off for Bidwell and Solo. Yilmaz will move to DC, Muntari to DM and Solo will slot in beside Tolic.

76 – McGinley nearly scores with a hybrid cross-shot.

81 – de Nooijer is playing brilliantly late in the second half.

90 – Full time. We earn a point. It's a positive result at least. Lalkovic was our best player at 7.3, Webster a 7.1. That's not saying much.

Sun. 26 November, 2017
Greece Want Me
I have been offered the open Greece manager position. I have swiftly declined.

Tue. 28 November, 2017
UEFA Champions League Group G Match Day #5
Thrilling Encounter In The Snow
(3) CSKA Moscow 1 – 1 Portsmouth (2)
CSKA are in a 4-4-2 Diamond: Belenov, Schennikov, Jorgensen, Kalas, Logashov, Hugo Fernandez, Zuber, Elm, Dzagoev, Maupay, Junior Moraes

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Solo, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Essential to win this game. If we do, we're in to the knockouts. That's big money, folks.

Our old friend Hugo Fernandez starts for CSKA Moscow. He's struggled in 10 starts, but I can't help but think he'd be handy to have around still.

22 – Kalas heads inches wide from a corner. CSKA attacking with some intent here.

30 – We work it around nicely for Denge to get a shot in. Saved, but nice football working in and around the box from us.

45 – Halftime. We're in good position, but we need just a little bit more. No changes yet.

51 – Bertilsson loops a little shot on goal, but it is held by Belenov.

61 – GOAL! Tolic sends the corner in Wernbloom heads it back but Artem Solovadchenko is there to volley it home! That's Solo's first ever goal for the club!

66 – Great work from Byram to find Tolic who passes wide for Solo and hen Denge. Denge cuts into the box and smashes a shot off the crossbar. We're coming at them in full force right now.

67 – Scannell will come on for Bertilsson.

72 – GOAL! Neil Maupay has his 18th of the season and his 50th for CSKA! Unmarked in the center of the box he gets a free header. He had the goal and Raymond de Nooijer at his mercy.

90 – Full time. We survive the snow and the Russians and take a vital point with a match remaining with Barcelona. Solo picks up Player of the Match at an 8.1. He dictated play all day long from central midfield. Confident performance from the young Russian.

We have been awarded £422K for the draw.

POMPEY QUALIFY
We have qualified as the second seed from Group G in the Champions League.

Amazing.

Webster Suspended
Adam Webster will be suspended for the next Champions League match after collecting his third yellow card.

Thu. 30 November, 2017
Players Return
Ravel and Ignasi Miquel have returned to full training following their layoffs with injury.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 December, 2017
November Awards
Manchester United fullback Ben Davies has won Player of the Month.

Watford forward Craig Hunter has won Young Player of the Month again.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez wins Manager of the Month once again.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They're still raving about the atmosphere in the dressing room, but are really sour on that 1-0 home loss to Besiktas. Hey guys, we qualified from the group. Let it go.

http://i.imgur.com/vQPG4Dd.png

http://i.imgur.com/KydQmWf.png

http://i.imgur.com/0P2YNkm.png

Bozan Back
Regaip Bozan has also returned to training after missing four weeks.

Sat. 02 December, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #13
Boly-Webster Connection Stars in Win
(6) Portsmouth 1 – 0 Liverpool (3)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Yilmaz, Muntari, Solo, Denge, Lalkovic, Eskilsson

Liverpool are in a 4-4-1-1: Reina, Taylor, Rekik, Agger, Corchia, Alba, Lucas Leiva, Matuidi, Henderson, Michu, Bony

The return of Andreas Eskilsson.

1 – Eskilsson bursts into the box to fire a shot on goal.

19 – He was looking very lively and maybe did too much. Eskilsson has to come off injured. Bertilsson will replace him.

45 – Halftime. All square all the way around. We look to be their equals thus far, we can squeeze a goal past Reina.

57 – GOAL! Adam Webster finally has one! Denge sends in the corner, Boly heads it across the box and Webster volleys home! Great play on the set-piece.

69 – Fantastic save by Reina on Bertilsson at the post.

90 – Full time. That wasn't an exciting match and it wasn't the sexiest goal, but it's a win over a top three side. We'll take it and move on.

Eskilsson Injury
The most expected news of the day. Andreas Eskilsson has suffered a twisted knee and will miss another two weeks.

Tue. 05 December, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #14
Scannell Superb With Hat Trick
(16) Norwich 0 – 4 Portsmouth (5)
Norwich is in a 4-2-3-1: Hansen, Oviedo, Nuytinck, Ayala, Matthews, Hendrick, Johnson, Powell, Husbauer, Mak, van Wolfswinkel

Portsmouth is in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Miquel, Byram, Lee Lucas, Muntari, Tolic, Scannell, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

3 – GOAL! We're off on a flyer as Byram crosses from the byline and Scannell is there to direct it goalward!

20 – Norwich working the ball around well, but their final ball is lacking.

24 – GOAL! Tolic sends his corner well, Ferreira Carrasco flicks it for Scannell now has two as he blasts it behind Hansen!

44 – GOAL! There's the hat trick! Tolic steals the ball in midfield, passes for Bertilsson. With the defenders drown, Scannell drifts in from the left and is free in the box! He slots it behind Hansen and wheels off to celebrate his third goal of the day.

45 – Halftime. Sean Scannell, baby.

51 – Dan Butler has picked up a knock. We'll be very proactive with the lead and bring Bidwell on.

73 – Scannell will come off to a rapturous applause from the away support. Lalkovic will take his place.

75 – RED CARD! Bradley Johnson is sent off for a second yellow card! We're up a man now.

81 – GOAL! Tolic crosses in and Ignasi Miquel is center of the box to power a header in!

90 – Full time. Scannell was obviously Player of the Match. Byram, Miquel, Tolic and Muntari were also all over 8.0. Excellent road.

Wed. 06 December, 2017
Thite Joins Pompey
We will be signing 21 year old central midfielder Sello Thite from Internacional in a deal worth £9M overall. The South African will join us on 1 January. Thite is also able to play AMR, so we have some flexibility there. Our scouts believe he has the ability to become a world class player.

Sat. 09 December, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #15
All Too Easy For United On The South Coast
(4) Portsmouth 1 – 4 Manchester United (5)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Tolic, Solo, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Manchester United are in a 4-2-3-1: de Gea, Fabio, Dier, Caulker, Lukac, Pugliese, Fellaini, Januzaj, Eizagirre, Zaha, Rooney

11 – Wilf Zaha uses his pace to burn past Bidwell, but his shot was always going wide.

24 – GOAL! Januzaj's header finds Marouane Fellaini at the back post for the header. Easy lead for United.

26 – GOAL! Immediate reply! Solo plays a terrific ball over the top for Bertilsson who slots it past de Gea.

35 – GOAL! Try, try and try again! Wilf Zaha is finally on the board after cutting in from the right and receiving Eizagirre's pass!

45 – Halftime. We're being completely dominated as expected. 44% possession and just one shot on target so far today. We've got to find a way to get something else going here.

59 – Yilmaz and Denge will come off for Bozan and Scannell.

77 – Scannell nearly levels the match, putting in a great effort near the post that de Gea fights off.

81 – GOAL! Gaston Ramirez has sealed it for Manchester United! Rooney crosses from the left and the attacking midfielder is there to head it home.

88 – GOAL! United pulling away big time late. This time it's wonderkid Xabier Eizagirre with a tremendous effort from 20 yards!

Full time. Ugh. We'll have to try and put this one behind us with Barcelona coming in a few days. Ugly second half performance. The last ten minutes were especially bad.

Sun. 10 December, 2017
FA Cup Draw
We will be hosting Newcastle United in the FA Cup's third round. The match will be played at St. Mary's on 6 January.

Tue. 12 December, 2017
Team of the Week
Ignasi Miquel was named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Wed. 13 December, 2017
UEFA Champions League Group G Match Day #6
Barca Come Back From Down Twice To Earn Draw
(2) Portsmouth 3 – 3 Barcelona (1)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Ronald, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Tolic, Solo, Denge, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

Barcelona are in a 4-2-3-1: Akinfeev, Clichy, Bartra, Pique, Montoya, Goretzka, Busquets, Iniesta, Martinez, Messi, Abuksis

8 – Butler has picked up a knock. He should be able to recover, it doesn't seem too serious.

30 – Messi skims the top of the bar with an effort from the right.

32 – GOAL! Byram passes for Solo who rockets one off the crossbar. Bertilsson is there to collect the rebound and put us in front!

34 – GOAL! Tolic steals the ball in midfield, passes forward for Bertilsson who puts in Denge. The left winger fires past Akinfeev! What a flurry!

37 – GOAL! Messi cuts a pass back for Busquets. His laser finds the left corner of goal from the right.

42 – GOAL! We're on level terms. Clichy loops in a cross that Iniesta flicks on for Messi to volley past de Nooijer.

45 – Halftime. While disappointing to give up a two goal lead, we are playing Barcelona.

58 – Barcelona have dominated the half from the opening whistle and they're peppering corners and crosses into our box from all angles.

76 – GOAL! We pull ahead with 15 minutes left! Byram crosses for Bertilsson who gets his head on it. The ball has just enough power to trickle across the line after Akinfeev got a fingertip on it.

86 – GOAL! A bit of disaster, Byram tackles out Iniesta, but the ball goes to Konate who fires from 20 yards and beats de Nooijer. What a match!

90 – Full time. Bertilsson was the star. Player of the Match, two goals, one assist, 8.8 rating. With a youth team central defender in Ronald filling in, we did quite well. A strong finish to the group campaign.

We have been awarded £422K for the draw.

Butler Injury
Dan Butler will miss 2-3 weeks with a pulled hamstring.

[Grover]

Sat. 16 December, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #16
Tolic Penalty Takes The Points
(11) Stoke 0 – 1 Portsmouth (7)
Stoke are in a 4-4-2: Felgueiras, Flanagan, Maloca, Wilson, Wendling, McCabe, Livermore, Lowe, Bradu, Anh Tuan, Guidetti

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Bozan, Muntari, Tolic, Scannell, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

15 – Felgueiras makes a good save on Scannell at the near post.

29 – de Nooijer makes a save on Guidetti from a 20 yard shot. Easily held.

40 – Tolic's effort from a free kick is off the crossbar!

45 – Halftime. This has been a dull game. A typical Stoke game. It'll be tough to break them down and score a goal in the second half.

50 – Coughlin has a free kick hit the crossbar!

54 – Muntari has a shot rocket off the post!

69 – PENALTY! Maloca brings down Bertilsson in the box! Tolic steps up and coolly converts into the bottom corner of goal!

90 – Full time. Not really an inspiring performance. Boly was Player of the Match at an 8.0 and Tolic had a 7.8. The rest were around 6.8-96.9. A good road win nonetheless.

Tue. 19 December, 2017
Team of the Week
Vedran Tolic has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Fri. 22 December, 2017
Champions League Knockout Draw
The last 16 have been drawn for the first round knockout draw of the Champions League. These are the matches.

Portsmouth vs Atletico Madrid
Bayern Munchen vs Chelsea
Celtic vs Manchester United
Olympiakos vs Paris Saint-Germain
Lazio vs AS Monaco FC
Juventus vs FC Porto
Dortmund vs Shakhtar
Leverkusen vs Barcelona

Sat. 23 December, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #17
Brilliant Bidwell Bosses Blackpool
(4) Portsmouth 3 – 0 Blackpool (10)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Bertilsson

Blackpool are in a 4-4-2: Joel, Rowe, Thorpe, Streete, Bennett, Freeman, Bigirimana, Jenkins, Baldock, Watt, Sagbo

10 – de Nooijer makes a great save on a low shot from Sagbo.

22 – GOAL! Finally Vedran Tolic hits one on the free kick! This one to the keeper's left it's off the crossbar and in. Brilliant stuff. Pure inspiration.

30 – GOAL! Jake Bidwell storms in from the left on a great pass from Yilmaz and scores! That's his first ever goal for the club.

43 – GOAL! Denge to Bertilsson to Bidwell who is cutting in from the left again. He fires and has his second goal of the match!

45 – Halftime. Wow. What a performance from Bidwell.

52 – Good save from de Nooijer on Bigirimana's long shot.

66 – Another excellent save from de Nooijer. He's really on top of his game today.

80 – Ferreira Carrasco and Bertilsson will come off for Scannell and Eskilsson.

90 – Full time. Excellent win. Probably our single best performance by a fullback ever, 93. Boly was an 8.4, Tolic and 8.5. The Croat is really starting to warm-up to his role. I'm excited to pair him with Sello Thite.

Tue. 26 December, 2017
Team of the Week
DL Jake Bidwell, DC Willy Boly and MC Vedran Tolic have been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Barclays Premier League Match Day #18
Rodwell Goal Eases Toon Past Pompey
(8) Newcastle United 1 – 0 Portsmouth (4)
Newcastle are in a 4-5-1: Krul, Fuchs, Astori, van Dijk, Smith, Anita, Rodwell, Morris, Campbell, Scmhmid, Doumbia

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Miquel, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Bertilsson

13 – Newcastle having the better of possession, but their shots are being restricted to outside our area.

18 – GOAL! Schmid crosses from the right and Rodwell runs onto it from outside the box to head it home.

45 – Halftime. We don't look good at all. Denge took a knock and will come off for Scannell. Bertilsson will come off for Eskilsson.

54 – Miquel has a header go inches wide!

75 – Bidwell inexplicably lets a pass go out of bounds between his legs.

90 – Full time. We never really got into a groove. Bidwell was our only player over 7 at 7.4. One more match in this year. We need to beat Cardiff to have some good mojo going when the new players arrive.

Sat. 30 December, 2017
Barclays Premier League Match Day #19
Pompey Roll With First Half Rout
(5) Portsmouth 3 – 0 Cardiff City (16)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Miquel, Asllani, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Eskilsson

Cardiff are in a 4-4-2: Ruddy, Briggs, Hangeland, Morrison, Moore, Asamoah, Kurtic, Martins, Hamad, Johannsson, Mason

2 – GOAL! A fantastic opener from Yannick Ferreira Carrasco! Tolic sets him off inside on the right and he beats Ruddy at the near post!

23 – GOAL! Denge collects the loose ball on the left side of the box and fires it over a diving Ruddy!

37 – GOAL! Eskilsson crosses from the right and Miquel is there to head it in at the left post!

45 – Halftime. We've got to be fairly happy with the three goal advantage and are. Everybody is playing a part.

64 – Bafana Denge has picked up an injury. Scannell will come on for him. Vedran Tolic is having an excellent game, but he's exhausted. Solo will come on for him.

71 – Butterfield takes a shot that's held by Nooijer. They're getting frustrated.

74 – Bidwell is injured. Byram comes on out of position on the left.

90 – Full time. Very good win. Ferreira Carrasco picks up Player of the Match at an 8.8. Miquel was an 8.7, Tolic an 8.0. Good stuff in every phase of play.

Denge Injured
Bafana Denge will miss three weeks with a pulled hamstring.

Sun. 31 December, 2017
Butler Returns
Dan Butler has returned to full training.

[Grover]

Mon. 01 January, 2018
December Awards
Our own Vedran Tolic has been named Player of the Month.

Tottenham fullback Liam O'Hara has been named Young Player of the Month.

Tottenham manager Bernd Schuster has been named Manager of the Month.

Bafana Denge has been named African Young Player of the Year. He has also been named to the African XI of the Year.

Two Join Pompey
Portsmouth have completed the signings of Sergiy Nazarenko and Sello Thite from Shakhtar and Internacional respectively for a total of £12.2M.

http://i.imgur.com/WRORywE.png

http://i.imgur.com/YC769gH.png

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the locker room. They are back to being disappointed with Conor Chaplin's departure.

http://i.imgur.com/WV48FM6.png

http://i.imgur.com/BdHJQ8J.png

http://i.imgur.com/YeEP7Zk.png

Barclays Premier League Match Day #20
Pompey Secure Solid Road Victory
(20 Brighton 1 – 2 Portsmouth (5)
Brighton are in a 4-4-1-1: Amos, Bong, Shotton, Chester, Hodson, Ward, Hovland, Barnes, Noble-Lazarus, Holt, Anichebe

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Webster, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Lucas, Thite, Solo, Scannell, Lalkovic, Bertilsson

I hate to throw in two debutants so quickly, but I think Nazarenko and Thite.

6 – GOAL! Bertilsson sets Lalkovic free into the box on the right and he fires past Amos.

14 – Solo has picked up an injury and will be replaced by Muntari.

26 – GOAL! Scannell cuts in from the left and around two defenders before smashing it behind Amos.

45 – Halftime. We're two goals to the good against the bottom club. Scannell has been excellent.

70 – Tame second half. Nothing really progressing for either side.

83 – GOAL! Ashley Barnes has halved the lead! Noone crosses for Ward who heads for Barnes to blast the ball into goal.

90 – Full time. Scannell picks up Player of the Match. De Nooijer was an 8.0, his best game in a Pompey shirt. Good win on one day of rest.

Solo Injured
Artem Solovadchenko has suffered strained knee ligaments and will miss 5-6 weeks.

Sun. 07 January, 2018
FA Cup Third Round
Bozan Performance Leads Pompey
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Newcastle
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Ferreira Carrasco, Lalkovic, Eskilsson

Newcastle are in a 4-5-1: Krul, Bertrand, Astori, van Dijk, Smith, Anita, Cabaye, Rodwell, Ward-Prowse, Schmid, Cornelius

1 – GOAL! Bozan rockets one into the top right corner of goal from 20 yards out. Brilliant stuff from the defensive midfielder.

6 – Cornerlius is unlucky as his effort nicks the crossbar before going over!

32 – GOAL! Tolic passes for Bozan who one touch passes for Eskilsson. The Swede forward finishes neatly.

39 – Cabaye rockets the crossbar! Another chance goes begging for Newcastle.

45 – Halftime. Good lead, good value with it, If we keep doing what we're doing we should grab another. Eskilsson looks like his old self again.

49 – Schmid goes inches wide. Newcastle seem to be getting closer and closer.

65 – Thite and Ferreira Carrasco come off for Yilmaz and Scannell.

90 – Full time. We quell Newcastle all the way til the end. Solid victory. Bozan is Player of the Match at an 8.3. Nazarenko a 7.8. He's going to fit in just fine at the back. We move to the fourth round and earn some cash.

We have been given £68.85K for the victory.

We will travel to Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City in the fourth round. The match will be played on 27 January.

Mon. 08 January, 2018
Budget Increased
At my request, our transfer budget has been increased to £13.19M.

They stated that they trust me with finances.

Sat. 13 January, 2018
Pompey Sign Hunter
Remember that kid winning all those Young Player of the Month awards for Watford? Craig Hunter? Welcome to Portsmouth for £9M. This is the forward we need to move... erm, forward.

http://i.imgur.com/1RlyS3T.png

Barclays Premier League Match Day #21
Eskilsson Goal Edges Gunners
(3) Portsmouth 1 – 0 Arsenal (2)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Ferreira Carrasco, Thite, Eskilsson

Arsenal are in a 4-5-1: Butland, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Savic, Richards, Rossiter, Kovacic, Ramsey, Ayew, Wilshere, Giroud

10 – A frenetic pace in the first ten minutes, but neither side has an advantage.

33 – Wilshere is all alone on the right and can't put his shot on target.

43 – GOAL! Byram steals the ball from Ayew and passes for Thite. Sesso Thite delivers a beautiful ball in for Eskilsson and he finishes with a fantastic lob. Great work all around.

45 – Halftime. What a way to go into the half. We are re-energized after one hell of a back and forth half.

50 – Excellent save from de Nooijer to tip Wilshere's free kick over goal.

67 – We're standing up to Arsenal's pressure and Ray de Nooijer is able to turn another powerful shot around goal.

68 – RED CARD! Vermaelen is sent off for his tackle on Sesso Thite!

73 – Craig Hunter will come on for Tolic and we'll move to a 4-2-4.

81 – Great diving save by de Nooijer on Granit Xhaka!

90 – Full time. Massive win over a team in the Champions League race with us. Eskilsson was Player of the Match and the entire squad was right around the 6.9 mark.

[Grover]

Wed. 17 January, 2018
Yilmaz Signs New Deal
Newcastle had made a £2.2m offer for Samir Yilmaz, meeting his fee release clause. We offered him a new deal to offset that, he accepted our offer over theirs. Crisis averted.

Denge Back
Bafana Denge is back in training after missing 3 weeks with a pulled hamstring.

Sat. 20 January, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #22
Helpers From Hunter, Striker Makes Big Debut
(4) Portsmouth 2 – 0 Everton (9)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Thite, Hunter

Everton are in a 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Baines, Godin, Okore, Naughton, King, Carrick, Ince, Ramirez, Sanchez, Rondon

Craig Hunter makes his full debut.

7 – Ince takes a shot from close up, but de Nooijer smothers the effort.

23 – PENALTY! Godin fouls Hunter! Tolic steps up and slots home the penalty attempt!

33 – GOAL! Brilliant stuff from Denge. He gets onto Hunter's pass and bursts into the box, weaving between defenders before turning the ball onto his right foot and blasting it past McCarthy.

45 – Halftime. We look excellent. Hunter has two assists and is really doing what I want from a forward. Bringing others into play.

70 – Tolic and Denge are off for Ferreira Carrasco and Eskilsson.

80 – Last ten minutes. We've played quite well across the board.

90 – Full time. Hunter's two assists earns him Player of the Match and an 8.5 rating. Denge had an 8.3. Very good win over a top half squad.

Tue. 23 January, 2018
Team of the Week
AML Bafana Denge was named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Wed. 24 January, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #23
Hunter Strike Holds Out For Pompey
(19) West Brom 0 – 1 Portsmouth (3)
West Brom are in a 4-4-2: Mulder, Lunda, Olsson, O'Brien, Trippier, Brunt, Pearson, Mulumbu, Morrison, Sordell, Berahino

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Hunter

8 – A long free kick comes in, it lands to Brunt and he fires straight at de Nooijer.

12 – GOAL! Craig Hunter's debut goal! Denge crosses from the left and it's all Hunter from there as the forward rises and powers a header past Mulder.

45 – Halftime. Good lead. No complaints here. Thite has picked up a knock, but has seemingly shaken it off.

57 – Pearson forces an excellent save from de Nooijer and the home side have found their attacking nous.

71 – Byram, Thite and Hunter will come off for Asllani, Yilmaz and Eskilsson.

82 – Ferreira Carrasco is set free, but his attempt is high and wide!

90 – Full time. Three more points on the road. I love it. Hunter is Player of the Match for the second game running.

Sat. 27 January, 2018
FA Cup Fourth Round
Stoke Move On
Stoke City 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Stoke are in a 4-4-2: Felgueiras, Wendling, Wilson, Hall, Flanagan, Miyaichi, Lowe, Bradley, Harris, Guidetti, Anh Tuan

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Miquel, Asllani, Yilmaz, Bozan, Lucas, Scannell, Lalkovic, Eskilsson

9 – GOAL! Miyaichi has the opening goal. His first shot was deflected and de Nooijer had reacted, leaving the goal open for the second effort.

33 – Stoke are having their way with us so far.

45 – Halftime. Lackluster from just about everybody. I demand more.

78 – Scanell and Eskilsson will come off for Ravel and Harris.

90 – Full time. A disappointing defeat. Stoke slump you and beat you into submission with their lack of football. This is what happened here. Strangle hold, baby.

Tue. 30 January, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #24
Hard Working Pompey Take Draw
(2) Portsmouth 0 – 0 Manchester City (4)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Yilmaz, Muntari, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Hunter

City are in a 4-4-2: Hart, Shaw, Kompany, Varane, Thorne, Lamela, Bender, Florenzi, Sterling, Simeone, Volland

Huge match. I don't like my chances though.

16 – Byram takes a chance from 20 yards out and it sails over goal.

28 – Tolic sends a shot just wide. We're really taking it to City.

45 – Halftime. We're in decent shape. Need to do a little better in position and in the final third. Hunter has to get more involved. I tell them to go out and express themselves.

50 – Hunter takes a knock at the hands of Samuel Umtiti. I'm not risking anything with the 19 year-old so he'll come off for Eskilsson.

70 – Ravel comes off for Lalkovic.

75 – Tolic's free kick is blocked in front, Boly's second attempt is cleared away.

85 – Nazarenko is phenomenal. He is winning every Man City corner. Every cross. Dominant performance at the back.

90 – Full time. Can't complain about this result too much. Nazarenko was Player of the Match. See above comments. Boly was also good. All about the back four, especially the two in the middle today.

Wed. 31 January, 2018
Asllani Wants Out
Ervin Asllani has request a transfer because he has not received enough playing time.

[Grover]

Thu. 01 February, 2018
January Awards
Arsenal MC Aaron Ramsey has won Player of the Month.

Our own Sergiy Nazarenko has taken the league by storm and won Young Player of the Month.

I, Alfie Heathcote have won Manager of the Month.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They still believe last season's performances carry some weight. A particular highlight has been our performance in the league. Despite the positives, they are disappointed with the 1-0 FA Cup loss to Stoke.

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Sat. 03 February, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #25
Pompey Stroll Over Tractor Boys
(19) Ipswich 0 – 3 Portsmouth (2)
Ipswich are in a 4-4-2: Loach, Ampuero, Beevers, Smith, Hateley, Caner Erkin, Taylor, Lawrence, Power, Samuel, Marshall

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Hunter

9 – de Nooijer makes a routine save to his left from Marshall's long shot.

10 – GOAL! Lalkovic cuts inside and lays a pass in for Denge who fires past the keeper!

13 – GOAL! Lalkovic the creator again! He launches a cross deep from the right and finds Sello Thite at the far post for an easy tap-in!

25 – Lalkovic has a chance himself, but shoots limply wide.

45 – Halftime. A good lead, as it should be over a bottom side such as this. Lalkovic looks excellent with two assists.

65 – Ipswich trying to inject some life into their side. A number of chances from range, but de Nooijer is savvy to them all.

73 – GOAL! Tolic sends his corner in and Willy Boly is at the near post to make it count.

74 – Tolic, Denge and Hunter will make way for Yilmaz, Scannell and Eskilsson.

90 – Full time. Another good away win over a weak team. Lalkovic was Player of Match at an 8.8. Boly was an 8.5, Thite a 7.9, as was Denge. We are currently in very good form.

Tue. 06 February, 2018
Team of the Week
DC Willy Boly and MC Sesso Thite have been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Fri. 09 February, 2018
FC Twente Sign Asllani
DR Ervin Asllani will join Dutch side FC Twente on 1 June, 2018 for a fee of £4M.

Sat. 10 February, 2018
Solo Back
Artem Solovadchenko has returned to full training after missing time with strained knee ligaments.

Barclays Premier League Match Day #26
Scrappy Pompey Earn a Point
(7) Chelsea 1 – 1 Portsmouth (2)
Chelsea are in a 4-2-3-1: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Martins Indi, Matip, Peruzzi, Pereyra, Jones, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Willian

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Ferreira Carrasco, Hunter

6 – GOAL! Chelsea in front as Jones plays a long ball for Willian as he splits defenders. De Nooijer comes out too far and Willian masterfully lobs the keeper.

42 – Terrific save from de Nooijer to tip a volley over goal.

45 – Halftime. Chelsea is just teeing off on us at the end of the half. Bidwell and Hunter are struggling the most. The midfield could improve a little as well. It could be a lot worse if not for Ray de Nooijer. I tell them to show me something else in the second half. They are fired-up.

48 – The Ageless Frank Lampard has come into the match.

52 – GOAL! A fantastic one at that! Byram crosses in for Hunter on the right. The forward knocks down the ball for Ferreira Carrasco who finishes on his right foot!

60 – Inches wide from Hunter! De Nooijer punted up a long pass that happened to land on the forward's foot!

66 – Tolic and Hunter will come off for Yilmaz and Eskilsson.

79 – Nazarenko works a shot at the top of the box for Yilmaz, but Courtois handles it.

90 – Full time. It's a good point, that's what I take from this match. Hunter's assist was excellent, he struggled otherwise.

Sun. 11 February, 2018
Bradley Contract Terminated
We have parted ways with DC Sonny Bradley, terminating his contract so he could find a new club to play with. He is considered an icon at the club, making 80 appearances at the back playing in League 2, League 1 and the Championship.

Tue. 13 February, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #27
Pompey Hang On To Beat Swans
(2) Portsmouth 3 – 2 Swansea (16)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Hunter

Swansea are in a 4-4-2: Randolph, Llewelyn, Burn, Williams, Llanos, Montero, Aneke, Richards, Cazorla, Keane, Finazzi

3 – GOAL! Adam Webster rises above Luis Llanos and bravely heads past Randolph!

11 – GOAL! Vedran Tolic floats in a gorgeous free kick from the left to the opposite post. Milan Lalkovic dives across goal with a header and beats Randolph!

45 – Halftime. We've played very well in parts. Tolic is having a storming game with two assists.

57 – GOAL! And a sublime one at that from Sesso Thite! Hunter wins the ball in midfield, sees Thite running free and delivers the pass. He catches Randolph out too far and lobs it over the keeper!

58 – GOAL! Swansea hit right back! Keane heads for Finazzi breaking into the box and he one-times the volley into goal.

71 – Bidwell and Thite are off for Boly and Yilmaz. Webster will move to DL.

77 – GOAL! Swansea are now one back! Finazzi finds Keane alone at the top of the box and the Englishman fires from 22 yards, de Nooijer was too far to the right of goal to reach the ball on his dive.

89 – Lalkovic is injured. Eskilsson comes on.

90 – Full time. Tolic and Thite were fantastic in midfield dominating play. Bidwell was terrible at left back, only a 5.5.

Lalkovic Injured
Milan Lalkovic has picked up a twisted ankle and will miss three weeks.

[Grover]

Tue. February 20, 2018
Team of the Week
MC Vedran Tolic and MC Sesso Thite were named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

UEFA Champions League First Round Knockout – First Leg
Pompey Take Big One Goal Lead Back to Madrid
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Atletico Madrid
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Hunter

Atletico are in a 4-2-4: Amadi, Yanga-Mbiwa, Alderweireld, Shawcross, Manquillo, Dembele, Medel, Draler, Diego Costa, Vazquez, Leo

Thite and Nazarenko are ineligible for the Champions League, so we'll only see them in league play.

2 – GOAL! Byram throws in for Hunter who heads it down for Denge to fire past Amadi. Great goal!

10 – Webster's header skims the bar!

32 – Atletico putting in some pressure for the first time. De Nooijer has to make a strong low save against Leo.

45 – Halftime. We take an important lead into the second half. We've got to hold.

59 – Vedran Tolic puts a strong free kick on goal, but Amadi holds it.

90 – Full time. We stymied them all evening. Craig Hunter is named Player of the Match for an excellent display holding up the ball and helping to create chances for his teammates.

Bidwell Suspended
Jake Bidwell has picked up an automatic one match suspension after collecting 3 yellow cards in European competition.

Sat. 24 February, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #28
Third Straight Derby Win For Pompey
(2) Portsmouth 2 – 1 Southampton (14)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Thite, Hunter

Southampton are in a 4-4-2: Forster, Pereira, Musacchio, Cahill, Dani Alves, Guardado, Collison Schneiderlin, Milivojevic, Seager, Bonnar

We seriously explored signing Lee Bonnar from Celtic on a couple of occasions, but they wanted more than I was willing to pay.

10 – GOAL! Hunter tackles the ball away from Schneiderlin in midfield and Denge is off and running with the loose ball. He cuts to his right and fires into the top right corner of goal.

28 – Thite manages to put in a really good cross, but Hunter heads it wide. He was well defended.

45 – Halftime. This wasn't the best 45 minutes we've played this year. We look a bit tired and stagnant. This hasn't been a typical derby.

59 – GOAL! Fantastic counterattack! Thite wins the ball, passes for Hunter who finds Regaip Bozan sprinting unmarked down the center of the pitch, he shoots at the top of the box and scores!

75 – PENALTY! Butler trips up Schneiderlin in the box. Lee Bonar steps up and just beats de Nooijer at the left post.

90 – Full time. Butler's gaffe is the only mark on an otherwise good match. Hunter is Player of the Match again for his play-making ability. He was awful in the first half but came back strong in helping to create Bozan's match winner.

[Grover]

Thu. 01 March, 2018
February Awards
Manchester City forward Giovanni Simeone has been named Player of the Month.

Our own midfielder Sesso Thite has been named Young Player of the Month.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has won Manager of the Month.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the way I am leading the team. The overall performance in the Premier League has been a particular highlight. However, the board is disappointed with the 1-0 loss to Stoke in the FA Cup.

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Sat. 03 March, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #29
Tolic Leads Portsmouth In Narrow Victory
(13) Watford 0 – 1 Portsmouth (1)
Watford are in a 4-4-2: Ryan, Schlupp, Lees, Bennett, Hunt, Mackay-Steven, Trotter, O'Nien, Murray, Morgan, Deeney

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Yilmaz, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Thite, Hunter

Craig Hunter returns to his boyhood club, who he left not even two months ago.

7 – GOAL! Bidwell crosses to the far post, Nazarenko heads across goal for Boly to head in!

32 – Denge has a wide open goal and hits the post!

45 + 3 – Samir Yilmaz has been injured. Bozan moves to DM and Solo is on at MC.

Halftime. That injury right at the half definitely stings a little. We're playing all right, Hunter has been nervous.

62 – Denge and Hunter will come off for Ferreira Carrasco and Eskilsson.

75 – Eskilsson goes close, skimming the crossbar.

90 – Full time. A narrow win, and another three points. We may not win the title, but as long as we keep beating the teams we should beat, another trip to the Champions League is not out of the question.

Yilmaz Injured
DM Samir Yilmaz has torn knee ligaments and will miss 2 months.

Sun. 04 March, 2018
Capital One Cup
Chelsea have won the Capital One Cup, defeating Manchester City 2-1.

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco's 3 assists were the most in the competition.

Tue. 06 March, 2018
Team of the Week
DL Jake Bidwell has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

Fri. 09 March, 2018
Denge Signs New Deal
Bafana Denge has penned a new lucrative three-year deal worth £7M.

Wed. 14 March, 2018
UEFA Champions League First Round Knockout – Second Leg
Pompey Get Through Roughhousing Atletico
Atletico Madrid 1 (1) – (2) 1 Portsmouth
Atletico are in a 4-2-4: Roberto, Kacaniklic, Alderweireld, Shawcross, Manquillo, Dembele, Mikel, Draxler, Weiss, Leo, Diego Costa

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Bozan, Tolic, Lucas, Denge, Lalkovic, Hunter

17 – Weiss has a shot from 25 yards, but de Nooijer easily holds.

23 – Close! Craig Hunter heads off the crossbar!

25 – PENALTY! Moussa Dembele fouls Lalkovic. Vedran Tolic steps up and scores from the spot!

45 – Halftime. We're in a good spot. Atletico need three goals now to win the leg and move on.

56 – Bafana Denge will come off for Ferreira Carrasco.

61 – Solo will come on for the injured Lee Lucas.

62 – GOAL! Leo pulls one back! He's alone in the area as a long ball comes in and he half-volleys it past de Nooijer.

90 – Full time. It was a scrappy affair as Atletico picked up 9 yellow cards. We're through to the next round and that's all that matters. Lalkovic was Player of the Match at a 7.2. That should give a hint to the overall quality of play.

We have been awarded £2.95 for playing in the first knockout round.

Lucas Injury
Lee Lucas is going to miss 7-10 days with a gashed leg.

[Grover]

Sat. 17 March, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #30
Dynamic Midfield Duo Pace Pompey
(2) Portsmouth 2 – 0 Aston Villa (15)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Hunter

Aston Villa are in a 4-4-2: Blazevic, McGinley, Donacien, Ayling, Dallas, Cohen, Smallwood, Cole, Stockton, Carroll

I've yet to beat Aston Villa.

8 – Larnell Cole takes a shot from the right side of the box, but de Nooijer confidently catches the chance.

26 – GOAL! Magical stuff from Sesso Thite! Tolic passes into the box, Thite takes one touch turns on the ball and fires past Blazevic!

42 – GOAL! We're two goals to the good! Hunter plays an excellent through ball into the penalty area for Bafana Denge to run onto. The winger strikes it and finds the top right corner of goal!

45 – Halftime. Goals from our South African pair. We tell the players to stay focused in the second half.

73 – We'll make three changes. Tolic, Denge and Hunter will come off for Solo, Ferreira Carrasco and Eskilsson.

90 – Full time. Good win. Sesso Thite picks up Player of the Match as a 7.7. Tolic right behind as a 7.6. These two are really working well together.

Fri. 23 March, 2018
Champions League Quarter Final Draw
The pairings for the quarter finals of the Champions League are as follows:

Barcelona vs Juventus
Manchester United vs Monaco
Portsmouth vs Bayern Munchen
Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain

Sat. 31 March, 2019
Barclays Premier League Match Day #31
Lalkovic Goal Scrapes Pompey Past Canaries
(2) Portsmouth 1 – 0 Norwich (14)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Denge, Lalkovic, Hunter

Norwich are in a 4-4-2: Hansen, Oviedo, Baker, Strandberg, Matthews, Williams, Husbauer, Hendrick, Phillips, van Wolfswinkel, Fletcher

6 – Hunter hits the post! So close! He's throwing in plenty of assists, but can't seem to find the goal himself.

10 – GOAL! Milan Lalkovic with a fantastic strike after being played into the box by Craig Hunter.

45 – Halftime. We'll take off Denge for Ferriera Carrasco. The South African is struggling.

57 – Hunter does well to work in another shot from distance, but Hansen saves.

84 – Norwich pushing forward in full force, but we continue to take the ball away and force them back.

90 – Full time. We win that, but barely. We weren't great, but did just enough. I tell the players we'll need to be better against better teams and they are fired-up. Good.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 April, 2018
March Awards
Ipswich Town forward Dominic Samuel has won the Player of the Month award.

Our own MC Vedran Tolic has won the Young Player of the Month award.

Arsenal manager Marco van Basten has won the Manager of the Month award.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is absolutely delighted with the way I am leading the team. The team's fantastic performance in the league has been a highlight. Some of the fans are disappointed with Dan Butler's recent performances.

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Tue. 03 April, 2018
UEFA Champions League Quarter Final – First Leg
Pompey Unlucky as Eskilsson Misses Easy Chances
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Bayern Munchen
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Webster, Boly, Byram, Bozan, Tolic, Lucas, Scannell, Ravel, Eskilsson

Bayern are in a 4-4-2: Neuer, Alaba, Nastasic, Pereira, Lahm, Gotze, Javi Martinez, Kroos, Muller, Lukaku, Lewandowski

Gulp. Pereira is a ridiculous 21 year-old Brazilian DC worth £22M. Bayern signed him on a free.

4 – Eskilsson is free running into the box, has a clear shot on goal and hits the inside of the near post!

10 – Eskilsson earns a corner. He is looking lively early.

31 – GOAL! Romelu Lukaku gets on the end of Mario Gotze's cross from the left and heads past de Nooijer.

39 – Scannell gets a shot in, but Neuer holds.

45 – Halftime. We're looking better than I might have though, but we need to get something going forward.

52 – Shocking miss from Eskilsson. Wide open again and he shoots wide.

55 - Scannell and Eskilsson will come off for Ferreira Carrasco and Craig Hunter.

62 – Tolic hits the elbow of goal! We're getting closer!

63 – GOAL! Tolic finds Hunter cutting into the box, he sends a shot across goal and this match is level!

81 – Thiago tries to curl in a free kick from the edge of the box, but de Nooijer holds it.

90 – Full time. A game we really should have won. Eskilsson's two shocking misses could have made this a 3-1 match in the end. Unlucky. We're behind on away goals with a trip to Munich ahead of us.

Byram, Butler Out
Sam Byram and Dan Butler will miss the next match with Bayern Munchen after picking up their 3rd yellow cards of the European season.

Sun. 08 April, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #32
Reds Notch Important Victory
(7) Liverpool 1 – 0 Portsmouth (2)
Liverpool are in a 4-4-1-1: Reina, Taylor, Rekik, Agger, Corchia, Alba, Lucas Leiva, Matuidi, Henderson, Seferovic, Bony

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Hunter

Very important road match for us here.

8 – GOAL! Corchia's free kick rockets off the crossbar and deflects in off Bony!

21 – Byram crosses in for Hunter, Corchia saves it off the line. Thite works in a shot from the top of the box that Reina deals with cleanly. A couple of really good chances for us there.

39 – Reina comes out of his six yard box to save Lalkovic with a diving effort.

45 – Halftime. We're coming close, but we need to finish.

52 – Lalkovic has picked up a knock. Ferreira Carrasco will come on.

58 – Bozan will come off for Eskilsson, we move to a 4-2-4.

90 – Full time. We just couldn't get in gear over the last half-hour. This is the first of four straight road matches.

Wed. 11 April, 2018
UEFA Champions League Quarter Final – Second Leg
Bayern Come Alive in Extra Time
Bayern Munchen 3 (4) – (2) 1 Portsmouth
Bayern are in a 4-4-2: Neuer, Alaba, Nastasic, Pereira, Lahm, Pastore, Javi Martinez, Kroos, Muller, Lukaku, Lewandowski

Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Boly, Asllani, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Lalkovic, Hunter, Eskilsson

We need at least one goal to advance.

15 – Craig Hunter goes close as his header grazes the crossbar!

26 – Bayern's attacking is coming in waves.

37 – Lukaku hits the bar from a volley!

40 – GOAL! Bafana Denge with a brilliant effort from the left. He races into the box, turns Lahm and strikes right-footed into the left corner of goal.

45 – Halftime. Hoo boy. The forwards aren't playing particularly well together, but we've got the goal. Now if we can only survive the onslaught to come.

48 – OWN GOAL! Disaster for us as Willy Boly deflects Javi Martinez's effort straight into our goal. The tie is now level on away goals and total goals.

52 – Lukaku goes close and hits the bar again.

64 – Lalkovic and Eskilsson will come off for Ferreira Carrasco and Scannell.

82 – Bad news as Craig Hunter has to come off with an injury. Solo will come on and we'll move to our normal 4-5-1.

90 – Full time. We're going to extra time. No subs left. Just need a goal. One goal and they need two to beat us.

94 – Fantastic save as de Nooijer races out to stop Lukaku.

95 – GOAL! It's Lukaku. Muller crosses and a very offside looking Lukaku scores.

100 – We are tired. Getting sloppy and careless.

105 – Solo's 20 yard shot hits the underside of the crossbar and bounces back out!

110 – GOAL! Thiago scores from a corner. That must surely end our European adventure.

120 – Full time. We can't be disappointed to have made it this far in the competition. We can be disappointed in our play today. Maybe the 4-2-4 was a mistake. Hunter and Eskilsson did not play well together. Either way, now we focus on the league.

We have been awarded £3.29M for playing in the Champions League quarter final.

Hunter Injury
Craig Hunter will miss 7-10 days with a gashed leg.

Sun. 15 April, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #33
10-Man United Push Aside Pompey
(7) Manchester United 1 – 0 Portsmouth (3)
United are in a 4-2-3-1: de Gea, Davies, Caulker, Smalling, Stones, Fellaini, Poli, Shaqiri, Kagawa, Ramirez, Balotelli

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Solo, Ferreira Carrasco, Ravel, Eskilsson

12 – de Gea makes a terrific save on Ferreira Carrasco

22 – RED CARD! Marouane Fellaini is sent off as he tackles Solo from behind! United down to 10 men!

27 – de Gea denies Eskilsson in close.

36 – Scannell will come on as Ferreira Carrasco has picked up an injury.

43 – Incredible save by de Gea as he rises high to tip Sello Thite's rocket of a shot over the bar.

45 – de Gea making a case for Player of the Match as Solo is denied in front.

53 – GOAL! Down a man and up a goal! Shaqiri boots home a free kick into the left corner off the underside of the crossbar and in!

74 – Boly heads from a corner inches wide. So close.

90 – Full time. Disappointing loss yet again. This was ours for the taking with a man advantage and we couldn't even muster a point.

[Grover]

Wed. 18 April, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #34
Tolic Plays Midfield General
(4) Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 3 Portsmouth (3)
Spurs are in a 4-2-3-1: Lloris, Vertonghen, Kelly, Murillo, O'Hara, Taider, Allen, Yarmolenko, Eriksen, Salvio, Iancu

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Eskilsson

44 – de Nooijer does well to turn Iancu's shot across goal and out of bounds along the sideline.

45 – Halftime. That last chance for Iancu was really the only chance of the match from either side.

60 – OWN GOAL! Bidwell corners in, Tolic heads toward the post and Joe Allen turns it in!

75 – GOAL! Tolic sends his free kick in from the right wing and Denge is first to the ball to head past Lloris!

79 – PENALTY! Vertonghen brings down Ravel! Tolic steps up and scores! What a day he's having!

90 – Full time. After a ridiculously quiet first half, we explode in the final 45 and pick up a massive, massive win. Vedran Tolic puts in a 9.2 to get named Player of the Match. 7.9 from Webster, 7.7 from Denge.

Sat. 21 April, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #35
Shock Loss Hurts Pompey Title Bid
(2) Portsmouth 0 – 1 Stoke City (9)
Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Butler, Boly, Nazarenko, Asllani, Bozan, Tolic, Lucas, Denge, Thite, Eskilsson

Stoke City are in a 4-2-4 2 DM: Felgueiras, Wendling, Wilson, Hall, Flanagan, Livermore, Bradley, Miyaichi, Harris, Guidetti, Anh Tuan

11 – Tolic forces a strong save from Felgueiras on a 20 yard free kick.

25 – We're being restricted to long shots. They are essentially playing with a back six that is choking our attack.

45 – Halftime. Eskilsson is struggling again today. We are very tired, but we need three points here.

53 – Bozan and Denge will come off for Solo and Scannell.

59 – We are working hard for chances, but the shooting is just not there.

69 – Hunter will come on for Eskilsson.

72 – GOAL! Delfouneso heads home Lucas' intended clearance. Bad luck!

90 – Full time. We were exhausted and just didn't have it today. I think a draw was our best chance.

We have been fined £25K after receiving six yellow cards.

Sat. 28 April, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #36
Tolic Influential as Pompey Record Big Win
(3) Portsmouth 4 – 1 Newcastle (6)
Portsmouth are in a 4-2-4: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Boly, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Tolic, Denge, Thite, Hunter, Eskilsson

Newcastle are in a 4-5-1: Krul, Fuchs, Astori, van Dijk, Smith, Rodwell, Ward-Prowse, Cabaye, Lodeiro, Candreva, Rhodes

13 – Tolic's free kick goes agonizingly close.

20 – de Nooijer does well to hold Candreva's free kick.

27 – GOAL! Sam Byram with a scintillating stroke from the top corner of the box! Krul never had a shot at it! That's Byram's first ever goal for the club and what a time for it!

36 – GOAL! Newcastle are level! Astori wins a header forward for Rhodes who comes in from the right and beats de Nooijer.

45 – Halftime. We're even. Eskilsson and Hunter are struggling together again. Eskilsson will come off for Solo. We'll move to a 4-5-1. Hunter alone up top.

57 – GOAL! The midfield general! Vedran Tolic is free in the box and blasts one past a diving Krul.

61 – GOAL! Tolic lofts a ball over Astori and Hunter rounds the keeper to pass the ball into the back of the net!

81 – GOAL! Hunter heads on to Thite and he sprints past a diving Fuchs and into the clear. He fires from 20 yards and it's past Krul!

90 – Full time. Tolic was a 9.0, Player of the Match, fantastic. Thite 8.8, Byram 8.7, Hunter 8.6, Bozan 8.4. Absolutely fantastic performance today. Can't say that enough.

We have officially qualified for next season's Champions League. Excellent news!

[Grover]

Tue. 01 May, 2018
Team of the Week
DR Sam Byram, MC Vedran Tolic and MC Sesso Thite were named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

April Awards
Stoke City DC Grant Hall has won the Player of the Month award.

Our own DC Sergiy Nazarenko won the Young Player of the Month award.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has won the Manager of the Month award.

http://i.imgur.com/aiCRbES.png

Fri. 04 May, 2018
Yilmaz Back
Samir Yilmaz has returned to full training after missing two months with torn knee ligaments.

Sat. 05 May, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #37
Brilliant Sesso Thite Leads Pompey
(15) Blackpool 0 – 2 Portsmouth (3)
Blackpool are in a 4-4-2: Joel, Rowe, Thorpe, Streete, Cummings, Freeman, Jenkins, Bigirimana, Baldock, Watt, Sagbo

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Hunter

Arsenal lost to Stoke 2-0 earlier in the day. A win here gets us within one of them.

8 – GOAL! Hunter finds Sesso Thite making a run behind the defenders. He hits the top of the 18 and fires past Joel.

25 – Thite feeling good after his first goal, he fires wide on this attempt.

27 – PENALTY! Bidwell brings down Jenkins. Watt steps up for the attempt and fires straight at de Nooijer! Easily held!

43 – GOAL! Tolic leaves a pass for Thite and he hits a spectacular right-footed effort. Joel has no chance to stop it!

45 – Halftime. We're in an excellent position, capitalizing on Arsenal's loss.

65 – Blackpool trying to edge back into the match, but we're restricting them to long shots.

90 – Full time. Sesso Thite was brilliant and gets all the credit for this win. Nazarenko and Webster were both 8.1s and Hunter was a 7.5. Tolic was also a 7.6 as he continues to impress.

Tue. 08 May, 2018
Team of the Week
MC Sesso Thite has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week.

[Grover]

Sun. 13 May, 2018
Barclays Premier League Match Day #38
Denge and Nazarenko Lead Pompey to Historic Win
(11) Cardiff 1 – 3 Portsmouth (3)
Cardiff are in a 4-4-2: Ruddy, Briggs, Hangeland, Morrison, Moore, Asamoah, Martins, Kurtic, Hamad, Johannsson, Mason

Portsmouth are in a 4-5-1: de Nooijer, Bidwell, Webster, Nazarenko, Byram, Bozan, Thite, Tolic, Denge, Ravel, Hunter

Newcastle host league leaders Arsenal. Norwich host second place Norwich. A draw or loss by both of those clubs and a win by us would give us the title. City have a huge lead over us on goal differential for any tiebreaker on points.

I have challenged the players to win this match today.

4 – UPDATE: Norwich have taken a 1-0 lead on City.

7 – UPDATE: City have leveled the match through Lars Bender.

12 – GOAL! Disaster for Cardiff as Bidwell sends the corner in Hangeland heads into his own goal!

19 – GOAL! Cardiff are level through Sean Morrison's header slamming off the underside of the crossbar and over the line.

28 – Hunter is in on the left and fires narrowly over.

29 – GOAL! Hunter plays in Ravel on the right and the winger beats Ruddy!

43 – UPDATE: City have taken a 2-1 lead through Kevin Volland and have passed us atop the table. We now sit second.

45 – Halftime. We're in the lead. We can only hope Norwich and Newcastle can do their job. Denge and de Nooijer are struggling.

47 – UPDATE: Arsenal have gone up 1-0 on a penalty, putting us in third.

53 – Great save by de Nooijer to deny Asamoah from 18 yards.

63 – UPDATE: Norwich have leveled City 2-2 through van Wolfswinkel! We're back into second!

64 – UPDATE: Newcastle have leveled Arsenal through Cornelius! We move into first!

77 – de Nooijer holds from Mason at his left post.

89 – Asamoah tries a desperate shot, but it's well wide!

90 – GOAL! Bafana Denge gets on the end of Tolic's through ball and lobs one over Ruddy! Victory is all but certain!

Full Time...

PORTSMOUTH LIFT PREMIER LEAGUE TROPHY!
In what can only be described as the most unbelievable finish since Manchester City's final day title win in 2012, Portsmouth have done the improbably and jumped over both City and Arsenal on the final day to seize the Premier League title for the first time since 1950.

Both City and Arsenal held leads over Norwich and Newcastle respectively, before Rickey van Wolfswinkel equalized City in the 63rd minute, while Andreas Cornelius leveled Newcastle with Arsenal in the 64th minute. Those two goals proved crucial as Portsmouth hung on to a 2-1 lead over Cardiff in south Wales Bafana Denge scored in the 90th minute for Pompey, the Blue Army had finally risen.

Supporters of the club are beginning to believe that Alfie Heathcote is a wizard of magician with Portsmouth's meteoric rise from administration and League 2 to the top of the Premier League in just five short seasons. The club's board have declared this a 'truly momentous' occasion and they are delighted with Heathcote.

Financials
Portsmouth have paid of £1.6M to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after winning the Premier League.

We have been awarded £25.67M for achieving 1st place in the Premier League.

Mon. 14 May, 2018
Season Awards
Manchester City left winger Erik Lamela has won the English Player of the Year award with 14 assists and an average rating of 7.35 in 38 games.

Arsenal winger Alexandre Lacazette has won the English Players' Player of the Year award with 8 goals in 26 games and a 7.24 average rating.

Portsmouth forward Craig Hunter has won English Players' Young Player of the Year. Hunter scored 11 goals and assisted on another 12 in 34 games with a 7.43 rating.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has won the Golden Glove award with 23 shutouts.

Portsmouth manager Alfie Heathcote has won the Premier League Manager of the Year

Team of the Year
GK Joe Hart, Manchester City
DL Ben Davies, Manchester United
DC Vincent Kompany, Manchester City
DC Raphael Varane, Manchester City
DR Sebastien Corchia, Liverpool
ML Andre Ayew – Arsenal
MC Vedran Tolic – Portsmouth
MC Jack Wilshere – Arsenal
MR Erik Lamela – Manchester City
ST Giovanni Simeone – Manchester City
ST Craig Hunter – Portsmouth

http://i.imgur.com/FFkaHx4.png

http://i.imgur.com/GSA2QJQ.png

http://i.imgur.com/LphSzzE.png

Facilities Upgrades
The board has announced that construction work has begun on the club's training and youth facilities. The planned expansion work is estimated to cost around £5.5M and will take seven month to complete.

Wed. 16 May, 2018
World Cup Call-Ups
We have had five players called up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

South Africa: ML Bafana Denge and MC Sello Thite
Croatia: MC Vedran Tolic
Holland: GK Raymond de Nooijer
Ireland: ML Sean Scannell

Sat. 19 May, 2018
FA Cup
Cardiff City defeated Reading 2-1 in extra time to lift the FA Cup. Aron Johannsson scored the winner in the 105th minute.

Sat. 26 May, 2018
UEFA Champions League Final
Bayern Munchen 1 - 0 Dortmund

At least we went out to the champions. Javi Martinez scored in the 49th minute.

Financials
We have paid out £240K to be shared among the squad for reaching the Champions League quarter final.

We have been given £11.99M from Champions League revenue.

Sun. 27 May, 2018
Sponsorship Deals
The club have announced a new three year sponsorship deal worth £300K per year. They have also added a one-year deal worth £130K.

Initial Budget Set
The board have set the initial payroll for this season at £825K per week and the transfer budget at £44.77M.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Never in doubt eh? :D

[Grover]

Never in doubt eh? :D

Never.

Without a doubt the most exciting title race I've ever been a part of in any FM game.

[Grover]

Fri. 01 June, 2018
Sponsorship Deal
Portsmouth have announced a new 3 year deal worth £625K per annum.

May Awards
Manchester City forward Kevin Volland was named Player of the Month.

Stoke fullback Claude Wendling, on loan from Chelsea, was named Young Player of the Month.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was named Manager of the Month.

Asllani to Twente
The £4m transfer of Ervin Asllani to FC Twente has been finalized.

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is absolutely delighted with the way I am leading the team. They haven't forgotten about the successes of last season and they still play a small part in reviewing my current performance. The team's fantastic overall performance in the league has been a particular highlight.

Sat. 09 June, 2018
Pompey Sign Jose Luis
We have signed 22 year-old Brazilian right midfielder Jose Luis for a fee of £10M from Corinthians.

http://i.imgur.com/2dd5eoV.png

The signing of Jose Luis will see us employ a 4-4-2 next season, which will play Bafana Denge is his natural ML position.

Thu. 14 June, 2018
Heathcoat Smashes Transfer Record
Alfie Heathcote has smashed the Portsmouth transfer record by signing 19 year-old Spanish left back Joseph for £44M from Villarreal.

The previous record was last year's £13.5M deal for Vedran Tolic from Arsenal.

http://i.imgur.com/elsku9o.png

Sun. 17 June, 2018
Yilmaz Joins Newcastle
We have sold DM Samir Yilmaz to Newcastle for £2.4M.

Mon. 18 June, 2018
Ravel Joins Blackpool
We have sold AMR Ravel to Blackpool for £1.9M.

Sat. 23 June, 2018
Pompey Sign Parra
We have signed 22 year-old cultured midfielder Oscar Para from Cruz Azul for £5.5M.

http://i.imgur.com/hWKYJGD.png

Mon. 25 June, 2018
Team Awards
MC Vedran Tolic has been named Portsmouth Player of the Year by the fans.

Finances
We will receive £43.93M for Premier League television rights this season.

Sat. 30 June, 2018
Expansion Complete
The board is pleased to announce that the planned expansion of Fratton Park has been completed. The stadium has added 12,730 seats, bringing total capacity to 33,908.

Players and Staff Released
Sulley Muntari, Milan Lalkovic, Jon Henly, Barry Bentley, Greg Mitchell, Gary Roscoe, Aarran Gale, Nigel Gamble, Derek Doherty, Ollie Loveday and Peter Carr have all left the club.

Staff members Alan McLoughlin, Ben Stevens, Andrew Palmer and Jan Heijkers have also left.

[Grover]

Sun. 01 July, 2018
Sponsorship Deal
we have signed a new 3-year training kit deal worth £450K per annum.

Tue. 03 July, 2018
World Cup Second Round Results
Spain 2 – 3 Mexico
Uruguay 3 – 1 Czech Republic (extra time)
Croatia 0 – 1 Italy
Algeria 1 – 1 Brazil (Brazil advances on penalties)
England 2 – 0 Portugal
Turkey 2 – 3 Germany
Argentina 4 – 0 Ivory Coast
Belgium 3 – 0 Serbia

Quarter Final matches are:
Mexico vs Brazil
Uruguay vs Italy
England vs Belgium
Germany vs Argentina

Sat. 07 July, 2018
World Cup Quarter Final Results
Mexico 0 – 1 Brazil
Uruguay 1 – 4 Italy (extra time)
England 0 – 0 Belgium (England advances on penalties)
Germany 0 – 0 Argentina (Germany advances on penalties)

Semi Final Matches are:
Brazil vs Germany
Italy vs England

Sun. 08 July, 2018
Ferreira Carrasco Out
We have sold Yannick Ferreira Carrasco to Frankfurt for £2.4M.

Tue. 10 July, 2018
Pompey Round the Horn
We have sign Red Bull Salzburg Austrian forward Harry Horn for £2.5M. Harry is definitely a project. I like his determination, teamwork and work rate. His dribbling is excellent, as is his off the ball. He'll get worked in behind Eskilsson and Hunter.

http://i.imgur.com/kOvurca.png

Wed. 11 July, 2018
Pompey Sign Saidi
We have signed 15 year-old left midfielder Samir Saidi from Olympic Lyonnais for a total fee of £6M. He's only 15 and has a long, long way to go, but his ability is evident. The pace, acceleration, determination and crossing will be outstanding. He's got the ability to be a very, very good football player.

http://i.imgur.com/EtFtzOs.png

World Cup Semi Final
Brazil 2 – 1 Germany
Italy 2 – 0 England

Sat. 14 July, 2018
World Cup Third Place Match
Germany 2 – 2 England

England win on penalties.

Sun. 15 July, 2018
World Cup Final
Brazil 1 – 0 Italy

The winner came on 74 minutes through Atletico Madrid forward Leo

Mon 16 July, 2018
Friendly
Dalian A'erbin 1 – 2 Portsmouth

Wed. 18 July, 2018
Hangzhou Lucheng 0 – 4 Portsmouth

Sat. 28 July, 2018
Nazarenko Injured
DC Sergiy Nazarenko is suffering from a sports hernia and will miss up to 4 weeks.

Scannell Out
We continue our overhaul to a 4-4-2 system and sell Sean Scannell to Celtic for £3.4M.

Tue. 31 July, 2018
Friendly
GS Apollon Smyrnis 2 – 4 Portsmouth

[Grover]

We will be taking a slight break from Portsmouth and Football Manager 2014 to head in a new direction on the dynasty forum...