How far, how fast. Just four years ago, Portsmouth were FA Cup Winners and playing in Europe and two years later they played in the final again. Relegated the same season, financial problems, mismanagement and general all round dimwittery from those in charge of the club now sees Portsmouth in League One, with another ten point deduction and just four senior players. It beggars belief.
Coupled with Rangers, they are a salutary lesson for all football clubs as to what can happen if you allow the wrong people to take charge of your club and then those people don’t pay the bills and run up a mountain of debt.
If it could happen to them….
If Bolton fans think that we’ve had a so-so pre season, then they should count themselves lucky that they aren’t Portsmouth supporters, for more reasons than the above. Due to their issues they have played few games and, when they have, they have found themselves on the receiving end of hidings from Brighton and Gibraltar. A win in mid week against Aldershot proves they can beat League Two opposition, but who can’t say that?
Vital Quotes:
‘We rested a couple of the lads because we didn`t want them playing ninety minutes back to back right now but they`ll be back into the frame again for Portsmouth. But how they went about it in the first half was really good. They scored two goals and could have had a few more. They had a few chances and I`ve let them know in no uncertain terms that there are things I want them to cut out as well, so there`s still things to work on.‘ OC talks about cutting things out. Like letting League Two sides hit the post twice, and the like.
Portsmouth Team News:
Now, my memory fails me but for one of the games that Portsmouth have played in pre season, no names were included under the Portsmouth side, due to the instability at the club. As such, it is difficult to give you any team news other than it will be mostly trialists and kids. And probably two senior pros, Liam Lawrence and……
Player to watch: Tal Ben Haim
The former Bolton player left T’Reebok with nary a backward glance in 2007, signing from Chelsea quicker than you could say ‘greedy sod’. Seen as an able deputy to John Terry, it became quickly apparent that he wasn’t and his career has fallen from the lights of Horwich to where he is today, apparently holding Portsmouth to ransom to terminate his contract. I would doubt there are many fans of either side who will give the Israeli international a good reception today.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
According to OC, those who sat out the game at Morecambe will be available today and they will be joined by a new signing….
Player to watch: Benik Afobe
Despite reservations from yours truly, Afobe has signed on a season long loan from The Arse and should be stuck straight into the team today. Having had zero time with his new colleagues, don’t be going expecting a lot. Just the odd goal or two.
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton and Portsmouth have played each other ninety seven times in competitive games with T’Wanderers holding a 42-33 lead overall. At Fratton Park, it is 24-10 to the home side. Sir Nat is Bolton’s leading scorer in the fixture with fourteen overall.
The last time the teams played was in April 2010, Ivan Klasnic and SKD scoring in a 2-2 Premier League draw at T’Reebok.
Match Prediction:
As you know, it’s normally 2-0 to Bolton, but if we don’t get a hatful against a team that doesn’t know if it will be here next week, I won’t be responsible for my actions.
Next Fixtures:
Tranmere play what, to them, is their Cup Final for this season as we visit their run down, ramshackle and frankly smelly stadium (well, I call it a stadium) on Wednesday. The kids (or ‘development squad’) are at Daisy Hill on Tuesday.