We Want Pedersen Back!

Can you hear the giggling? It comes from Aston Villa fans, still joyful that they`ve offloaded a comedy left-back. One Villa fan commented that Jlloyd Samuel might be better employed as a midfielder, and there`s something in that, as he shows no inclination to play where he`s supposed to. Portsmouth`s first goal on Saturday, happened because Samuel had gone walk about, leaving centre-back Gerald Cid to cover. This in turn left gaps in the centre. Kanu will never have more space in which to score.

Take nothing away from Portsmouth, their football, especially in the first half was fully deserving of victory, but Sammy Lee`s side contributed to the result with schoolboy defending.

Part of the problem is that certain individuals aren`t good enough. Jlloyd at left back? J-Lo would be better. Gerald Cid? Hissing Sid has more aerial presence. Sid James, Sid Little, Cyd Charisse and Sid Vicious should also be considered ahead of Bordeaux`s least successful export.

The other side of the coin, is the lack of cohesion between members of Bolton`s defence and the absence of cover from midfield. The Whites used to be difficult to play against. Now they`re a soft touch.

Sammy Lee needs time in which to redefine the way Bolton play football, but if those defensive frailties can`t be rectified then the foundations to build on simply aren`t there.

Whilst some may question Lee`s competence, every one can do that regarding Saturday`s match referee. He incorrectly disallowed a Portsmouth goal from a corner that shouldn`t have been given, missed a blantant foul on Nicolas Anelka in the run up to Pompey`s equaliser and finished off a dismal performance by awarding a penalty that wasn`t. Steve Tanner is the name. Elsie Tanner would have done a better job.