By Jordan Draper
Now that Portsmouth’s first competitive game is out of the way, it’s time to think about the League 1 opener against Bournemouth this weekend and what kind of team Appleton will be able to string together?
What we learnt from the loss to Plymouth is that a team of development players will not suffice, especially if we are to even get points on the board this season – I know, it sounds bleak. This takeover saga has to end; the quicker the better, although we are all aware nothing happens swiftly at Portsmouth FC but we can hope. Appy has made it clear that the wage budget he’s been provided with will mean plenty of the trialists he’s had throughout pre-season wont be affordable which sadly looks like Brian Howard, Izale McLeod, Mustapha Dumbuya and Mikkel Andersen may not be joining the club. However, Appy has suggested the club could sign up two or three key players and make compromises in other areas so I wouldn’t rule anything out just yet. A player were more likely to see donning the blue jersey this season is Liam Walker, the trialist Pompey took onboard since their pre-season trip to Gibraltar and I’d be happy to see him at Fratton Park; especially as reports suggest he is keen to sign – we like eagerness to play for Pompey.
One thing I’m sure we all are proud to see is that enthusiasm to play and wear the Pompey shirt was in abundance last night in Devon. Having feared a drubbing before the game, we all had our expectations set to a low standard but what mattered most was the fact that the inexperienced youngsters played their hearts out and gave their all to the cause – the result wouldn’t really matter. I’m proud I can call each of them Pompey players and that they play for my club and I’d love to see them feature regularly this season; they look like a close bunch of players and certainly epitomize the Pompey spirit that is reflected from the stands onto the pitch. I’m sure Appy and his fellow coaching staffs were seething on the sidelines but I’m also sure they felt a sense of relief to have finally overseen some long awaited competitive football.
Appy must feel like he has the toughest job in the world right now and he has plenty of sympathizers but I get the impression he’s not about to walk away from the club, despite given numerous excuses to leave. This manager is the clubs key asset right now and as long as he remains, there’s hope Pompey can survive the crisis that is destroying our club. Having read reports that Balram Chainrai has officially withdrawn his bid to buy the club I feel that now is the time for the PST to make their move as save our club. The threat of liquidation once again looms because if the PST cannot complete the purchase of the club, the club will be liquidated. Another day, another piece of drama to add to the Pompey saga – looks like this week is going to be VERY busy!
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