Colinjb

He may still deliver. Looking back at the goals DVD of last year it's easy to forget his contribution at times. He was important for us last year and will hopefully build on it.

No, the point I was going to make was moot. That wasn't too clear. Balls, first wicket already!! Come on rain!!!

We wern't getting rolled over at the end in the same manner and indeed played well for the most part (WBA at home being the obvious exception, that was on my bloody birthday.... left me fuming! ). However, for the form to dip so markedly is showing either a lack of professionalism or something more worrying. Particularly with our lack of cutting edge.

Edit. Just seen that the Aussies have declared. Point is moot.

I can see what they are saying there, but over a season a league table tells the whole story. Our form over the last 6 games was not great... it needs to all be taken into account. We were under threat for 80% of last year, that is not a season of mid-table safety. A decent start with enough form to keep is in/around 10th will show progress, if we get dragged into a dogfight then we havn't improved. That we have shown the capability to fight it out with anyone in the division is a good foundation to build on, far better that then squeaking safety on the final day after a season of pure grind.

Good move for Newcastle. Enough safeguards in it to ensure their backs are covered in the event of criminal conviction.

Then we shall see how the fringe players fill in the gaps. They are key to our fortunes this season for me, not the leading lights that we are well aware of.

Well, we havn't really achieved even that yet. Last year was a relegation battle which had the edge taken off it by a good run before the final stages. A true season of mid-table water treading would signify progress. So much has happened so soon for us in the last four years. I am content to be a little patient now.

At the risk of taking the thread off topic, it's probably due to the types of player we are going for. We cannot offer European football or instant glory, only a vision for the future. For many of the targets we are looking at that will put them off. A Brazilian international like Damiao being linked here rather then the likes of Spurs or one of the bigger Italian teams could be considered a reality check. I hope Isgrove can make it. Memories of that pre-season game v Kettering a few years ago stick with me, he was easily the best player on the park. So pleased to see him progress.

I am enjoying the talk of pushing for europe but a season of mid table stability would do for me. Our first eleven is capable enough to have a go at anyone but we will lack the strength in depth to be consistent. Our best hope of qualification would be a cup run. If Wigan can win the FA Cup and Swansea the League Cup why not us?

That hasn't prevented us in loaning out players who havn't been seen as good enough before even when we lack depth in the position. Seaborne and Martin being loaned out last year for example.

Can someone remind me again, how exactly is Fratton Park, as their fans put it, 'Ours?' Yes, the fans put just under 50% of the money in, but what control does the average pledger (I'm not going to call it shareholder...) have?

Right, Gotcha. Shame for the Aussies!

Why? A draw means the Aussies cannot win.

I was hoping the meaning was clear.

Made all the difference when loaned to Barnet last year, he brings valuable experience of how to escape League 2 to Fratton Park.

The Doctor in full flight...

Now why aren't threads like this posted as blogs instead? Great read!

He still lived the dream. In fairness, both acting/TV and football are nepotism laden professions.

Here of all places, that's far too easy....

Peter Capaldi then.

Of course he will go. The money mentioned is simply insane and playing for Real Madrid over Spurs is simply a no-brainer. We will get a token million or so as a development fee. Nothing to get too excited about.

Fascinating. The reaction of Cascarino and Kirsty Gallagher just highlight how utterly self involved football is when it will quite readily ignore all political complications and focus solely on the sport itself.

I like Niko on POL, he has a real touch of the retro (?) Alpines about him.

Marvelous start to the new league season. They do love the 1-4 scoreline, as they do keep reminding us. Thank you so much to the Portsmouth Supporters Trust, the board, their helpful majority investors and the players who have turned down better offers elsewhere to play for them. You have made my day!