Interview: Pompey fans

We caught up with Chris Hougham, the chairman of the Isle of Wight Pompey Supporters' Club and Phil who runs Pompeyweb to get their take on things ahead of Sunday's big match. Our thanks to both of them for their time.


Q.You’ve had a great start to the year - did you expect it and to what do you attribute the success so far?
CH. A bit of cash and a brilliant manager; only problem is with the likes of James and Campbell there’s not a lot of long term planning. We should have won at Derby but that was cancelled out by some atrocious finishing by Tevez and Ronaldo when the Mancs came to Fratton.
P. I don't think anyone expected us to be up where we are at the moment when you look at our first few fixtures. We've played the so-called top four already and haven't done too bad considering. A point against Manchester United was the best we could have hoped for. We really should have done better against Chelsea as they were pretty poor, as were Liverpool, who we should have beaten if Kanu had brought his penalty-taking boots with him. We were totally outclassed by Arsenal though.

Q. How do you rate Diop? He seems to like it more at Fratton Park than he did at the Cottage.
CH. Diop has had three starts and we’ve taken seven points. He looks very sharp and plays in a central midfield three with Muntari and Davis. He gave an interview the other day and clearly had issues with Sanchez and how he enjoys the atmosphere at Fratton.
P. He appears to have fitted in well though there are still some who have their doubts about him; obviously not Harry though. Redknapp has been a fan of his for a while and tried to sign him a few seasons back. He's played well in the games for us so far.

Q. What's your take on Sean Davis? He was a real favourite with us until he went off to Spurs which is why he always gets a 'frosty' welcome.
CH. Arrived with Mendes almost two years ago and not really a favourite compared with the likes of O’Neil and Matty Taylor. I expected him to move on in the summer, but this season he has been a revelation although he’s already picked up four yellows.
P. So far this season has been his best yet for us. He's playing to his full potential now.

Q. Has Harry been totally forgiven now for departing for Southampton?
CH. There’s a few idiots on the fringe, largely Mandaric loyalists who still like to refer to him as Judas, 99% love him and appreciate what he’s done for the club….after all he got us promoted, got the Scummers relegated, came back and saved us and has now taken onto a new level.
P. Not really. There are some who would happily see him walk away though the majority are willing to accept him because he took Southampton down before returning though most still don't like him.

Q. Where do you think Pompey will finish this season?
CH. We’ll finish in top ten….comfortably. If Harry gets hold of a goalscorer in January it could easily be Europe.
P. There's talk of a European place this season though personally I'd be happy with another top ten finish.

Q. Are there any areas where you think Pompey need to improve? What things are concerning you the most at the moment?
CH. We haven’t got a ‘wide right’ player since O’Neil went ‘Boro…shame. No complaints otherwise.
P. This is probably the best Pompey team in many years. I was going to say that the lack of goals would be a major concern but after last Saturday's goalfest I don't think we'll struggle too much, unless we pick up any major injuries. Sol Campbell doesn't seem quite the player he was but it's still nice to have him in our team.

Q. Who have been your best players this season - and who should we be fearing the most this Sunday?
CH. Utaka has got genuine pace and Benjani is one the hardest working forwards you’ll ever see in the Premiership.
P. It's hard to pick an individual but, for me, I think John Utaka will be the one to watch. He has great pace and a good degree of skill and awareness to go with it.

Q. What's your view of the new-look Fulham under Sanchez?
CH. Two 3-3 draws at home and us winning 7-4 last Saturday all points to a 0-0 draw….you look very vulnerable at the back and a bit ‘cavalier’ going forward, but then again you’re always behind!
P. I'm afraid they are one of my candidates for relegation this season, which will be a shame because Fulham is always a good day out for Pompey. I feel the results have flattered them a little. Having said that, Diomansy Kamara will probably get the goals that will help you survive.

Q. What do you reckon the result will be this Sunday?
CH. If it’s not 0-0, I expect us to win because Distin, Campbell and James didn’t think last Saturday was all that funny! It won’t happen again….so…sorry….2-0 to Pompey.
P. I'm going for a Pompey win, but I wouldn't be surprised if we go and blow it. Whatever the result I reckon there will be few goals in the game.

Q. Finally, is that bloke bringing his bell with him?!!
CH. You’re talking about Anthony John Portsmouth Football Club Westwood….yes he’ll be there, he doesn’t miss, and he’ll have his bell providing the law don’t get heavy handed.
P. Ah! John Portsmouth Football Club Westwood. I'm sure he will be there with his bell and bugle, accompanied by his drum wielding friend and all the 'ner ner ner' songs.